Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many Feng Shui principles we apply to our surroundings, there is still a certain restlessness that we cannot get rid of. The problem is that it doesn’t have anything to do with what is around us or our circumstances, but with what is inside our head. All those thoughts that linger inside our mind even when we are not consciously thinking them, will not let us rest and concentrate on the now. That’s the time to de-clutter our mind, and the best way to do this is through meditation.
There are many methods of meditation and one should look around to find the one that better suits their life, but I want to share with you a very simple way to start.
First find a nice area of your home or garden where you know you will not be disturbed. Tell the kids, your husband, your friends, that it’s your private 30 minutes and they should respect them. (Or 20, or 10…. whatever time you have). The early morning is best, but it can be done at any time. The important thing is to do it every single day, if possible, morning and night.
decide on how you want to sit. You can cross your legs in a lotus position, or just sit on a chair. Just keep your back straight. Put your hands on your lap, palm up, one of top of the other, with your thumbs slightly touching. Make yourself very comfortable. Light a stick of incense that you love, or an aromatherapy candle. You can experiment to see if you like to do it with music in the background, or if you like the silence. I’ve found that I meditate better when I have some sound of nature in the background. Running water works for me. There are Cd’s with these sounds, or you can get an application for your phone. These are great because some of them also have timers that will let you know when the time of your meditation is up.
Now, close your eyes and start breathing through your nose slowly… pull the air to your belly, don’t fill up your lungs. Now breath out slowly. Count your breaths. Breath in… 1,2,3. Breath out… 1,2,3,4. In… 1,2,3,4… out 1,2,3,4,5… in 1,2,3,4,5…. out 1,2,3,4,5,6…. and so on. When you get to 10, start counting backwards. Your mind will try to go to thoughts that worry you. You’ll think you have to walk the dog, wash the dishes, make a phone call…. go back to your counting and your breathing. It won’t be easy at first. If counting doesn’t work, try to concentrate on the sound you chose. Mantras are also very good to control your racing thoughts. You can use a short personal mantra: “I’m at peace”… “I am”… “Thank you”… Repeat it with every exhale. Out loud or in your mind. Don’t feel frustrated if you don’t feel anything special. If you do it every day you will start feeling the benefits in many ways. You’ll rest better, you’ll be in a better mood. Just keep trying and don’t force yourself to stop thinking. That’s what your mind does: think. Just try to concentrate on letting the thought come and go, breath and enjoy a few minutes of nothingness. That will be enough to de-clutter your head.

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alicepopkorn