Hello dear friends, it's May here!

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As a yoga teacher and an overall wellness enthusiast, I've experienced firsthand the myriad benefits of meditation. I've seen it transform lives, mine included. I remember when I first started meditating, I was a little intimidated by the silence, the stillness. But over time, it's become a cherished part of my daily routine, a moment of peace amid the whirlwind of life. If you're just beginning your journey, I'm here to share with you 10 simple steps that I found to be incredibly helpful. So, get comfortable, take a deep breath, and let's dive in, shall we?

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Remember, the goal of meditation isn't to empty your mind, but to make peace with your thoughts. Every breath you take, every moment of silence you experience, is a step towards better mental wellbeing.

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1. Find Your Space: First things first, you need to find your very own meditation sanctuary. I absolutely adore my little corner at home, surrounded by a few of my favorite plants. It doesn't need to be an entire room - just a quiet spot where you feel comfortable and disconnected from daily chores and responsibilities.
2. Choose Your Time: Consistency is key in meditation. I personally love to meditate in the early morning hours, as it fills me with positive energy for the rest of the day. Find a time that suits your schedule and stick to it.
3. Get Comfortable: When I first started, I found sitting cross-legged quite challenging. So, I opted to sit on a chair, making sure my back was straight and I was comfortable. Remember, discomfort will only serve as a distraction.
4. Set an Intention: Setting an intention is like lighting a candle in a dark room. It provides focus and direction. When I meditate, I often set the intention of cultivating gratitude and peace.
5. Start Small: Don't rush. I started with just 2-3 minutes of meditation each day and gradually increased the duration. Remember, it's not about how long you meditate, but about the consistency and intentionality.
6. Focus on Your Breath: During my early days of meditation, I found focusing on my breath to be extremely helpful. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
7. Acknowledge Your Thoughts: Initially, I struggled with trying to suppress my thoughts during meditation. But then I learned that meditation isn't about emptying our minds, but learning to be at peace with our thoughts. Acknowledge them without judgment and let them pass.
8. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness into my daily activities has been a game-changer. Paying full attention to my tasks, whether it's eating, walking, or simply sitting, has made me more present and less stressed.
9. Be Patient with Yourself: There were times when I struggled, when my mind just wouldn't quiet down. But remember, meditation is a practice. Be patient and kind to yourself, it does get easier.
10. Celebrate Your Journey: Celebrate every moment spent in meditation, just like I do. Every breath you take, every moment of silence you experience, is a step towards better mental wellbeing.

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I'm so excited for you to start this journey of self-discovery and self-compassion. Just remember, the goal of meditation isn't to empty your mind, but to make peace with your thoughts. Happy meditating!

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Until next time, May.