Six Steps to Embracing Inner Peace
We live in a frenetic and unpredictable environment, surrounded by violence and turmoil every minute of the day. We are becoming increasingly busy and are inundated with commercialism and advertisements from all aspects. As many of us have been looking for a way to break free from constant information overload and allow our mind to relax, and after years of studying and testing the art of meditation taught by many great religions such as Buddhism, I have discovered a simple six-step formula that enables me to unleash the inner peace that longs to be expressed.
1. Find a cool, peaceful location.
The first step in reclaiming your inner peace is to select a place where you can feel secure while meditating in quiet. Consider sitting on the ground in the yard, beside a river, or, if you’re like me and confined to the city, simply relaxing in your living room. There are, nevertheless, a few critical points to consider –
There should be little noise from traffic.
There is nothing worse than beginning to meditate and hear the sound of a truck’s air brakes activating or an ambulance or police car passing by.
Avoid Distractions
When you first begin meditating, you may find it tough to get started. However, with some practice, and this is the enjoyable part, you will discover that you improve with time. However, in the early stages, a little distraction from your children or noise may make it quite difficult.
You Must Have A Sense of Security
Given the state of modern society, you must have a sense of well-being prior to beginning your meditation. If you are insecure, it will be extremely tough to let go of your concerns and, more significantly, your ideas.
Be at ease
The majority of meditation sessions last approximately 20 minutes. When you first begin, it may take up to ten minutes to reach a state of relaxation, so ensure that you sit on a comfortable surface before beginning the meditation process. While I am a firm believer in sitting on the floor, if you have difficulty sitting straight for an extended amount of time, simply lean against the wall. This can also help with your sense of security. If sitting in a chair is more comfortable for you, practice your meditation that way. I do not advocate sitting on a sofa for the simple reason that you face the danger of falling asleep, which, although nice before bed, is not encouraged as a result of the meditation process.
2. Light an Incense
Depending on your location, you may find that a small amount of mild incense assists you in breaking down barriers when you first begin meditating. If you, like me, are constantly on the go and agitated, you may find it difficult to focus on your meditation at first due to the buzz coursing through your veins. Using mild incense such as lavender may definitely help.
You may get incensed at a variety of locations, including Chinese food stores, oriental food stores, and even certain mystics stores. There are also several locations online where you can purchase mild incense. However, be aware that it is prohibited in some countries to purchase incense by mail order, and that you should only purchase from a trustworthy dealer because you never know what you are buying.
3. Turn on some soft music
The saying, “Music Calms the Savage Beast,” has never been more accurate than while attempting to discover your inner realm of calm. Playing some calm music can undoubtedly help ease the buzz you experience after a long day, but exercise extreme caution in selecting the music. You must guarantee that the music you pick slows you down rather than speeds you up.
Most meditation gurus may prescribe music such as flowing water, a rushing stream, or the sounds of the vast outdoors, all of which are definitely appropriate for this technique, but what I find most beneficial is Baroque music.
The music from this era possesses unique characteristics that make it more conducive to assisting you in achieving inner calm. Baroque music is based on 60 beats per minute, which coincidentally matches the beat rate of human hearts. According to some studies, listening to music with a beat rate of 60 beats per minute enhances the alpha waves associated with tranquility on both the left and right sides of the brain. As a result, you will feel peaceful and relaxed, just like you would if you whistled a melody. Additionally, research has shown that this “alpha state” might aid in the learning process, creativity, and most significantly, in developing a sense of calm.
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4. Pay Attention to Your Breathing. Inhale and exhale
Now that we have gathered the necessary elements for meditation, it is time for you to give it a try. When I meditate, I prefer to cross my legs and lay my hands on my knees with my open palms up. If you are unable to cross your legs, simply sit with them flat. Simply spread your legs apart slightly and lay your hands on your knees if you are seated on a chair.
The next step on the journey to calmness is to close your eyes and take a deep breath in before gently exhaling. You must repeat this procedure regularly, but there are a few critical points to consider when doing so. When you first begin to meditate, you will notice that as you relax, the things that bothered you during the day begin to resurface and come to the forefront of your mind. We need to interrupt this process during your meditation period because if we do not, you may end up feeling more stressed than when you began. Simply gaze into the depths of the darkness and empty your mind while you are breathing.
If you’re having trouble letting go, try this method. While inhaling gently, focus your mind’s eye on the number one and continue to focus on the number as you exhale. Then, when you take your second breath, shift the number one to a two, and then maintain your attention on the number two as you exhale. Concentrate on the following number with each fresh breath. However, if your concentration strays and you begin thinking about supper or what you’re going to do tomorrow, simply resume at number one. After a time, you’ll notice that following this procedure consistently helps you retain your attention and accelerates the process of achieving inner calm.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, I’ve found that counting and breathing exercises really help. Once again, mastering the skill takes time, but the more you practice, the better you will become.
5. Organize Your Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered the breathing method and reached a level of relaxation, the following step is to empty your thoughts. This may need some effort and time to master, but once you do, you will truly understand what inner serenity is. To cleanse your mind, you will simply cease to think and simply exist. The trick to clearing your mind is to concentrate entirely on the area around you (while keeping your eyes closed) without thinking about anything.
When you accomplish this, you will have an overwhelming sensation of serenity. Endorphins will give you a tingling sensation throughout your body and will make you feel incredibly relaxed. You will eventually discover that you can switch the tingling on and off at will, but this takes experience.
6. Experience a Wave of Peace
The Buddhists speak about meditating in order to get enlightenment, and while this can take a lifetime or more, I can attest that when you reach that point of letting go of your surroundings and finding serenity, it truly seems like a whole new universe. At the very least, not being stressed and experiencing the continual buzz created by the stresses of our daily life will surely redefine normal for you.
When you feel as though your time for meditation has come to an end, let your mind gradually begin to think. You will discover that it is much simpler than you believe. Then gradually open your eyes and take in your surroundings. Allow at least five minutes before rushing to stand, but when you do, you should experience a sense of serenity and peace around your body, mind, and spirit.