Calming the Mind with Meditation

I recently asked my younger sister if she would like to meditate. She lives a very stressful life and it's obvious she gives herself little downtime. I believed meditation would help calm her, adding a counterbalance to her fast-paced lifestyle.

She had an excuse, and it wasn't one I had expected. I've heard people say they don't have time to meditate, or that they don't know how, but my sister was the first person to tell me she couldn't meditate because she couldn't concentrate!

Her response got me thinking, and after a week of research, talking to friends and family and reading internet articles, I discovered that my sister isn't alone.

Many people find it difficult to sit still for any length of time, and are often distracted by their own erratic thoughts. They believe meditation can't possibly help. They misunderstand meditation's goal.

Meditation is not about perfection, but the exact opposite: coming to understand and accept our imperfect selves.
(Is Meditation for Me?)

People who meditate do so to calm their minds. If we already had a calm, still mind, meditation would give us little benefit. Meditation works because our minds are restless and unfocused. Meditation calms these otherwise uncontrolled waves of emotion.

Meditation has many physical benefits, but the improvement in concentration is top dog. Science has shown that meditating improves attention, so your inability to concentrate is no excuse not to begin daily meditation.
(How Meditation Improves Attention)

You don't have to meditate without guidance and a goal. Using a mantra, prayer beads, or personal affirmations (a word like compassion or patience, or a relaxing phrase), we can give our minds something concrete to focus on.

Sitting isn't the only way to meditate. You can lay in a yoga "corpse" pose or go for a walk. You can meditate while you stand, or while you run. Choose the best way for you. Some people find it easier to meditate standing than sitting, or laying down. Others may concentrate better on the move.

Remember, meditation doesn't have to be complicated. All you have to do is get comfortable and breathe.

Give yourself twenty to thirty minutes each day to meditate. The more time you spend practicing meditation the easier it will be to calm your restless mind. But make meditation a daily habit. After a few weeks you may find that your once erratic mind has become a calm sanctuary, one you can turn to whenever life stresses you out.

Sources:
1. Is Meditation for Me?, Wildmind: Buddhist Meditation
2. How Meditation Improves Attention, PsyBlog