The Seven Keys to Meditation
There are several key things you can do that will significantly enhance your
meditation. They may seem subtle at first, but remember, meditation itself is
all about cultivating the higher, subtler parts of your being. Take it from
experience - together these seven keys will make a big difference. So please
give them a try!
Key#1: Find a Special Place
Set aside a special place that is used only for meditation. If you have a
spare room, great, but its fine to set aside a corner of your bedroom. This
will be your sacred space for self-discovery, so youll want to make it as
inspiring as possible.
You might like to:
Cover a low table with a clean, light cloth
Place a candle on a table, and a vase with fresh flowers if possible.
You may also want to light some incense. Together, these items will help
create a meditative atmosphere.
Key#2: Prepare Physically
Your spiritual journey takes place in and through your physical body. Heres
how you can help prepare it for meditation:
Take a shower before meditating. If it isnt possible to take a shower,
wash your face and hands.
Wear clean, light, loose fitting clothes.
Take your shoes off before meditating. Your feet deserve a break too!
Key#3: Sit Relaxed, Sit Straight
Theres no need to sit in a special yogic posture to meditate. If you can
sit comfortably on a cushion on the floor, this is best. Otherwise a meditation
stool or chair is fine. The important thing is to be still and relaxed, to
have your back erect, and to have the flower and candle close to eye level.
People often ask if its okay to meditate while lying down. We dont recommend
it; the most likely outcome is youll fall asleep. Always remember to begin
your meditation with six or seven power-breaths long, slow deep breaths
that release the myriad of thoughts and focus your attention within.
Key#4: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
In the beginning, five minutes of meditation a day is enough. Meditation is
like an inner muscle that you are slowly but surely making stronger. If you
overwork a muscle, it becomes sore; if you meditate for more than five minutes
and feel tension in your head or get a headache, you know youve gone beyond
your capacity. Try not to be concerned with expectations of what your
meditation is going to do for you or what your meditation experience should be.
Just steadily, soulfully and sincerely practice and make yourself alert to the
messages that will begin to arise from within.
Key#5: Choose the right time
Make an appointment with yourself and practice at the same time each day.
Just as you feed your physical body several times a day at certain times,
meditation nourishes your inner life so set at least one special time each day for
your meditation exercises.
The best time to meditate is early in the morning, before you enter into
your daily activities. This way, the peace you get from your meditation will
permeate the rest of your day.
Many people also like to meditate when they get home from work, to help wash
away the stress of the day. You might also want to meditate just before
going to bed. This will help you to sleep more soundly.
We dont suggest meditating right after a big meal. Like a bird, your inner
being will be trying to fly higher, but your body will be weighing it down.
So wait an hour or two before meditating.
Key#6: The Power of Music
Music is often referred to as the language of the soul. Peaceful music of
the heart will create a meditative atmosphere and tremendously enhance the
quality of your meditation. Play it softly during your exercises; merely
listening to and absorbing the music will help you to feel the deep inner stillness
of meditation.
Key#7: You
In the end, the most important ingredient in this whole process is you. It
is you, who experiences, you, who is discovered, you, who is the student, you,
who is the real teacher and you, finally, who is revealed.
Remind yourself of this often because this is the greatest gift of
meditation: faith in oneself.
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