part0012

Preparing for meditation is Stage Zero of the meditation process. With any kind of meditation it is important to do some preparation in order for things to go well.

Stage Zero is often seen as an optional extra, and either skipped or not done thoroughly. This is sad because it hinders the effectiveness of ones meditation even before it begins.

If you want to get a certain result, you need to set up the right conditions to get that result. According to Buddhists, there is a principle called “conditionality” which states that if your goal is to achieve “x,” you need to set up the conditions that will enable you to achieve “x.”

Buddhists put a heavy emphasis on the importance of preparation. They believe that it’s impossible to skip this step and expect to get the results that you desire.

Preparing for meditation involves both the external and internal. Externally you want to prepare a place that will be conducive to a deep, meditative experience. Internally, you want to address your posture, deepen your awareness of your body, and relax as deeply as you can. This preparation is essential for a calmer, less stressed and more peaceful mind.

Following are some suggestions on how you can prepare your external and internal environment in a way that will help you get the most out of your meditation.

Mentally you are unloading your mind of all irrelevant, powerless human thoughts in order to reload it with thoughts that are in line with your spiritual higher self.

Physically, you can express your intent to purify your thoughts by taking a shower (to wash away your troubles), brushing your teeth, or washing your hands and face. The act of washing yourself is a very symbolic cleansing ritual that will make you feel renewed, refreshed and clean. It can also have an extremely positive effect on your mood and overall mindset as you prepare to meditate.

If you want your body and mind to relax then create an atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation.

Light a candle, burn some incense, dim the lights, place some fresh flowers on the table, or play some meditation music. Creating a sanctuary in which to meditate will go a long way in helping you clear your mind and experience a deep, enjoyable and enriching meditation.

Take 5-20 minutes to read spiritual writings. These can vary between spiritual God-centered writings, spiritual healing material or even some positive encouraging words that feed your soul and get you in touch with Spirit. As you read, absorb and reflect on the meaning of every sentence. Take notes in a special journal that you exclusively reserve for spiritual reflection.

When you feel that your spiritual reading has led you to a state of awareness and peace, take between 5-10 slow, deep breaths. As you breathe inward open yourself to the peaceful, loving nature of God (or Universe). Let your outward breath release your tension and frustrations that are held within your unconscious. Let them go. Now begin the meditation practice of your choice. Breathe from your diaphragm and feel your body relaxing with every full, deep breath.

There are no set rules in terms of the ideal time to meditate. It will depend on what works best for you and your schedule.

Morning meditation is preferred by some people because it helps set a good mood for the rest of the day. Others prefer meditating after work or school because it helps them let go of the tensions of the day.

There are still others who opt to meditate right before bed in order to allow their unconscious minds to work on their intentions while they sleep. Some people will find this time difficult because they are tired and have to fight their desire to fall asleep.

Choose the time of day that suits you best. This might involve some trial and error but once you find your ideal time it will nurture your meditative practice for months or even years to come.

First, choose comfortable clothes that will not restrict or confine you. Make sure that the area you have designated as your meditation sanctuary is warm.

The way you sit during meditation is extremely important. Why? Because the emotions and mental state that you experience during meditation are ultimately attributed to the way you hold your body. Even something as intricate as the angle at which you hold your chin can affect how much thinking you do.

So one of the first things you need to learn is how to sit properly. There are two vitally important principles you need to remember in setting up a suitable posture for meditation:

*Your posture has to allow you to be comfortable and relaxed

*Your posture has to allow you to be alert and aware

If you are uncomfortable, you won’t be able to meditate. If you can’t relax you won’t be able to enjoy your meditation.

You might consider sitting cross-legged on a meditation pillow. However, if you are not very flexible, you will probably suffer doing this. Your best bet is to sit in a chair that you find comfortable and that allows you to sit upright. Here are some elements of good posture that you should consider when sitting.

Your spine should be relaxed and upright. Avoid slouching. Your shoulders should be relaxed and rolled back and down a little bit. Your hands should be supported either on your lap, on the arms of a chair or resting on a cushion.

Your head should be balanced with your chin tucked in slightly and the back of your neck should feel long and relaxed. Your face should be relaxed and contain no tension anywhere. Have your feet flat on the floor.

There are specialist meditation chairs available to help you sit comfortably and achieve an optimum posture. You can search “meditation chairs” online to see what’s available.

Research studies show that mind activity is intensified when the body is metabolizing food. To avoid unnecessary noise in your head, choose not to do your meditation right after a big meal.

After completing your meditation, sit quietly for a little while longer. Use this time to assimilate your experience, as well as reflect and contemplate on it. Be conscious of the intuition or revelation that you might be feeling.

Doing this enables you to fully embrace your meditative experience. It also acts as a gateway for allowing the experience to become part of your ‘real world’ rather than keeping it as something separate from your day to day life. As you learn to listen to your inner voice, your ‘real self’ will begin to guide you on a daily basis.

The benefits you will gain from meditation are cumulative. This means that as you continue to regularly meditate, you will acquire more and more benefits.

If you are truly serious about improving yourself through meditation, make it a part of your daily routine by meditating at least once or twice per day. The rewards you gain will improve with commitment and regularity.