Traveling meditation

Sometimes, even with careful planning, life can become hectic or stressful. Traffic delays, unexpected calls, and unforeseen events can all play havoc with our daily lives. Problems may arise and may seem insurmountable. At times like these, when all you can do is watch your peace of mind go out the window, try these quick meditations. This meditation is particularly good for relieving stress when you are running late. It can be performed anywhere: on a train, on a bus, in a traffic gridlock; but for safety’s sake make sure you are not driving while you do it. Let the whole of your body go loose, relaxing any areas of tension, and take a couple of deep breaths. Accept that you have now done all you can to make up the lost time. There is nothing more you can do to help get you there any faster. Focus on your breathing, and visualize the anxiety or worry simply floating away with each exhalation. Don’t follow it, just let it go. Each time the anxiety tries to come back, gently silence it and bring your mind back to its inner calm and peace.

Mindfulness meditation

Meditation is much more than simply relaxation. During relaxation the mind wanders uncontrollably, whereas during meditation the mind stays alert and focused. By using meditation to restrain the wanderings of the mind, we can bring ourselves back to full awareness and experience things as they really are. Meditation is for everyone, whatever their lifestyle. We owe our advances to the power of the mind, but we need to learn how to control it. There are all kinds of ways you can meditate and even a few minutes can make a difference to the way you feel. I love mindfulness meditation. This meditation is excellent for cultivating mindfulness. I try to do it whenever I can. First, pull your mind away from wherever it is, and concentrate on what you are doing at that moment. It doesn’t matter whether you are standing up, walking home, eating, having a shower- start doing it with all your senses. Smell the fragrance of the air around you, taste every mouthful of food you are eating, feel the sensation of water against your skin as you shower. Ask yourself what you are doing, and what you are experiencing and feeling. After a short while, you will probably find your mind trying to distract you. Notice the thoughts that arise, but don’t follow them. Let them go, and bring your mind gently back to the present moment. Mindfulness meditation helps you to see the beauty in everything from the tiniest flower to the people closest to you. Mindfullness helps us to reclaim each moment, to live in the present so that nothing passes us by.