INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, it is often our mind that stands in the way of our quest toward vibrant physical health.The mind continually tries to control what happens to us and to think its way to the next solution. In fact, the way to a healthy body that is vibrantly alive lies in knowing how to work with the mind, how to move beyond it, and how to understand what is beneath it.

A simple meditation process will provide peace and quiet for your mind, and relaxation for your body. You can complete this meditation in about ten minutes. If time is a particular concern, you might want to set a timer. Just be kind to yourself and pick a timer that isn’t too jarring when it rings. Over time, you will probably find yourself wanting about twenty minutes for your morning meditation.

Sit comfortably on the floor in a cross-legged position with good back support, or sit in a comfortable chair. Make sure that you are sitting upright with your spine erect. Place your hands at your sides or in your lap, whichever feels more natural. The more comfortable you are, the less you will be distracted.

Become conscious of your breathing. Think of breathing in peace and tranquility, and breathing out tension.

Your breath will relax your body, slowing down your body’s metabolism and encouraging the experience of stillness. Breathing entrains the mind and allows it to find its own natural rhythm.

Using your mind’s eye, focus all your attention on what is happening right now in the present moment. Extract your mind from all past events and future possibilities in order to fully participate in the meditation.

MEDITATION TIP

Initially, meditation is like training a dog to stay on the front porch. At first you may need to tie your dog to the porch, but after he gets the idea, and with a little encouragement from you, he will usually stay there all by himself. Like your dog, you may have to tell your mind to stay put on the porch for a while; eventually, however, it will love being there.

As your breathing becomes more steady, and you allow yourself to be with the present moment, focus your awareness and attention very softly on the space between your eyes. This is the location of your third eye, which connects your pituitary and pineal glands. Your soft focus at this location helps to activate your higher consciousness. Maintain this focus as you continue to relax. A soft focus is important here, as you want your awareness to expand to include this important location, not to focus so intently that you exclude everything else.  Just let your breath breathe you into a meditative state.

After a good stretch of time with a soft focus of attention resting between your eyes (about ten minutes), take an exhalation breath and let go of everything. See if you can experience an attitude of gratitude throughout your entire Being—gratitude for anything that comes to consciousness, even for your breath itself. Be thankful not just with your mind, but with your body, mind, heart, and spirit.

During the meditation, your mind will try to interrupt your peace and quiet with really important thoughts like “What am I going to wear today?” Simply lead it back to the porch.

Your breathing will usually let you know when your meditation is complete, as you will naturally take a deep, cleansing breath. Consciously enjoy the experience for a few more moments before getting on with your day.

If your life is particularly stressful, meditate again that day, even if only for a few minutes. Make your morning meditation a priority, and you will soon experience the benefits of peace and tranquility. There is always a good excuse not to meditate. In my experience, none of them are ever good enough.