"Unlocking Inner Peace: The Power of Meditation and How to Get Started"

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a learned skill that enables individuals to delve within themselves and discover reasons, deeper meaning, purpose, oneness with spirit and the creator, calmness, and peace. It serves as a wonderful method for prayer or focusing on affirmations. Additionally, meditation can assist the soul in simply being present, fully connected with the moment, in harmony with one's breath and the universe.

Many people choose to commence their day with meditation, finding that it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.

For those new to meditation and eager to learn, the following steps are designed for you.

It's essential to recognize that various forms of meditation exist. One such method is Zen meditation, which involves focusing solely on breathing while possibly holding onto one image, such as a rose or a flame. The key with Zen is to block out and prevent other thoughts and ideas from infiltrating the meditation. This is considered advanced meditation and requires consistent practice.

Commonly, beginners express difficulty with intrusive thoughts from daily life while learning how to meditate. Addressing this challenge from personal experience, I have devised a process that has yielded remarkable results for me over the years.

Our approach involves engaging all the senses while constructing a personal universe.

Before we begin, play some meditation music in the background—easily accessible through a simple YouTube search. Find a comfortable place to sit, preferably upright on a pillow. If you have back issues, reclining in a recliner is acceptable, though it may increase the likelihood of falling asleep.

1.  Initiate deep, slow breathing, as discussed in the breathing video. Inhale deeply, slowly, and then exhale even more slowly. Repeat this pattern throughout the entire meditation.

2.  Envision a magical place you'd like to create—a safe haven only you can access. This will evolve into a sacred place visited during meditations. I personally use a forest clearing, but you can create a beach, an enchanted forest by a stream, a beautiful meadow with the most exquisite flowers, or an entirely imaginary landscape. There are no rules—choose whatever brings you happiness and contentment.

3.  Engage all your senses while constructing this space. If envisioning a beach, feel the sand under your feet and between your toes. Experience the water touching your feet and ankles. Inhale the scent of the ocean, hear the waves and the birds, and if there's a rock or tree nearby, touch it and feel its energy. You can even manifest something flavorful, like an orange, and taste it. All your senses work in the higher dimensions when given intention.

4.  Spend several minutes lingering in this place, holding onto these images. Feel free to continue building upon them. The more you focus on and are mindful of the details, the less intrusive daily thoughts will interrupt. This created space will remain accessible for further exploration in subsequent meditations.

5.  Conclude the exercise by bringing yourself back, maintaining the rhythm of big breaths. Feel refreshed, and when you're ready, open your eyes.

Record any thoughts, ideas, revelations, or experiences you wish to remember in your journal.

When you feel prepared, revisit this created place to simply be. It will always be there, and as you spend more time, you may notice it evolving on its own. Mountains, trees, cottages, or animals might appear that weren't there before—welcome these additions and explore!

While there is much more to explore in meditation, this serves as a foundational starting point.

Enjoy!