Get Grounded - Discover the Art of Meditation

In our hectic lives, on any given day, we may try to juggle family life, school, work, hobbies and various other responsibilities. Depending on what's on our individual plate and how we deal determines how one feels at the end of the day. Wouldn't it be nice to feel more relaxed and in control?

For some people, like myself, it's hard to stay grounded in our fast paced society. I learned the art of meditation well during my training as a shiatsu therapist. Even though I currently don't work in the field, I still try to meditate each and every day. It is a lesson and practice I hope to carry with me for life. I am so thankful to have learned how to meditate.

Meditation can quite literally change your life. It helps one "clear the mind" so to speak. It is quite literally, conscious relaxation. Meditation helps us become more focused in our everyday lives. It can help you recharge and reduce stress. Meditation can also help lower your blood pressure and reduce anxiety. It may bring the one engaging in the practice, a strong sense of self.

You don't need anything to learn how to meditate. It is a free activity! It can be completely objectless or a pampered retreat. It's your choice. Although there are a lot of nifty bolsters, aromatherapy oils and soothing music available they are not necessary. Some people like a pretty object or a candle flame to look at or calming music or scents, which is perfectly fine too. You will learn what works for you as you go along.

You also may have already done some mediation and not even know it. Some people like to meditate on long car rides. Just driving, not thinking. For others gardening, playing an instrument, writing or knitting bring peace into one's life. Even the simple act of watching television can be compared to meditation believe it or not. When watching television the brain's waves are very similar to that of one mindfully practicing meditation. This proves it's quite possible for us to practice meditation during our living moments, not only when we are still.

If you are not sure you find any activity soothing and meditative in nature, don't worry! The following is a simple guided meditation to get you started otherwise.

The key to meditating is internal awareness. This awareness helps one live in the moment more fully and in turn grounding oneself emotionally. Once you start meditating regularly you will feel a larger awareness in your everyday activities and living.

Before you begin, it's important to turn off the phone and disengage yourself from all distractions if possible. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably.

Begin by closing your eyes. Try to clear your mind of any thoughts. Become aware of your breathe. When you inhale try to breathe all the way down into your stomach. Then exhale completely.

Starting at the top of your head, scan your body part by part for any discomfort or tension. start with the top of your head then move down to the neck, shoulder, back and so forth until you end up at your toes. Take note of each part of your body that you feel tension in. One by one let the tension go as you continue breathing..

Next after you feel physically relaxed, take notice of your surroundings. What do you hear, smell and feel in your surroundings? Take note of it in your mind then let it go.

Next, I like to visualize a happy beautiful place. Perhaps the ocean, a sunset or a place you love. You don't have to visualize anything at all but it helps some to have a visualization for a guide. I like to call this your "happy place". Find it in your mind, then go to it.

Put yourself in that place and let yourself feel everything about it. Try to visualize peace and love surrounding you. Continue this for as long as you like. You may start with 5 minutes and find yourself working up to longer period's of time. Whatever works for you.

After you are feeling reasonably relaxed and like your mind is cleared you can slowly come back to your own physical reality. Become aware of each part of your body again and continue breathing. Take note of your breath and awareness once more.

Don't worry if you do not feel an overwhelming sense of peace or enlightenment after meditating. Everyone experiences mediation differently. Failure to feel anything does not mean you are meditating incorrectly. As you keep practicing you will notice, slowly, changes in your self and your awareness. Keep practicing and in no time you will gain mental clarity, harmony and calmness.