Meditate for Your Health and Happiness

Have you always thought about meditating but weren't sure of where to start? I'm here to help. About two years ago I attended a workshop on beginners meditation and since then I've worked it into my daily life by dedicating a simple five to ten minutes in the morning to sitting peacefully and focusing on my breath. The results are amazing. The leap from calm to angry or anxious is much more rare, and it has also helped me be more focused.

Getting started can sometimes be tricky, that's why I love to listen to a group of podcasts that I've downloaded from iTunes called "Mediation Oasis," which includes guided meditations by a women named Mary Maddux. Her voice is one of the most soothing I've ever heard. Depending on your mood, you can choose a short breathing exercise or a longer exercise on emotional ease or healing. She even has a podcast that offers tips on how to start and how to achieve the greatest benefit from meditating.

Mindful Meditation can build your inner resources, allowing you to be calmer and more insightful when facing stress and more present in your daily life. Studies show that meditation can reduce your risk for disease and even relieve pain that you are currently experiencing.

So, my question is, when can you use 10 minutes of peace and quiet? Maybe it's before or after a long day at work or prior to a big interview? The best part? You don't need a podcast; all you need is your breath. Close your eyes, sit up straight (or however your comfortable) and focus on breathing in and out of your nose, bringing your attention back to the breath when it wonders to thoughts. Or try focusing on a pleasant image if that works for you. After 10 minutes, you'll have reduced stress levels and likely lowered your heart rate, which is good for your health!

Get more tips on getting started on mindful mediation here.