Emily Wand

   I started a mediation practice last year. It was an incredibly stressful time and needed more balance. There are so many different styles of mediation techniques. I chose and trained in Transcendental Meditation. It has been a year, and things are slowly changing. It has created more balance in my body and mind; meditating twice daily and usually doing the morning and early evenings. Sometimes life gets chaotic, and I simply can't do it for a week a two. Being proactive in holding this little space for me is a weekly goal. I like to bring my avatar to sit by the ocean and meditate, belonging to a mediation group in Second Life, which is now inactive. I have been using this fantastic app called "Insight Timer." It has tons of short and long meditations and wellness classes. The sleeping mediations really help settle me before bed. I recommend downloading the app and giving it a try. Here are some simple techniques to meditate: 

1. Try to find a quiet place. Noise cancellation headphones can also help.
2. Set a timer for at least 15-20 minutes. 
3. Take a sitting position in whatever way feels comfortable. 
4. Close your eyes and breathe in whatever way feels comfortable and relaxing.
5.  Your mind will wander, and thoughts will come in and out. Don't worry, this is normal.
6. You can refocus your wandering thoughts on breathing, chanting, or Mantra. 
7. When the timer right rings; take your time and breathe, and slowly come out of mediation 
8. When you start meditating, you might be sleepy or tired; it will improve over time. 

  Be kind and gentle with yourself; meditation should come effortlessly and quickly. Sometimes the thoughts can be emotional that come in. Try not to overthink your thoughts; minds naturally wander. Over time mediation can help with focusing and alleviate stress and anxiety. It assists in relaxing the mind and body. I recommend meditating twice per day. You can always start with one meditation and work up to twice per day. 

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