Have you meditated today?

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I have been meditating every day as a requirement of the Conquering Lion Program.  Meditation is something that I have always wanted to do, and as Lama Kelly said "we don't do it because we know we have to" which is probably the only reason why I never did it.   Meditation calms the mind, clears our thought paths, creates a good habit, makes us more aware.  Yes, we should ALL be meditating.

I'd take part of the meditations offered in yoga class and really enjoyed them.  But sitting in meditation hurts my knees a lot and makes my entire lower body fall asleep to the point of pain.  This discomfort was so alien to me for I have been practicing yoga for years and have open in my hips.  I also rarely suffer from asana related knee issues.  Among the many other reasons why I didn't meditate daily, the discomfort was my main reason.

Here are some tricks to start your own meditation practice:

• Set up a comfortable space in your room or apartment.  Start by setting a table add some flowers, incense or anything that makes you feel like you would like to visit that space.  Pictures of loved ones, of the Dalai Lama, things that inspire you.    

• Set up your blankets in front of the table.   For me, this means A LOT of blankets and pillows under my sitting bone.  The hips need to be elevated above your knees so your knees rest of the floor.  I have also been putting blankets under my knees so they are not directly on the floor.  Try the seat a couple of times and make sure that you are going to be able to sit there for a while. 

• Light your incense (if you like it).  I find that lighting the incense in another area of the room works better for me so the smoke does not bother me.  I love the smell of incense. When I was in Bali, I woke up to the smell of incense every day for this is how the Balinese call the Gods.  I found this beautiful!  When I light incense, I feel like I'm waking up in Bali all over again.  May be for you, this is vanilla or lavender.  Something that soothes you and brings up a good mood.  

• Lastly, close your eyes and bring your attention to the tip of your nose.  And breathe, breathe, breathe.  Watch your breath as if you're watching the most interesting movie you've ever seen. 

• Start with 10 minutes and take it from there. 

There are many different types of meditations.  Find one that is appealing to you and take your time getting to know your meditation style.  Enjoy the clear mind!