Easy Meditation Technique: Visualization

Have you considered incorporating meditation into your daily routine to help you unwind and relieve your tension? It may appear that meditation is a complex process that requires advanced awareness and ability, but at its foundation, meditation is largely about focus and relaxation.

The following visualization exercise will help you realize just how simple it is to meditate. The instructions aren’t hard to follow, and the exercise can be done easily in any comfortable location in your house.

Many people prefer to meditate first thing in the morning, although it can be done anytime that’s convenient for you. There are usually fewer distractions in the morning, and your mind hasn’t had a chance to become cluttered with to-do lists, irritations and everyday crises.

The first step is to choose a peaceful, secluded room in which to meditate, away from other people and noisy distractions. Next, find a comfortable position in which to sit. You might think you have to sit cross-legged with a stiff spine like you’ve seen in pictures, but that’s not at all necessary. You can sit on the bed, the floor, in a chair or on a pillow, just as long as you’re comfortable. You might find it uncomfortable to cross your legs, or find that it hinders your blood flow, so keep your legs extended and relaxed if you want. Make sure your spine is upright but relaxed.

Once you’re settled, relax your body and close your eyes. Be conscious of this state for a minute or two in order to calm your mind and loosen up.

This visualization exercise consists of focusing on a specific object. You can select any object you wish, such as a tree, a candle or even a favorite animal. Think about this object and its many qualities. Vividly imagine its texture, smooth or rough; its shape, curvy or sharp; and its color. Next, picture yourself becoming that object.

Try to stay calm and relaxed during your visualization meditation. Don’t force your thoughts, just focus on your object and effortlessly become a part of it.

The key to your success in this visualization exercise is to not let your focus be sidetracked by obtrusive thoughts or noises. If you hear something that distracts you or if you start thinking about your schedule for the day, just let go of the distraction and concentrate once again on your object.

To attain a high level of concentration and the ability to focus your mind will involve considerable practice. But through time, you should be able to visualize any object with little effort.

Learning to block out distractions and focus your mind will be accomplished much more quickly if you add visualization meditation to your daily routine. Soon you’ll be well on your way to a calmer, more relaxed state of being.

Tags: Meditation