Saturday, April 30, 2011

may meditation challenge

Overall, the April Attitude of Gratitude challenge went well. I definitely believe one of the secrets to happiness is living with a spirit of gratitude!


If you're up for another challenge, here's the challenge for the month of May:

For at least 5 minutes a day
MEDITATE.

It's only 5 minutes.

We can do anything for 5 minutes, right?

There are all types of meditations:

You can focus on just riding the waves of your breath.

You can count each breath to keep your mind focused and clear.

You can focus on a phrase or mantra:

Inhale "Let"

Exhale "Go"

You can do a loving kindness meditation where you focus on these four phrases as you start by thinking about yourself, then move on to someone you love, & then the challenging part...thinking about someone who you don't particularly like:

"May I (you) be free from fear."

"May I (you) be happy."

"May I (you) be healthy."

"May I (you) live with ease."


If you have trouble clearing your mind, move first! Do some sun salutations, take a walk, dance!



Your mind will most definitely resist this process--especially since most of us are very addicted to thinking. It will tell you you can't do it. It will tell you you don't have time. It will tell you there are other more important things you need to be doing. It will start projecting into the future or clinging to the past. When you find yourself thinking, just name it in:

"Thinking" and return to your breath.


If you think you can't do it, watch the documentary Dhamma Brothers. It will inspire you. It's only five minutes, but it will make a huge difference in the quality of your days and nights!

Set your alarm for five minutes and give it a try!

Peace, Love, Lipstick,

& Namaste'


Leslie

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