Cozy Winter Yoga

I’ve shared my own perspective on  and a few overlaying thoughts but as I’ve been reworking a lot of my strategies for  and learning / re- my psychotherapist thought it would be wise to also re-evaluate my meditation methodology.

I was fair game so I said sure. We then laid out some “bare essentials” that are required to get in a place where effective meditation might occur for me.

Here are some of the steps that I’ve jotted down:

15 Uninterrupted Minutes – I have to calendar this in and even create some “buffer” time to get situated. A Truly Quiet Environment – A room that has a door and that I can close should work. It should have zero opportunity for interruption by others. Get Comfortable – A comfortable sitting position either on the floor or on a chair will work. No couches, no recliners, or anything that might tempt me to sleep. Erect Posture – Spine straight, feet flat on floor (if on a chair), hands resting on thighs. Loose Clothing – If I’m wearing anything remotely tight I need to loosen it or remove it. Out from Abdomen – Breathing starts from the abdomen and works out from there. Count Breaths – 1 on inhale, 2 on exhale, up to 10. Start over and repeat. Master the Mind – If my mind starts to orient itself elsewhere (or starts to create “lists” of things to do), return to the counting activity. Remove Negativity – Do not be critical nor upset that I may not be “doing it right” – this is a long-roadto self-mastery and it takes time and practice (just like anything else). Use a Mantra – Or a repetitive phrase. Examples might be: “Know myself” or “I am” or “Let thy light shine through me” (Quaker) or a word that you like, such as “peace,” “love,” or “light.” Try Visual Stimuli – A lit candle, seashell, crystal, or anything else comforting can help orient the mind and may even enhance breathing and focus. Exit Gracefully – Take time to reorient yourself before moving back into life.

I plan on working on this vigorously over the next few months (and years) to come. I can’t wait.

[A great side-read is this: .]