What is needed for good meditation?
A still mind!
How you get that is by letting go of all the busy-ness that usually preoccupies it and letting go of any expectations of the forthcoming session! Meditation supplies the state, you supply the conditions.
The first important element is to create you own 'meditation space'. How that is done is entirely personal. Make sure it is clean, uncluttered, private (as much as kids, family and the rest allow), designate it as your space and then it becomes the zone that when entered, immediately holds and energises the intention for quietening down and going within.
Of course it goes without saying that preparing oneself and body is also an important element - hardly appropriate to rush in from planting the veggies at the right moon cycle and sitting straight down to 'go within' without getting the soil off the hands and body!
We fully appreciate that meditation can be done anywhere - even in the potato patch - but a warm soak and some great oils and unctions can be a great aid when preparing for quiet time.
Mats, floor coverings and such like are useful for designating and sacredising one's personal meditation space.
Then with the base sorted, comfortable a meditation cushion, stool or the like is excellent fr making the experience as distraction free as possible. believe us, the body will love to, through its co- conspiritor the mind, distract and show you all the places that are itching,need scratching or otherwise in dire need of your attention. Giving the mind a comfortable tush cush shuts it up some!
meditation supplies - back to top
Good Tip!
If you find distraction a major cause of not settling down - make that your meditation - watch it, love it, note its wanderings and never let it out of your (in)sight! It has lots to teach you about yourself and those revelations will make you laugh, ponder and ultimately return from a great medi experience. Meditation supplies all we need!
Setting the mood for quiet time is important and people do it in all sorts of ways There is no right or wrong way - never get hung up on thinking that you have to circumnavigate the room 108 times chanting Om or the ingredients of your favourite chocolate cookie (you can see what sort of medi experience this one gets up to) - it is all about setting down an intention to go quiet, to become still. The rest comes in good time
Some great incense can make it magical!
For those who would love to have some meditation instruction, look no further - none other than Jack Kornfield - a master at meditation supplies excellent instruction and help and is a terrific teacher - his wit, experience and lifetime devotion to meditation will in itself enlighten you.
Settling down, becoming aware of the breath always helps to quieten the body and mind. Maybe you like to signal the beginning of meditation with a gentle sound - to open the meditation - especially good if you are in a group together. Useful also to bring the meditation to a close. Tibetan Tingsha bells are very conducive to open a session.
Timing of a meditation session is often impossible as time and space seem to dissolve and appointments have been known to have been missed - but hey, it was meant to be! Though, if sometimes it is crucial to limit quiet time - rue the day - then an appropriate gentle reminder is wonderful for stirring the senses.
Music as background, chants and mantra sounds can help and be very appropriate.
The rest is down to you.
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