Have you been practicing meditation for a while and find that it suddenly is not working for you? Do you feel like you are under water and can’t get air? Do you have so much to do that you just don’t know where to start? Don’t despair. You can get back in your rhythm again.
Meditation is a life-enhancing skill. It is a skill that you need to continually work on. You will have days or weeks when it feels like your meditation session is not working the way you want it to. Maybe you have too many things going on and you just feel like you can’t concentrate. Here are some things that you can do when your meditation practice is not working.
Meditation is very personal. Some people like to meditate alone while others do best in a group setting. If you have been meditating alone, try the group setting or vice versa. People feel that they should meditate alone to experience less distractions but you may find that a group setting actually gives you the support that you require.
When you begin to mediate, do you assume the pose right away? Maybe you need to just sit down on a chair first to get yourself ready to mediate. Some people find that it is more comfortable to lie down first to get ready. Once you feel relaxed, assume whatever position is comfortable for you before you begin to meditate. Once you begin, you don’t want to move around or adjust too much because that will distract you and break your flow.
Proper breathing is essential to meditation. Are you breathing from your diaphragm or are you breathing from your chest? Breathe from your diaphragm very slowly and very deep. Pay close attention and actually visualize your breathing. This will help with your concentration.
The point of meditation is to relax and feel centered. If you can do this, your spirit will take you to a meditation style that will be perfect for you.
Use Props
If you are not using anything during your meditation sessions, you may want to make use of some props to help you concentrate better. Here are some suggestions:
· A religious object may be comforting for you
· A candle or some incense may help to soothe you
· Soft music may help you to relax
· Sit on a blanket or a pillow
· Cuddle with your favorite stuffed animal
What If Your Meditation Session Is Still Not Working?
When you first begin to mediate, it can be awkward. Your mind can get distracted easily by negative thoughts or about the stress that is going on in your life. You probably just need to practice more and concentrate on pushing those negative thoughts and the stress aside. Visualization can help you with this. It will take a lot of practice, but it does work.
If a technique or a pose is not comfortable for you, that will be a distraction. Move around or change your position until you find something that is comfortable. Maybe you can’t cross your legs without pain. Then, sit on a chair.
Another idea is to change the place where you are meditating. If you normally mediate inside, go outside to a secluded part of your yard. You may find that it is relaxing to meditate beside your flower garden. Whatever place makes you feel the most relaxed will work for you. Just try different settings.
When meditation is not working anymore it doesn’t mean that it won’t work for you ever again. You just need to mix up what you are doing and find a place, a position or props that will work for you.
Meditation is very important for your inner peace. Don’t give up. Just keep experimenting and practicing on a regular basis and that peace that you have been searching for will come back for you.