WEEK 6 FAVOURITES: An Introduction to Meditation by Debbie Cairns of The Still Point

My tip of the day for improving your wellbeing, is to try and spend 5 every day minutes in meditation.

Now, the usual response when I talk about meditation, is for people to say ‘i’ve tried it, I just can’t do it, my mind is too busy!’ That’s because people have the wrong idea about what meditation is.

Meditation is not a magic technique that if you just learn the right one, attend the right course, or focus hard enough, is suddenly going to make your brain go silent. Thoughts are a part of the meditation process. The difference is that you are observing those thoughts, rather than being lost in them. So… when you’re thinking during your meditation practice, you’re not doing anything wrong!!!

Meditation is simply the practice of sitting, breathing and becoming aware of the present moment. Observing everything that is happening inside and around you, in a relaxed, non-judgemental fashion.

But just sitting, breathing and observing all those thoughts can be overwhelming initially, so it is helpful to give the mind a hook. Something to focus on. And by giving the mind a task, we create a gateway for stillness to arise around that gentle point of focus. There are a myriad of different ‘hooks’ to try – apps, dvds, CDs, YouTube videos, classes and courses. My recommendation is to try out a couple and see what resonates for you.  My other recommendation is to start small – 5 minutes a day is all you need to do initially. Once you’re in the routine of meditating daily then you can build on the time if you like. However, there really is no need. Spending even 5 minutes per day sitting, breathing and observing will do your health and wellbeing the world of good.

To Do:

Interested but not sure where to start? Click on the link below for a short, FREE guided relaxation/mindful meditation I taught some clients recently. Enjoy and i’d love to hear how you find it.

 Short Guided Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation

About Debbie Cairns

Debbie is a certified teacher and healer with a passion for helping busy people improve their wellbeing quickly and easily through workshops, yoga and meditation. She is the founder of The Still Point which offers yoga, mediation and wellbeing workshops and programs for corporate wellness. Find out more about Debbie’s story in this short video..