Meditation is one of the best methods to bring yourself into the present moment. There are many benefits of meditation and doing so regularly has been proven to decrease physical pain and even anxiety.

But some people wonder, what exactly is meditation?

My definition of meditation: a technique used to attain a different state of mind.

Is your mind bouncing from one thought to the next? Meditation can help! Do you lack motivation to get started working for the day? Meditation can help you get focused! Depending on your goal, there is a method of meditation that is sure to help you.

Using the Breath as an Anchor

Meditation is focused attention on one thing. Many people use the breath as their anchor for meditation. The joy that comes from meditation is lasting in our day to day lives. Meditation also leads to being less reactive and judgmental towards our own emotions and thoughts.

Presence is the Key

Meditation brings you to the present moment. Meditation is a state of mind. What matters is the focus we have on our anchor. The most effective anchor, or point of focus, in meditation is the breath. The breath is the bridge between the physical and the ethereal. The breath happens in the present, so we become present when we bring attention to the breath.

Become the Observer

Observe your thoughts, observe your breath. Observe your state of being. If the mind wanders, it’s ok to start again. Let the thoughts float away like clouds in the sky. Thoughts and feelings are an offering, they are a gift, let them be there. Accept everything as it is– there is no need to change. There’s no need to react. It’ll take patience, but the time will come when you move beyond thought.

When the mind isn’t there to distract, it’ll become silent and that’s when meditation deepens. Meditation is used to look inward for your own answers. All the knowledge and wisdom you need in this moment is inside of you. You only need to bring your attention inward to begin to connect with this part of you. Meditation is ultimately committing to know yourself.

Find Your Meditation Space

There’s meaning in the meditative posture itself. Being in the same place at the same time each day and in the same posture helps to train the mind to enter the meditative state. It’s important to be comfortable when meditating. Sitting up in your own strength with your spine long is helpful. You could even lay down if you wanted to. The idea is to be aware and focused, but the mind calm. When you find that physical place each day, your body and mind will know it’s time to meditate.

Keep Practicing!

As we continue in our meditative practice, we will find that we can feel our emotions before we react to them. Meditation frees us from worries. It brings us to our center in the present moment. You are stronger when you meditate. Soon, you will find that you’ll notice your thoughts before you react to them.

Meditation is about you, not others. It’s not about achieving something; it’s about being with whatever is there and staying with it. From that place, is where the answers will come. It will take time to see results. Be consistent, you’re not alone in exploring this world of meditation.