Meditating for Beginners: How to Keep it Simple

I meditate almost daily, and I have had friends and family ask me how I do it. How do I quiet my mind? How do I sit in a lotus position without my foot falling asleep? How do I not fall asleep PERIOD?! Let me tell you that I can’t quiet my mind, at least entirely. I have fallen asleep while meditating while lying down, and my foot DOES fall asleep!

Meditation isn’t about stopping the mind completely. That’s almost impossible for anyone to do. Our brains aren’t wired that way. Meditation is more about calm concentration, slowing down the breath, and increasing your awareness. Whenever anyone asks me where to start, I mention two things, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book, "Wherever You Go There You Are," and keep it simple. Don’t try so hard.

Many meditation gurus will speak specifically about breathwork. That’s a great place to start. Closing your eyes, slowing down the breath, count each inhale and exhale until you hit a certain number (7, 14, 21…), and then start over. Try it for a minute to start. If that’s not your style, taking a walk in nature or coloring in a coloring book can also be meditative! I can’t always sit still for a lengthy period. It depends on the day. Do what works for you, and keep trying. Meditation takes practice.

Namaste Michelle