The beginning of a new year is a great time to reflect. What have I learned from the past? What do I hope for the future? The past is simply the lessons we have experienced, the future a clean slate on which to write. Go forward with a spirit of hope and expectancy. Open yourself to all that is available to you. You have begun a new journey!
Sometimes I journal before I meditate, to let my internal thoughts go. I find that process helpful, it brings out ideas that want to be released. I am amazed at what comes out when I honor my inner voice. After journalling, I am able to sit comfortably and quietly in my easy chair, close my eyes and just ‘be’ with my breath. I put my attention on my body and how it feels as the breath comes in and out of my lungs. I feel my heartbeat and think about the life-sustaining blood flow that travels quickly, yet effortlessly throughout my body. Putting attention on my body keeps me in the present moment. With my eyes closed, I shut off external visual stimuli, but not the internal dialog, my mind keeps thinking, as minds will do, even when asleep.
The key is to watch the thoughts as they drift by, while shifting your focus back to your breath or heartbeat. When we do this, we break the chain reaction of one thought leading to another. We simply observe our thoughts and gently bring our attention back to our breath. This creates space in the mind-body and allows you to experience the peace and the possibility in every moment. After twenty minutes of meditation, we are free to go on with the rest of our day, however, since we have experienced inner peace, we bring a new awareness to our day.
Debra is a Certified Instructor from the Chopra Center of Well Being. She brings with her over 20 years of meditation and wellness experience.
