Sukey and Elizabeth Novogratz say that if you’re breathing, you’re halfway to meditation. The other half is paying attention to your breath.
Misconceptions about meditation may keep you away. You don’t have to sit for hours, be perfectly still or clear out all of your thoughts. It’s okay to acknowledge your thoughts.
You may think you need to worry about things or that you can control the universe with your thoughts. Obsessive thinking creates stress. Meditation allows you to observe your thoughts and make decisions about them.
Detoxify your thoughts with these simple steps:
- Sit comfortably.
- Close your eyes.
- Take four deep belly breaths. (Inhale for three counts, exhale for three counts.)
- Keep your mind on your breathing but notice when the thoughts come.
- Start by meditating for two minutes. Slowly increase your time on a daily basis.