I recently came across an article from Entrepreneur Magazine called 3 Tips for Integrating Meditation into Your Schedule. Much like the yoga asana movement, which has boomed in popularity in the last two decades, meditation is quickly gaining mainstream acceptance. Or so it would appear. The meditation and “mindfulness” practices that we often hear about should more accurately be described as pre-meditation techniques.
There are many misperceptions about what real meditation is, some of which can actually interfere with people adopting a meditation practice. For example, one might assume that you need 20-30 minutes a day in a quite secluded place to meditate. With our busy careers or family life, many of us simple don’t have that luxury. Others may think the goal of meditation is to clear your mind of all thoughts. However, anyone who has tried to sit quietly for any length of time (and not fall asleep) will know how restless and active their mind really is.
As referenced in this article, the practice of “meditation brings, clarity, enhances attention and provides proper perspective.” And this is certainly possible with various pre-meditation techniques. But these benefits are a natural side effect of an authentic meditation practice. Real meditation is not simply an artificial attempt to clear your mind, or attempt to be more present in the moment, or meditate on a so-called mantra like “Let go”, as recommended in that article. Common sense tells us it’s possible to focus our mind on just about anything. I can repeat to myself “apple, apple, apple” all day long, but is this real meditation?
The ultimate goal of meditation, which is to achieve yoga or union with the Supreme Soul, is realized not by clearing your mind of all thoughts, but rather it is achieved by immersing your heart and mind in that which is transcendental, or spiritual. In fact, real meditation begins when you focus your attention on the Supreme Soul.
The easiest, most effective and most practical way to do this is through the ancient process of Yoga Sound Meditation. By putting ourselves in contact with the spiritually purifying yoga sound (or sacred mantras), we not only reap the benefits of pre-meditation (i.e. relief from stress and anxiety, mental clarity, relaxation, and so on), but we naturally progress on the path of self-realization and the path towards real and lasting happiness.
Watch a couple of videos on Meditation that will help to become familiar with the meditation process.
With this in mind we can adapt and apply the 3 tips that were described in Entrepreneur’s article:
Use a technique
There are many techniques of Yoga Sound Meditation. In fact, we teach 10 different methods in my Easy Meditation for Everyone Kit. Once learned, these techniques can be easily integrated into your busy schedule. For example, one technique is to simply listen to the transcendental sound. So any time you have during the day to listen to music, you can be listening to transcendental sound and thus engaging in meditation. Who would have thought you could meditate while driving to work, exercising at the gym, or cleaning house?
Become location agnostic
Other techniques like Japa Meditation are wonderful to practice while you’re on a walk, or even while you’re waiting in line at the store. While it’s certainly advantageous to have a peaceful place to be more focused on your meditation practice, it’s not required. The busiest of people need meditation the most, so it makes sense to adopt a practice that can seamlessly fit into what might otherwise be a chaotic daily routine.
Remember, it’s your very own refresh button
Yoga Sound Meditation can absolutely help clear your mind, allow you to see things from a fresh perspective, and give shelter and rest to a troubled heart. Any time you’re feeling a sense of anxiety, loneliness, emptiness, or stress, you can instantly turn to your Yoga Sound Meditation practice and find almost instant relief.
I hope this information has helped encourage and inspire you to add meditation to your life. The key is to practice regularly in order to experience the sweet fruits that real meditation offers. If you have any questions on how to add meditation to your life, I’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you well,
Wai Lana
