Tips for meditating

http://www.prairiedogcoalition.org/whats-new.php

1. Breathe naturally- do not try to control your breath
2. Count your breathes- count the inhales and exhales of your breathe. When a thought enters your mind be kind to yourself and start the counting over.  Try to get to 10.
3. Posture- keep your back straight, but not rigid.  Keep you head slightly tilted forward.
4. Create an Intention- before you begin your meditation, create an intention and focus on that during your practice
5. Mantra- repeat a word or phrase while meditating
6. Music- listen to meditation music to guide you
7. Practice- As with most things in life, the more you practice the better you become

This is your brain on meditation

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Hui8mE1exk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2Hui8mE1exk?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Meditation Space

It's important to create a peaceful meditation space in your home.  

www.oregonlive.com

www.zendotstudio.blogspot.com

www.reddingrealestateluxuryhomes.com/?p=58

http://pushingfurniture.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html

http://www.secondunitarian.org/childrens-faith-development-classrooms/

http://jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/?p=1554

http://jewelryandgemsforselfdiscovery.com/blog/?p=1554

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KE4sJEKRZis?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KE4sJEKRZis?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

What do you keep in your meditation space?

Walking Meditation

It's spring

time to get out doors

Take in the beauty that this earth has to offer

with a walking meditation

find a park

or a beach

or a quiet neighborhood

and walk

Notice the air

the wind

the sun on your body

the grass on the ground

the smell of the flowers

the song of the birds

the rush of water

your breath

your steps

your heartbeat

turn off your cell phone

quite your mind

be present

be mindful

be aware

If you are too busy to meditate

What Meditation Really Is

<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GLjelIPg3ys?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GLjelIPg3ys?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Mantras

Mantra meditation involves repeating a word or phrase during a meditation

this helps to block unwanted thoughts

and calm the mind

The repetition can also be used to create a positive quality in your life

for example,

by repeating 

I love myself

over and over

you are tapping into your subconscious mind

which in turn will change your thoughts and your habits.

Many repeat mantras to connect with GOD 

(however you wish to define GOD)

by repeating GOD's name

 you are connecting to that spirit to become one

You may also choose to have a mantra with no meaning

sometimes repeating a word or sound that means nothing to you 

can have a relaxing quality 

for a calming meditation experience.

Do you use mantras while meditating?  If so, we'd love for you to share!

For information on the history of mantras check out this site: http://www.wildmind.org/mantras