Continuing where we left off with Part 1 (https://andreberrymeditation.co.uk/maintaining-your-meditation-practice-part-1/),
It’s good to look and learn from others who have become masters in their respective fields.
It’s logical, especially if we think back to the previous post where we discussed the Footballer and Doctor who clearly have to live and breathe their chosen professions in order to excel.
Whilst we are not looking to become “professionals” as such, being at the very least, interested in how stress affects the Mind can only help motivate us to deal with it as efficiently and as effectively as possible!
Plus, we should want to know more. It’s crazy that we don’t, every challenge we face in life can be made easier through greater awareness of the Mind’s potential and Meditation does just that naturally, easily and effortlessly!
Now that we are more inspired, if we haven’t already, attend a Meditation Course. I know there are plenty of books and more and more are online. But look for courses where we can work directly with a teacher.
For when they are working directly with us, they are able to recognise subtle differences between a correct and incorrect practice that wouldn’t always be so obvious in a book or online.
Once we have learned, attend any support sessions that are available. They invariably serve as an excellent refresher, packed with knowledge and attract like-minded souls (who can also be wonderful in encouraging you through times we would rather do something else, which happens to us all)!
Any decent teacher out there, of which there are many. Will offer continued support. Some will offer it online and on the phone, others will offer group meetings, retreats and a few will offer 1:1 meetings too. Just so you know we offer it all 😉
Now, look to create a environment/lifestyle that supports our practice. For will power alone does not work. We eventually tire and as we do naturally drop into bad/lazy habits.
Nothing too excessive, but do explore the idea getting a good night’s sleep, as sleep affects everything we do including Meditation and Yoga (If you are struggling with sleep I do recommend “Sleep” by Nick Littlehales who has some excellent tips on how to get a great night’s sleep also “Why we Sleep” by Matthew Walker is very good. Meditation itself will also help).
To add, in “Atomic Habits” by James Clear (a very good book on the art of maintaining good habits) he believes initially in small changes/shifts integrated into our day, rather than big ones are the way forward when looking to grow your Meditation.
So whether our practice requires you to “Close Your Eyes” once a day, twice a day, or numerous times throughout the day. Some time is better than no time!
In time, 5 minutes will become 10 minutes, 10 minutes will become 15 and so on.
Next thing we know the regularity will become our new norm, by attending support sessions we are now interpreting experiences correctly, we are also more motivated than ever to maintain our practice because we understand the benefits of meditation and we not only have support as and when we want it but we now have access to like-minded friends who also think the same way as we do and that is Meditation not only works but is AMAZING!!
For more information on upcoming events including courses on Transcendental Meditation please contact me directly at hello@andreberrymeditation.co.uk
