Happiness Is A Skill – let’s start with the basics.

Meditation.  People’s perception of this word varies widely.  To some, it sounds as far out as riding a camel to work. Others are familiar with the word and may even have some friends who meditate, yet they still don’t really understand what it’s all about.  Then there are the people who do meditate on a regular basis.  They are the ones who seem to handle things more calmly, appear healthier and smile more often.  The staff at Mayo Clinic writes, “Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health.”

So what is meditation and how can you incorporate this Happiness Skill in to your Skill Set?  Simply put, meditation is calming and quieting your mind.  It’s that simple.  You’ve stared out the window before, daydreaming. Your mind was just a drift, not really thinking about anything.  You were relaxed and peaceful, just taking a break in your day. That was your mind being quiet and meditative.  It’s easy to do.  Imagine how calming it would be to do that each day, on a regular basis, at a time that works best for you.  The benefits are many and they all contribute to your Happiness.

If you are new to meditation, follow these easy steps:

-To begin, choose 15 minutes when you will not be interrupted.  Phone off, computer on silent, no interruptions.

-You need a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and upright.  Remember, this is meditation, not a nap.  This could be in a chair, on the floor, even in your car (parked, with engine off, of course!)  You can even look online for special meditation seating cushions, which work well.

-Now, get comfortable.  Close your eyes softly.  The guideline here is ease.  Close your eyes with ease, sit with ease, be at ease.

-At this point, you want to have something to focus your mind on.  This can be your breathing which works like this; notice your in breath, the pause between breaths, and then your out breath.  Continue.  Alternately, you can focus on a mental image that is calming to you.  Perhaps a peaceful place that you’ve been to.  Any thought or image that encourages your calm focus is a good choice for your meditation practice.

-Your mind may wander and thoughts may come through your mind as you practice.  That’s ok.  Gently shift back to your breathing or other point of focus.

-As a basic guideline in the beginning of your meditation practice, you want to quiet your mind for about 5 minutes.  This does not mean that you should be opening your eyes to check the time.  This is a guideline only.  When you sit to begin this new practice in your life, stay with the process of focus and calmly breathing until your eyes open naturally.  If you open your eyes and it’s been 2 minutes, gently close your eyes and continue.  You will get the hang of it.  Once you are regularly meditating for 5 minutes, increase your time to 10 minutes and so on.  20 minute meditations are a wonderful break each day.  Once you get to that point, you will decide where you want to go with your practice.  Each step is an important accomplishment.  You will be so happy with the feeling of calm that meditation brings to your life.

-The use of the word “practice” means just that.  To become proficient at anything we do and to enjoy the most benefits from it, we must practice.  So we refer to engaging in our, “meditation practice.”

-“Practice makes perfect,” applies with meditation.  Commit to practice on a regular basis, at least 3 – 4 times a week, up to every day!

Quieting your mind is key to creating balance in your life.  Balance allows for many wonderful things that are part of Happiness As A Skill. As you continue to visit here and read the lessons as they unfold, a calm and quiet mind will set the stage for you to embrace them all.

SKILL REVIEW

1-    Meditation will bring you a sense of calm, peace and balance

2-    Commit to following the simple instructions here to begin your meditation practice

3-    Practice is the key to incorporating Happiness Skills in to your daily life

4-    This is easy….have fun with it!  Any questions?  Just write to me.

Happy practicing!

Jane