Do you ever feel like you need a mental break from school but don't have the motivation to go to the gym or attend a yoga class? Well, I have the perfect escape for you: meditation. Meditation is proven to boost brain efficiency and relieve stress, so this article discusses a few ways that you can practice meditating to give yourself that break you've been seeking.
Meditation #1: Grounding Yourself
Here is a quick explanation on how to ground yourself:
1. Be mindful of your breathing pattern.
2. Imagine that you are connected to the ground as if your feet are the roots of a tree.
3. As you start to connect with the Earth, exert all your energy downward as if a light beam of your energy is shooting from your spine to the center of the Earth.
4. After you have pushed your energy downward, push it back upward into the sky.
5. Now find the connectedness between your roots and the branches of the sky and feel the energy flow between them.
How I felt: During this meditation method, I felt as if my body was fully connected with the earth beneath me, but my mind was collaborating with the clouds. I like to practice this technique when I am feeling stressed out or anxious, and need to alleviate those stressors quickly. Grounding skills are crucial if you are seeking to regain focus from an overwhelming emotional state.
Meditation #2: Heartbeat Rhythm Meditation
Here is a quick explanation on how to meditate to your heartbeat:
1. Set your intention
2. Sit up straight
3. Be conscious of your breathing
4. Find your heartbeat
5.Start inhaling and exhaling to a certain number of beats. For example, inhale for five beats and then exhale for five beats.
How I felt: After I practice heartbeat meditation, I always feel a closer connection with my inner-being. The fact that I'm using one of my organs as a metronome for meditation is something I find very satisfying, and I love the simplicity behind it.
This is a great meditation to attempt if you have difficulty focusing or shutting your mind off from outside distractions. It is also the perfect choice of meditation for beginners because it is known as "the meditation for those who can't meditate."
Meditation #3: Zazen (Seated Meditation)
Here is a quick explanation on how to meditate using the Zazen technique:
1. Find a sitting position that is comfortable for you. (Half Lotus, full lotus, legs folded under you, etc.)
2. Sit up straight and lower your gaze to a 45-degree angle.
3.Now, focus on your breathing. On the first inhale count to one, and the exhale count to two. On the next inhale count to three and the exhale count to four. Try to get to a count of ten without having thoughts consume your mind.
4. Let your thoughts naturally stop. Don't try and force yourself to stop thinking.
How I felt: What I've noticed after practicing Zazen is that I feel as if my life is more spacious and my mind is refocused. I like to practice Zazen when I feel like materialistic items are consuming my life and need a spiritual cleansing.
If you are seeking to re-engage with the world in a more positive and productive way, then Zazen is the meditation choice for you. Once you have mastered the technique, Zazen will help support you in shifting your attitude in activities related to steadiness and sustainability.
