There are thousands of different ways to meditate ...
Here's a few of the basics you may like to check before you begin
Your posture
Whether sitting on a chair or cross-legged, your back needs to be straight, upright, supported, comfortable (cushion etc) and never rigid
If on a chair, your feet are flat on the floor or supported on a cushion or folded rug
There are other posture options for meditating - these are the most practical for everyday use in our culture
Your Finger Mudras
Finger Mudras direct subtle energy to your chakras and throughout your body. Different Mudras send energy to different parts of the body for emotional, physical and mental well-being, balance and harmony
The everyday finger mudra for most meditators is Pranaykriya 1 mudra - the tip of your index finger touches the tip of your thumb. This sends subtle energy to your lower Chakras
Your Breath
Your breath is directly linked to the speed and intensity of your thoughts ... different breathing meditations and practices have different benefits, some of which should be professionally supervised.
In our 'Meditations Made Simple' Workshop we learn and practice at least 4 powerful and simple Breathing techniques for shifting your consciousness - here is one which is powerful, simple and brings you great benefits.
Your Eyes
While there are meditations where the eyes are fully or partially open, most of us gently and naturally close our eyes. This helps us focus with greater awareness on our meditation and thus increases the benefits for us
The environment around you
Sometimes we may worry needlessly about wanting, trying or thinking we have to have silence to meditate
Its the opposite! Meditation brings Inner Silence ... which leaves outer noise for dead!!
If your awareness is drawn repeatedly to noises outside, then gently and persistently return your awareness to the object you are focusing on, be it your breath, vizualising, chanting, whatever.
Eventually, your thinking will slow down with your breathing, you'll experience more deeply what you are focusing on (you can't force this) and something else that's beautiful will start to happen naturally
That's what meditating is all about - a beautiful journey to a more beautiful experience and quality of life
‘Thank you so much for the Meditation Workshop – it was a wonderful day, we loved it and learned a lot. ‘
I never thought something so easy could give such a profound sense of peace and calm.
It was truly amazing realising our own power of thought, mind and breath’.
Maree & Brett, Te Mata
A insightful question from my latest Meditation Workshop
'Why do I get emotional during my meditation and have tears or laughter for no reason?'
For experienced meditators, this is a great blessing ... it is seen as an emotional release of energy that has been 'blocked' or held unconsciously
You don't need to engage your mind to 'understand' it. Simply experience it flowing through you as fully as possible
The best thing you can do is send out thanks to the universe for your spontaneous release and do your best to fully be with it
It is always healing whether laughter or tears, so see it as a blessing or gift
Take extra care of yourself for 12-24 hours afterwards e.g. extra water, rest, gentle exercise, no alcohol helps your experience get fully integrated
You'll soon feel great!
The worst thing you can do is try to understand it
The mind kicks in and wants to describe or 'understand' the experience instead of just having the experience. Trying to 'understand' can impact on the benefits of the release for you.
Remind yourself that although it may be a new experience, it is hugely beneficial for you and just be grateful for the experience if this happens to you. Its a real gift!
‘I enjoyed everything about today’s workshop and left feeling relaxed and invigorated. It was just wonderful for me to take time out just for me …
I was also able to centre myself more and learn some new meditation techniques I have not previously tried.
During some of the meditations I went very deep and it made me reflect on having the faith to move forward.’
Sue, Hamilton'Thank you Yolanda. I am truly grateful to have been one of the participants at your workshop. It has been a long time since I sat for meditating and had forgotten just how calming and centering it can be. Just lovely.
You have many extra ordinary gifts and I thank you for sharing this one. I am sure we will meet again. From my heart to your heart with loving gratitude'. Marie, Auckland
‘It was a lovely day. It was very important taking the time out to know I am in charge and need to look after myself.
It brought me peace and was a perfect way for me to understand about meditation - I’ll definitely make it more part of my life’.
Louise, Matamata
‘I loved the clear and direct simplicity of this workshop. The fact that I could leave, understanding everything that I needed to in order to begin to benefit from Meditation. This course also provided a platform to explore further, which is great!
Thanks so much, Yolanda – I really enjoyed the day. Don’t change a thing, it is great!”
Jane Burgess, Reiki Teacher, Raglan
©2018 Yolanda Cholmondeley-Smith is well-known as an intuitive consultant, teacher, writer and transformational guide. She is the author of many articles and an e-book - 'Your life Your Future' about intuitive awakening, personal and creative growth and global predictions and trends
read more ...
100 Benefits of Meditation
Meditation: The Pathway to Your Intuition
7 Minute Practice to Move into High States of Consciousness
You may also like ...
Your GOLD Reading
Whether by Skype, phone or in-person, Yolanda reads all aspects of who you are and how you can create a great, abundant and more beautiful life for yourself, now and in the future - comprehensive, detailed, accurate - READ MORE
Our most popular Reading - 60+ mins
Your SILVER Reading
Whether by Skype, phone or in-person, you receive a focused 'mini-view' of where you are now and how to move forward with clarity, confidence and ease. Focused, detailed, precise.
30+ mins