Learn to meditate

Through meditation you get to know a different part of yourself. There are simple techniques to learn to meditate and it also helps to gain insight. Once you know the basics, you can learn other techniques that are a bit more difficult. I would like to give you this basis.

Meditation can be seen as a key to getting in touch with your higher self. By your higher self I mean the divine aspect of yourself. You can also call this the source, the eternal, the essence, etc.
It is what lies behind the thought. A consciousness that observes the thoughts and not the other way around. You cannot think about this consciousness, it is more of a feeling.

What is important when meditating?

There are 3 important aspects when meditating:

Find a place where you can meditate undisturbed.
The correct posture.
The regularity.

1. Find a place where you can meditate undisturbed

The place where you meditate is very important. It should be a place where you have the opportunity to relax. A place where you can meditate undisturbed, so that you are not easily distracted.
Decorate your own meditation room the way you want. Please note: it must be a place of peace for you.

2. The correct posture

The way you sit is important, because your energy flows better when you adopt a certain position. It is also important because it prevents you from falling asleep, which is certainly not the intention when meditating. The intention is to be alert and aware.
To begin with, it is better to meditate cross-legged. That’s easier. Your back should be in a straight line with your neck and head. Then place your hands relaxed on your legs.
You can meditate with your eyes open or closed, but that doesn’t really matter. Do what you feel best about.

3. The regularity

Take about 5-10 minutes for yourself every day to meditate. Do it at a fixed time, preferably in the morning or in the evening before going to bed.
It’s often hardest when you don’t feel like it or are too tired. These are actually the moments when you should do it. The most precious lessons come when you least expect them.

A meditative breathing exercise

Breathing is used as a basis for meditation. Consciously following your breathing puts you in a meditative state. Feel how the oxygen flows through your nose into your lungs when you inhale. Hold it for a moment and breathe out. The oxygen goes through your lungs, your throat and back out of your mouth. Breathe with your full concentration. It will certainly happen that you wander away in your thoughts. When you notice this, immediately return your attention to your breathing. Here is the exercise:

Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
Sit cross-legged (as explained earlier).
Take a few deep breaths in and out.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Count your breaths. Inhale…, hold, and exhale. 1 Inhale…, hold, and exhale. 2 etc…
Do this 5-15 minutes a day.
End of exercise.

Tips for meditating

Be as aware as possible of all sensory perceptions. Absorb as much as possible.
Don’t try to change your breathing, stick to your own breathing rate.
If you get an itch and want to scratch or feel the urge to move, definitely don’t! It is a physical reaction that can disrupt your meditative state.
Put on relaxing music, music that suits you. See what works.
Stick to the routine. Do it daily, even if it’s just 5 minutes.
If you are uncomfortable while meditating, find a cushion to sit on.

If you apply these exercises and tips, you will be well on your way to trying more difficult meditations. Good luck!