Rule #13

There is a lot to be said for quieting your mind. Quieting that constant inner voice that sometimes berates you, or maybe criticizes you. I find that sometimes I have trouble stopping the negative thoughts that start to feed on themselves, snowball until I can hardly stand it. Many years ago, I found a way to stop the thoughts and give myself a start fresh. Rule #13 is MEDITATE. I've found that most people are intimidated by meditation. I think meditation has developed a reputation of being hard to do, unattainable...something metaphysical or only for eastern religions. The truth is, meditation is simply quieting your mind. A way to stop the negative thoughts and self talk. There is no right or wrong way to meditate...only what works for you.

Now I meditate most days...not long, only 15 minutes or so. Usually in the morning. I find it to be a great way to start my day, but right before bed is also very helpful. Meditation reduces stress, brings you peace, enhances your mood and attitude and gives you the opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your day. It's like emptying the "trash" on your desktop....boom, the unwanted is gone. No miracles here, you are still free to fill the trash can again, or not. But at least you have a fresh start. Studies show that meditation reduces stress, improves your health and well being and I think gives you an edge.

I don't usually give concrete instructions here in my blog, but I think it would be helpful with this rule. There are many books, tapes, instructions out there, but I find most to be overkill. My instructions are simple. Find a place where you will have peace and quiet for 10 or 15 minutes, you can sit or lay down, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Take deep breaths in and let the breath out slowly. Your mind cannot focus on more than one thing at a time, so focus on the breathing. I promise you, your mind will wonder, especially at first. No worries, when you notice you are thinking about something else, just refocus on your breathing. Sometimes it's almost like my mind is protesting the clearing of thoughts and fights me when I try to focus on my breathing, but I promise you it will get easier...and quite frankly, any amount of time you are able to take control of your thoughts will be helpful. If you find it hard to focus on the breathing, try counting backwards from 100. It may be helpful to picture each number when you breath in, and picture the number fade as you exhale. Next number as you inhale, fade as you exhale. You may fall asleep, especially when you are new to meditation, so if you are pressed for time, it may not be a good time to meditate. It's okay if you fall asleep, you are still quieting your mind. As a matter of fact, this is a great tool when you have trouble sleeping. Now, I've been meditating for many years, and I don't always need aids, but sometimes I do. I find that guided meditations can be very helpful although most guided meditations are longer than 15 minutes. My favorites are found on www.Abraham-hicks.com. I like them because they are short, 15 minutes and I find them easy to meditate with. There are thousands of guided meditations out there, though, and you may find something that works better for you.

Before I close, I just want to say again that there is no right or wrong way to meditate. The important thing is for you to stop the self talk, clear your mind and give yourself a fresh start, even if only for a few minutes a day. Be easy on yourself...enjoy!

Rule #1 - I AM RESPONSIBLE
Rule #2 - ALWAYS BE KIND
Rule #3 - DON'T HOLD A GRUDGE
Rule #4 - DO THE RIGHT THING
Rule #5 - SMILE
Rule #6 - BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
Rule #7 - SAY I LOVE YOU
Rule #8 - BE POSITIVE
Rule #9 - LAUGH
Rule #10 - DON'T JUDGE
Rule #11 - SET GOALS
Rule #12 - SING AND DANCE
Rule #13 - MEDITATE