Meditation Only Takes A Moment

We've all heard how great meditation can be for the mind and body but man, is it hard!  I've been an unsuccessful meditator for over a decade now but lately, I've been reinvigorated with my practice.  For one, it is especially important for Hashimoto's sufferers to manage stress and soothe the nervous system.  Secondly, a quiet mind ain't a bad thing.  But thirdly, and most importantly, it works!  Science is showing in study after study the true benefits of meditation - how it helps heal, how it re-circuits the mind and body and how it helps stave off memory loss to keep us thriving.  There is a terrific amount of information on the science of meditation in the March 2012 issue of Shambhala Sun.

I know that finding time for meditating and "succeeding" at it can be overwhelming.  Here are a few tips for us harried people:

•   If you can't find time to meditate early in the morning or before bed, try arriving to work 15 minutes early and meditate in your car.  Although it doesn't sound ideal at first, it gets really easy with practice.  Set the timer on your phone.  Just close your eyes and focus on your breath.    Breathe in and breathe out for 15 minutes.  If your mind wanders, come back to the breath.  It really works and puts you in a great place before getting into the office.  Give it a try!
• Attend a guided meditation class.  We're lucky that in Los Angeles there are several of these classes and they are free!  My favorites are at the Lakeshrine Temple and the Siddha Yoga Center.  If you don't live in L.A., you can find these classes almost anywhere - the YMCA, church, or as an extension class at your local college/university.  Just Google it!
• Join the Chopra Center's 21-day Meditation Challenge series.  It's easy - you register for the class (it's free) and they email you a link every day to a recording of a guided meditation class. The Chopra Center does these challenges quarterly.  I just get up a few minutes early, plug in my headphones and start my day with their meditation.  They last between 10 and 20 minutes.  Easy peasy.

Meditation can be done by anyone.  It's not a religious practice but a personal and often times spiritual one.  And remember, mediation is a PRACTICE and it takes just that to get comfortable with it.  Do you meditate?  What's your favorite method?  What challenges do you face when meditating.  Join in the discussion!