Meditation students regularly come to me to find out how they can improve their meditation. Any one single factor does not result in successful meditation. Success depends on a sustained and systematic effort over a period of time. However, there are a few tips that will help you to improve your meditation, regardless of the meditation method you are following.
1. Prepare Your Body For Meditation.
Your physical condition has a great influence on your mind. This is true for daily life and especially for meditation. Eating the right food helps to prepare your body for meditation and by coming to meditation with an empty stomach. Eating the right food means food to strengthen the body without having a negative effect on the mind. If you consume products that makes your mind dull or over-stimulated then it will be much more difficult to meditate. Whatever your diet, when you sit down to meditate, it should be on an empty stomach. Consequently, one of the best times to meditate is in the morning, before breakfast. Another good time is in the evening, before the evening meal.
2. Prepare Your Mind For Meditation
Your mind must be just as prepared as your body. Before meditating remember that this is your own time for personal growth and the importance of this for you. After closing your eyes to meditate, you should not jump up to answer the phone or leave your meditation for some slight disturbance. Convince yourself of the importance of meditation. Your example will also convince others around you, so that they don’t disturb you while meditating. Treat your time for meditation as one of the most important parts of your daily routine.
3. Sing Before Meditation
The Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore, once said, “God respects me when I work, but He loves me when I sing”. This explains the place of song and music in all the great spiritual tradititions. Try singing spiritual songs before you meditate which elevate your mind. Singing from the heart is more important than your standard of singing and your mind will get to a point that will be ideal to start your meditation.
4. Sit In A Proper Position
Cast your mind back to school and the teacher saw someone slumping in a chair, and she said “Sit up straight!”. The teacher had a good point. When your back is straight, your mind is alert. Sit with a straight back with cross legs in a simple position, or a half-lotus or full lotus. As well as keeping the mind more alert, these positions help you to rest the various motor organs and provide a peaceful physical base for meditation. To start with, these positions may feel difficult or uncomfortable but with practice, they will help to deepen your meditation.
5. Follow The Meditations Exactly
Remember what your meditation instructor teaches you and try to carry it out exactly. Don’t try to make up your own methods. The various systems of meditation are based on thousands of years of experience. Take advantage of the ancient knowledge and you will make rapid steps towards a bright future. Your instructor will be able to help you with any meditation methods you have forgotten.
6. Regularity In Your Meditation Is Important
Regularity is very important for success. It only works if you work at it. Meditation once a month or when you feel like it will not be successful. You will miss out on the benefits, mental clarity, inner peace, love for others and spiritual awareness. Make meditation part of your daily routine. Fix a time for meditation, either in the morning or evening. This is an important step in your meditation and in your life.
7. Be Patient
Miraculous changes in your personality or spiritual life are not going to be achieved in one sitting of meditation. Don’t be discouraged if you feel that nothing is happening. Meditation is a subtle art, the changes may be slow but sure. With practice your meditation will deepen and be successful.
