9. Add your own mantra to your meditations. This could be any word or short phrase that has meaning for you. If there is a particular character attribute that you are striving for in your life - use that. Some examples are love, peace, serenity, God. Repeat your mantra with each inhalation of the breath and feel yourself breathing in this attribute. Mantras are also useful for insomnia.

10. When using guided meditations that rely on imagery be patient with yourself if you don't see the images right away. It sometimes takes a few sittings before your mind is comfortable enough to allow the images to appear. When a visualization is suggested in a meditation - go with the first thing that comes into your mind and allow it to unfold. Focus on this first impression and stay with it. If your rational mind begins to question the validity of your imagery simply push those thoughts aside and stay with your impressions.

11. A Loving Kindness meditation can be practiced all day. When you start your day, take a few moments to awaken the feeling of unconditional love in your heart center. To do this simply set your attention at your heart center and then remember a time or place where you felt complete joy and love. Allow that feeling to become a part of your consciousness again. Then as you go through your day whenever you think of it set your attention back to your heart center and remember again that feeling of loving kindness.

12. Posture is very important when meditating. The correct way so sit is with your back straight, shoulders back, and your solar plexus pushed slightly forward causing a slight curve in your spine. It is easier to maintain this posture if you put a small pillow under your tail bone and allow your entire body to lean forward slightly. Once you have the correct posture allow yourself to settle down into the pillow and become comfortable. By keeping the correct posture your life energy can more easily flow up and down your spine enhancing your meditation - especially if you are doing a chakra meditation.
    

13. Chanting is an effective way to get into a meditative state especially when your conscious mind is being very active. It gives you something to focus on outside of your thoughts. Vocalize the universal sound OM (the o is pronounced like the o in home) - drawing it out so that it lasts a couple of seconds. Then keep repeating this sound for 5 minutes. You'll be surprised at the end of the time how your body and mind has calmed down.

14. Discipline is important! Set up a meditation schedule and stick to it. For one week - meditate every day, at the same time of day, for the same length of time. Be sure to make this a reasonable schedule - one that you can stick to. At the end of the week notice how much easier it is to become quiet than it was at the beginning of the week.

15. Be patient with yourself and know that each day will be different when meditating. Some days it may seem impossible to quiet your conscious mind. It is on those most difficult days that meditating will be the most beneficial. When your conscious mind is extremely active and refuses to calm down use a guided meditation - at least to start your meditation session. It will give you something outside of yourself to focus on so that your mind will more easily calm down.

16. Mantras are words or short phrases that are used to facilitate your spiritual growth. They are also very helpful for developing concentration and focus while meditating. You can find your own mantra by asking your higher self while meditating to give you one and then listen for the first thing that comes into your mind. If you have trouble listening to your intuitive voice, you can look through inspirational books for a short phrase or word that stands out or check out our Mantras page for a list of useful mantras and their meanings.

More Meditation Tips

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