Think Happy!

Learning to relax is, in my personal experience, fundamental to living a life of joy. However, because it sounds so simple, it is often by-passed in favour of more ‘mysterious’, ‘ethereal’ or ‘New Age’ solutions.

One of the the most helpful tools that I’ve found in learning to relax is meditation. When it is not part of a particular religious tradition, meditation can seem pretty mundane, leading us to doubt its benefits. As a result, we miss-out on the effective simplicity of advice like this in an article from metaphysical healer and counsellor, Dina Cramer:

Step One: Creating the space for meditation

‘You can create a personal sanctuary for yourself - a place of peace and beauty- a reminder of your commitment to yourself.’

Step Two: Using a CD

Step Three: Meditation posture

‘The main thing is to find a posture that is comfortable for you, in which you can relax fully.’

Step Four: Breathing

I’ve written on this before and am planning an upcoming series on Ki Breathing.

Step Five: Allow yourself to be guided

‘Guided meditations are therefore useful, especially for the beginner meditator, as your mind is kept focused on the process at hand.’

I understand why this advice is given and have enjoyed guided meditations myself. As the author states, for the beginnner, they can be particularly useful. Before I began counselling for stress, I couldn’t even tell you what it felt like to be relaxed! So, it was helpful for me to be gently lead into a relaxed state and have someone there who could guide me as to when I should enjoy the moment, when I should move on, and so on. However, I am also concerned that too much emphasis on guided meditations can disempower people, making them dependant on someone else to learn what it essential a very natural act.

It is also impossible to have a guide with you 24-7, so it can prohibit the ability to reach such a state throughout the day.

Step Six: Enjoy Your Day

Take the wonderful feeling of relaxation, bliss and healing that you have gained from the meditation and radiate it throughout the day.

This is precisely the (wonderful) goal that I fear too many guided meditations can rob us off.

Step Seven: Create a Meditation Discipline

If you are serious about developing your spirituality and empowering yourself, it is a good idea to create a meditation discipline where you are able to meditate everyday, preferably at the same time. This becomes your sanctuary- and the inner peace you gain in meditation will be reflected in your life.

Like I said, it’s simple advice. But, you might just find that it contains the keys to success for your new journey on the pursuit of happiness.