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Do your days feel rushed? No time to relax? How would you like to start your day feeling like you are in control? Here is a quick meditation you can do first thing in the morning to help you feel energized and focused.

Steps to a Quick Meditation

Step 1: Find a quiet place and get comfortable. You can sit on the floor with your legs crossed or in a chair with your feet touching the ground. TIP: The perfect time to do a quick meditation is before everyone in the house wakes up.

Step 2: Close your eyes and slow down your breathing by inhaling and counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and exhale 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Repeat 5 times and breathe a little deeper each time. As you do this exercise your body will begin to relax.

Step 3: Now visualize yourself sitting near a beautiful waterfall. The sky is a deep blue and the sun’s rays are like diamonds as they touch the water. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face. You can hear the sound of the waterfall as it cascades over the cliff and into the pool below. The birds are singing and the breeze lightly brushes the trees. Let your thoughts get caught up in your surroundings. Stay in your visualization as long as you like . . . be in the moment.

Step 4: You can now slowly leave your visualization by counting to 10. With each count you are coming out of your meditative state to where you are currently sitting.
By now you should feel refreshed and ready to take on your day. Be consistent with this quick meditation and you will find that it’s easier to relax, handle stress and have a positive outlook.

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Recently I visited the beautiful desert of Carefree Arizona. Just the name Carefree set the tone of the trip! As I drove to my destination I began to notice that the names of the streets were quit unique. I passed Easy Street, Lazy Burro, Tranquil Trail and HoHum Road. Feeling “Carefree” I was ready to kick off my shoes and relax!

Mindfulness Meditation Defined

Now I’m sure you are asking yourself what does Carefree Arizona have to do with Mindfulness Meditation. First let me give you the definition of Mindfulness Meditation . . . is to BE PRESENT in the MOMENT. With mindfulness meditation you are aware of thoughts, feelings and surroundings without resisting or placing judgment. For example: once I entered Carefree I was in a state of mindfulness mediation. I was caught up in the MOMENT. While driving, I noticed the beautiful hills, cactus, the soft warm breeze and the deep blue sky. I realized that I was in a state of mindfulness meditation without a conscious effort.

Get Started

Mindfulness meditation is a great place to start for anyone who wants to practice focus and awareness. To get started release any preconceived ideas or expectations of the world or people around you. When you don’t have expectations you can really feel inner peace and happiness.  This creates a feeling of gratitude for the simple things in our lives.

Simple Steps to Mindfulness Meditation

Step 1: You can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere: riding in a car, taking a walk, in an airplane, watching a football game or riding a bike. The key is to recognize your surroundings and focus on what is happening at that moment. Then just let your thoughts flow without dwelling or analyzing any one thought.

Step 2: Breathe naturally, no need to force it.

Step 3: Relax and enjoy the moment . . . that’s it! It’s really that simple! No need to have a formal meditation session. You can practice mindfulness meditation while going about your day!

By practicing mindfulness mediation regularly you will create a new way to manage and improve how you handle stress. Just by being aware or your emotions and surroundings your health and mental well being will increase! Make mindfulness meditation a part of your daily routine and you will discover things about yourself that will surprise you! Go ahead see for yourself!

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We’ve all heard the saying . . . “the heart grows fonder” or “you change your life by changing your heart”. Our emotions play a significant role in our lives and come right from the heart. The heart is the center of love and energy in our body. You can use heart chakra meditation to heal emotionally and physically.

What is Heart Chakra Meditation:

The heart is one of seven chakras that are believed to have healing powers. The heart chakra is located in the center of our chest. It not only affects the heart but the circulatory system along with the lungs, breasts, shoulders, arms and esophagus.

The heart chakra meditation deals with emotions like love, joy, hope and inner peace. It also handles and can release negative emotions like fear, anger, doubt and jealousy.

Using heart chakra meditation will aid in the process of learning to love yourself and give you emotional strength.

Benefits of Heart Chakra Mediation:

Physical Benefits of Heart Chakra Meditation:

• Increased memory
• Relieve muscular tension
• Boost immune system
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Ability to sleep more deeply and restfully
• Increased energy levels
   

Emotional Benefits of Heart Chakra Meditation:

• Expand problem solving abilities
• Confidence increases
• Become more positive
• Reduce irritability and moodiness
• Boost creativity 
• Greater ability to give and receive love
• Smile more often!
   

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

• A greater sense of purpose in your life
• Improved intuition
• Feeling increased LOVE
• An openness to higher power

Who wouldn’t pay big bucks for the benefits of Heart Chakra Meditation! I know I would! The great thing is you can do it right in your own home with a little practice and determination. Experiment with Heart Chakra Meditation and see the benefits for yourself!

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Using meditation stones is a great way to channel energy and focus awareness of the body and soul. To make it easier to concentrate during meditation you may benefit by holding a meditation stone or crystal. Ancient spiritual traditions use meditation stones for their metaphysical powers and healing properties. Whether you are beginning a meditation routine or looking to strengthen your spiritual awareness, you can use meditation stones for their energy and power.

Types of Meditation Stones

Meditation stones come in many types and shapes. Choose a stone that is beautiful in color and has a texture that appeals to you. Here are some examples of meditation stones and there energy qualities:

Crystals

A Crystals is believed to have an energy that will help you have a powerful meditation experience.

Pink Rose Quartz

A pink rose quartz focuses on love and sensuality.

Amethyst

An amethyst has a beautiful purple hue. This is a meditation stone known for spirituality and transformation.

Turquoise

Turquoise stones have been found to be a great healer. The use of these stones is healthy not only for the body but also for the soul.

Sapphire

Sapphire is considered a wisdom stone and is associated with healing unwanted thoughts and anxiety.

Amber

Amber’s orange-brown color is believed to have an overall calming and positive healing effect on body. It is also known for cleansing the of the body negative energy.

Ruby

Ruby is a precious stone, and one of the most popular for meditation purposes. The Ruby brings strong energy in the body and soul and encourages a powerful passion for life.

Emerald

Emerald is a stone that brings inspiration and infinite patience to you.

Use meditation stones to bring a positive energy to your meditation routine!

Order your meditation stones or a book today:

MEDITATION STONES: Chakra Healing Stones
Chakra Balancing Healing Stone Kit with Free Pouch

Book: Stones of the New Consciousness Stones of the New Consciousness: Healing, Awakening and Co-creating with Crystals, Minerals and Gems

Book: Crystal for Beginners

Crystals for Beginners: A Guide to Collecting & Using Stones & Crystals (For Beginners (Llewellyn’s))

Does Meditation mean sitting in a quiet room focusing on thoughts alone?

Meditation may have started out that way but over time meditation certainly has evolved.

Meditation and Music

Of course, music too has been around from the beginning of time. Music has been used to honor spiritual gods, bring rain and it plays a big part in celebrations all over the world.

It stands to reason that music and meditation go hand in hand. They enhance each other.

Music has a strong influence on one’s mind and mood. For example, most agree that classical music can help you relax when stressed. Rock-and-roll can give you an energy boost or it can make you irritated.

What we want for our purposes is something that calms and relaxes.

The benefit to good meditation audio is the soothing and relaxing affect it has on the mind and body. Including Meditation Audio as part of your routine will help you stay focused and relaxed.

Meditation Audio Loved by All Ages

Meditation music audios are growing in popularity among all ages. In fact, today there are many schools that are implementing meditation music in the classroom. They have found meditation audio helps students to improve their concentration. Interestingly, this makes for a more tentative class and gives the students a better learning environment.

Exploring Meditation Audio

The style of meditation audio you choose will obviously vary from person to person. There are many different sources of meditation audio: CD’s, mp3’s and downloads. The internet has a vast selection. You may want to try the iTunes website. They have a great variety! Fortunately, when shopping online you can sample many different types of music before you buy. You may also find free downloads to add to your collection.

Here Are Some Types of Meditation Audio You May Want to Explore

* Mozart
* Tai-chi
* Nature Sounds
* Visualization Audio
* Mantra Audio (repeated words or affirmations)
* Native American/drums
* Rural India
* Ancient Chinese Instruments
* Chakra Music

Let the Music Take You Away

When using meditation audio the music should be quietly heard in the back ground. You don’t want the music to be distracting. You want your focus on breathing and relaxing. Let the music calm and sooth you. Let your mind travel to a peaceful place. Sit in the stillness of the moment.

Have Fun with Meditation Audio

Of course, you don’t have to be meditating to receive the benefits of meditation audio. It can be played in the background while at work to help you focus or in the car to relax. Play music designed for meditating in the morning to set the tone for the day or at night to unwind. You may even play it while your kids are doing homework to help them focus.

Give different types of meditation audios a try and notice your tension melt away and your mood improve.

Look at our picks for Meditation Cushions

Make sure you read about all the topics coming up on the  Meditation Online front page.

How important are breathing techniques while meditating?

No doubt, proper breathing is a key to successful meditation.  It is also something that is overlooked by many in everyday life.  By allowing yourself to breathe deeply you can release stress, improve concentration and increase your energy levels.  Practice the Meditation Guide techniques below while meditating.

Breathing Techniques

Inhale and exhale through your nose to better control your breathing.  As you start to inhale your belly will begin to expand, then you will notice your mid section grow, and finally air will fill your rib cage.  Now hold your breath for a brief moment if possible.  Remember to breathe evenly and slowly.  Then exhale in a controlled fashion.  As you exhale, release the air from your lower belly area first, then the mid section and finally from your upper chest region. The same as you inhaled.

Use Meditation Guide – Counting, A Simple Tool

Follow the Meditation Guide and count 1,2,3,4 as you inhale, then hold briefly, and exhale in the same fashion.  Count slightly longer on the exhale, 1,2,3,4,5,6.  You will want to experiment with what works best for you. Once you practice for a minute you start to relax, and this is what we ultimately want.

Meditation Guide – Seeing Benefits

When using the breathing techniques you get better at controlling your breath. You will inhale deeper and exhale for a longer period of time.  This is not only good practice while meditating, it is a good breathing technique for everyday life.  You will feel more alert and relaxed. You are getting the full benefit of proper breathing when your lungs are at full capacity and you find yourself sitting up straight without much effort.

Energy Surge in Minutes

Using this Meditation Guide your breathing techniques will surely improve. You will begin to notice your inter-costal muscles (the muscles around your chest) expanding and contracting.  This is normal and is a sign that you are breathing deeper than normal.  This is a good thing!   It is proven that increasing the flow of oxygen helps a multitude of things: Increased energy, a relaxed state of mind and an increase in endorphins. The Meditation Guide will help with your overall health and energy level!

Read about using music with meditation here: Meditation Audio and You

Revive Your Senses with Meditation Audio

Music can play an important role in your meditation routine so consider using a good meditation audio for meditating.

For example sounds of nature like a waterfall, the ocean waves, chimes and birds singing will aid you into a state of relaxation. You may also enjoy meditation audio with piano, violin or a symphony.

You will discover that different sounds will have a strong influence on your emotions and mood. Experiment and find what meditation audio and sounds work best for you.

Music and Healing

Did you know that well selected audios and meditation when used together have a healing effect on both the body and mind?

Music, for example along with meditation can generate and release endorphins. These endorphins give your body the power to heal. Meditation audios create a harmonic relationship between body, mind and spirit.

Another benefit to using meditation audio is its ability to relieve anxiety and stress. Two amazing results!

Meditation Audio In the Form of Music

There are many different types of meditation audios. The meditation music that you choose for your morning meditation maybe calming and rejuvenating. If you are listening to a mediation audio during the day you might try something with a faster tempo to increase energy and keep you focused. During the evening you may want an audio meant to help relieve stress from the day and aid you in a good night sleep. Whatever your mood there is plenty of options for you.

Type of Meditation Audios

Classical Music for Meditation

Classical music audios has been proven to calm and sooth. There is a wide range of music meditation audio out there. Find your favorites; you may be surprised how different arrangements can change your mood. For example classical music played with only the piano can be relaxing, while music meditation audio played with the full orchestra can be more dramatic and uplifting.

Sounds of Nature for Meditation

Meditation audios sounds of nature can be very relaxing. There are many options. Sounds of nature may include rhythmic ocean waves, birds, rain, thunder and wind or a running creek.

Ambient Music Audios for Meditation

Ambient, or sound based audio has become very popular for relaxation. Ambient audio is subtle instrumental audio. It focuses more on sound than melody. I really enjoy the audio of Paul Collier and he has an inspirational story as well. Here is a link to his website  http://www.paulfromstokeuk.com/

Ethnic Music for Meditation

Try audios designed for meditation that are songs and sounds from around the world. Here are a few suggestions; native tribal drums, ancient Chinese instruments, audio from rural India or African rain dance audio. Different types of meditation audio can produce a new meditation experience.

For more, see Meditation Audio and You

Also visit our post on Meditation Gongs here.