Guest Author - Susan Kramer

The desire to reclaim one’s inner peace is a reason many people begin to meditate. For others, it is a desire to go within to commune with their Source. Either way, here are some ideas to begin.

To prepare for your meditation practice

At home - set aside a place special place. It doesn’t have to be a whole room. At different times in my life I have used a corner of my bedroom and put a folding screen around the area. I used a pillow for sitting and an upturned carton with a small table cloth cover. Then I placed a vase of flowers, a book of inspiring verse and a candle on my little table. When I was behind my screen, it was a retreat from the cares of the world.

Pick a regular time of day for practice - I like to end my day by sitting quietly, reading an uplifting verse, saying a prayer, and talking over my day with my Higher Self or God or what ever name you have for your Source of wisdom and comfort.

Some easy ways to meditate

Even breathing practice - take a breath in counts 1, 2, then breathe out counts 3, 4; breathe in counts 1, 2, then breathe out counts 3, 4 and continue for about 5 minutes. Follow this even breathing with appreciations for the people in your life and think of at least one way to do another a good turn the next day.

Candle gazing - tratak - sit on your cushion facing your little table and do the even breathing while watching the candle flame with half closed eyes; don’t strain. If you feel like it, close your eyes after a few minutes. Finish your tratak with the appreciations described in the previous paragraph.

Out on the street or at work or school - on a moment’s notice when feeling upset begin your even breathing technique and continue a few rounds till you regain your composure.

After some practice, enjoy your growing sense of peace!

More ways to meditate
Yoga Meditation
Mandala or Yantra Meditation
Meditating for World Peace
Mantra and Om Meditation Techniques
For children and teens
Meditation, Prayers and Affirmations for Children and Teens
Recommended book
Integral Yoga Hatha by Sri Sw. Satchidananda - A Book Review

Article - Susan Kramer

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.