Sometimes just the THOUGHT of starting something new can be more daunting than the actual task itself. These days we are so consumed with… well, LIFE, that adding something extra can seem nigh on impossible. No time, no headspace, no motivation are just some of the excuses that spring to mind when trying to allocate space for something new but ironically, these are the exact reasons why beginning a meditation practice is so important for our health.
We spend so much of our lives “doing” rather than just “being”. We rarely stop to take a moment for ourselves, catch our breath and just enjoy the moment. A simple meditation practice can help us regain our focus, calm our nervous system and bring us into the present moment.
The good news is it’s not as challenging as you think. As little as 5 minutes of focused breathing per day can have profound effects on your mental and emotional wellbeing. You will start to feel clearer, calmer and more focused.
5 tips to begin a simple meditation practice
1. You don’t have to go it alone!
There are a multitude of free meditation apps that can kickstart your practice and finding a guided meditation is probably your best start. It’s much easier to relax and focus while someone is guiding you. Try Insight Timer or Headspace, choose a length and topic that resonates with you and then find a voice that you love. Settle in and feel those zen vibes!
2. Set aside the same time each day for your practice.
If you schedule it in much like a meeting and diarise it (at least until you get into the swing of things) then you’re much less likely to miss out on building consistency in those first few weeks. 5-10 minutes a day is all you need to get started. And you’ll feel great the more you stick to your practice.
3. Don’t overthink it.
You don’t need sanskrit mantras or complicated visualisations to get started. Simply focusing on your breathing is a wonderful way to connect you to your body and slow down. Notice each inhale and exhale as they make their way in and out of your body and take the time to just be with your breath. You’d be surprised at just how effective this can be to relax you.
4. Create a sacred space and surround yourself with things that make you happy.
A meditation altar can be as simple as a little table adorned with your favourite flowers or photos of your loved ones. You can decorate your altar with an array of divine reminders that connect you to your space and separate it from the rest of your home - think candles, crystals, photos, feathers, singing bowls, incense, souvenirs, symbols, the list goes on!
5. Just start!
I know this seems obvious but sometimes it’s the most difficult part. Any meditation is a GOOD meditation and there is no right or wrong in your practice. Mediation isn’t about clearing your mind of thoughts… It's about allowing your thoughts to come in and being able to observe them without being taken down a rabbit hole. And even then, if you find your mind is wandering off, then gently bring yourself back to your breath. Meditation is like any other training! It takes consistency and practice but most of all, be kind to yourself along the way and enjoy the ride!
KAAIAA is a dynamic combination of 4 proven modalities (Breath Work, Body Work, Meditation & Integration) that focuses on cultivating energy across each of the pillars, and when performed consistently, can have profound effects in every area of your life. Aussie celebs such as Pip Edwards, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Danielle Cormack swear by it.
