Michigan Counseling

Meditation can be a wonderful way to improve your health and wellness. Many people get frustrated when they try to learn meditation. But it can be very easy to learn with the right starting point. So here is our 8 step guide to obtaining health and wellness through meditation.

1. Pick a type of meditation -- There are far more types of meditation then most people realize: No-mind: the traditional Zen form of clearing the mind of all thought Visualization: using mental imagery for a variety of purposes, from bringing the mind into mental balance, to reinforcing a commitment Moving: while most people don't realize is, the runner's zone is actually a form of meditation, and can be reached through a number of activities Focus: using a candle, ripples on a pond, incense, mantra, or any other focus as a tool to quiet the mind Experiment with different types, and find one that works well for you. 

2. Decide on a purpose -- Even no-mind has a point to it. For this program, your purpose is to achieve health and wellness. This purpose should become a background to your meditation.  

3. Set a schedule -- Like exercise, or anything else related to health and wellness, you will get the greatest effects by setting a regular schedule. It's best to set aside time once a day, for 5-15 minutes to start. As you become more comfortable, and your mind learns the patterns and practice, you can increase the amount of time you spend. 

4. Plan for health and wellness -- It's important to plan your meditation to suit your purpose, health and wellness. To a certain extent, your practice will automatically improve your health and wellness. This is because some of the automatic results of meditation are lowered blood pressure, lowered heart rate, decreased stress and increased immune response. However, there are additional ways to improve your health and wellness. Visualizing your immune system becoming strong, making a mantra of a promise to eat healthier, or focusing on the feel of you body's vitality during no-mind are all things that can lead to greater health and wellness.  

5. Make a commitment -- You probably won't see immediate results. You need to make a long term commitment to stick with your plan and schedule. 

6. Keep a record -- Keep track of how well your meditation goes each day, and how you are feeling.

7. Have an alternative plan -- You may find the perfect technique right off, or it may take some experimenting. If you find you having trouble meditating, or not seeing an improvement in your health and wellness you may want to try a different technique or schedule. 

8. Enjoy yourself -- If you can't enjoy yourself, you need to find another option, whether it's a different technique, plan or schedule, or something else entirely. Creating stress forcing yourself to do something you don't like is not going to do you any good at all.