It was a chilly evening in Santa Monica, and over a healthy meal in the promenade, my fried Dhru (Clean Program Dhru), introduced me to a man named Light. Yes, his name is Light. This is LA after all. But I have to tell you…there was, I absolutely kid you not, something illuminating about his energy. One of those people that have such a quiet confidence, an ease, a manner that makes you calm-the-F-down while still feeling totally light and fun. Every ounce of me had to wonder “what is he on?” Turns out he was just vibrating on a different plane—a spiritual plane that was equal parts Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff + The Secret + your favorite song. It just made you feel good to be around him. Turns out Light is a Vedic Meditation coach. That type of meditation that Russell Simmons swears by, that people say changes their life and the trajectory of their future—more success, more fulfillment, more happiness, less worry. I had to talk to him about this. And I did. In addition to taking his course. Last week marked the one year anniversary of my relationship with meditation—something I found endlessly daunting at first (the thoughts, the distractions, the boredom of it), but soon became the quietude that rocked my world. I can’t put my finger on the why or the how, but I will tell you this much, for me…I am just happier. And meditation has much to do with that.
Today, Light shares some tips from his new book that will help you find your inner quiet. I know you’ll think of a million excuses as to why this is silly or why you don’t have time for it; much like the day I told Light I didn’t have enough hours in the day to do it, and he told me that’s why I needed to mediate twice as much. Not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes thinking “Oh give me a break, mystic man.” But low and behold, this mystical man was right.
I urge you to give it a shot. The worst thing that can happen is that you gave yourself ten minutes of quiet in an endlessly loud world. Shhhhh……it feels good.
FROM LIGHT:
- Get Comfortable
- Calculate Your Finish Time
- Notice Your Breathing
- Embrace Your Thoughts
- Come Out Slowly
Sit against your headboard while in bed, on a chair, on a couch, in your car, or anywhere with comfortable back support. It’s best not to lie down, but it’s not necessary to sit up completely straight.
Check the time and add ten minutes on top of your start time. This will be your finish time. So, if you begin at 7:30am, your finish time will be 7:40am. Repeat your finish time to yourself once or twice. It’s best not to set an alarm or you may end up shocking yourself out of your meditation. Close your eyes.
Without speeding up or slowing down your breathing, just notice it. Expect your mind to wander away from noticing your breath. Do not fight this; it’s a natural occurrence.
It’s okay to get lost in your thoughts. And whenever you realize you’re meditating, just passively begin to notice your breathing again. For now, let the act of meditating become synonymous with both noticing your breathing and getting lost in your thoughts. Let all of the thoughts come and go—as you forget and become aware that you are meditating, it’s best not to resist any thoughts, including ideas, songs, conversations, images, feelings, or sensations. Embrace all mental experiences without concern, remorse, or regret. In a typical meditation, you’ll begin by noticing your breathing for a minute or two, then you’ll get lost in thoughts for a minute or two, then you’ll remember you’re meditating, and slowly return to noticing your breath for a little while, then you’ll get lost again.
Check your timing device periodically, and after ten minutes, slowly open your eyes and bring yourself out.
Hero image via: Bondi Beauty