How to improve your focus and mindfulness through meditation.

I have found that meditation has had a powerful impact on my happiness. Studies have proven that people who meditate regularly are less stressed. Meditation helps me put things into perspective and helps me to recognise thinking patterns or thoughts that help me remain happy and those that don’t. It has allowed me to be an observer of my thoughts. This is most useful because it is only when I am aware of what is happening in my mind that I can change. I can’t change what I don’t monitor. Meditation can help you recognise your thoughts and interpretations and help you see that the source of your unhappiness is often thought patterns that have become automatic. It can help you recognise unhelpful thoughts and provides you with the opportunity to release those thoughts and concentrate on finding peace.

“The mind is like a garden you choose what to grow weeds or flowers”.

When meditating observe a thought as a thought. Acknowledge it, accept it and then let it go. Usually we are ‘thought huggers’ and we try to engage with our thoughts no matter what it is and how badly it will hurt us. It helps to remember a thought is merely a thought. It is not a fact or a truth. Mind watching is a good way to reduce anxiety. It helps you become adept at not engaging with unhelpful thoughts. During the day I usually tell myself Control, Alt, Delete when I recognise an unhelpful thought. Gradually they cease. Then you begin to experience more tranquility in your life.

There are many forms of meditation. When I was first learning I simply lay down away from distractions and focussed on my breathing counting to 4 on the in breath, holding to the count of 4 and releasing to the count of 4. Or you can breathe to the pattern of 4, 7 and 8. Make sure you are doing belly breathing, rather than shallow breathing from your chest. You might want to listen to music or a guided meditation. Find what works for you.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about meditation or have a life coaching session around changing thought patterns.