Meditation seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
Ryan Allis was one of the first people whom I learned did meditation and who was also incredibly successful. Up until recently, I never saw the correlation between meditation and success. Rather, I saw it was a way to waste time and not be productive.
Since being in Costa Rica I have been around people who use various meditation methods such as the Five Minute Journal, apps like Omvana, and guided in person meditation practice. These are all highly productive people. I have been able to seen a correlation between productivity, success, and meditation.
If you are new to meditation, here are 5 ways you can start the practice to help you be successful and productive:
1.Prompts
For me it helps if someone is prompted me through my meditation. This helps me to stay focuses on something, follow a voice, and actually clear my mind enough to do the work. It is interesting that usually by the end of a prompted practice I no longer hear the noise but have actually settled into my own mind.
2.Surround yourself with peace
The energy of the space you practicing and even the voice (if you are listening to someone) or music all can affect your practice. Sometimes just the smallest shift can change the entire experience – for better or for worse. I like to listen to people to speak softly and help guide me through my practice. I like practicing outside and hearing the noise of nature around me. Take the time to find what works best for you.
3.Find comfort
Have you ever seen someone in a perfect lotus pose meditating for what seems hours and wonder how they can stay so still? I think it comes down to comfort. If I know I am about to do a longer guided practice, I like to prop myself up on a block or bolster. This keeps my hips and low back happy and takes my attention off those spots. There is no shame in needing props.
4.Be ok with the stillness
Being still is so hard for so many of us. We are often running from one place to another, trying to keep up with all of our to-do’s. We should be staying still for even just a few moments. Even if we find a small shift in our bodies, embrace it. Go back to the stillness. Your movements will be more intentional afterwards.
5.Try it with a partner
I love going to the movies – just the sheer thrill that we are all experiencing something together makes me so happy. The same goes for meditation. Whether it with a loved one, in a class, or just in public with an ad hoc group of people, try mediating with someone. You can feed off their energy and also give them some of yours.
I am still exploring the world of meditation and finding what works for me and what does not. But that’s the beautiful thing about meditation. No one size fits all.
I look forward to hearing about your meditative experiences.
