You don’t need a zen garden — or an hour — to meditate.
Credit: Chloe Crespi
I’ve meditated every day for the past decade. I owe my happiness, health and awesome life to this one simple practice. Through my meditation I have overcome life-threatening addictions, transformed my darkest fears and heightened my intuition. My daily meditation has given me an internal power that supports all that I bring forth in the world.
Deepak Chopra, the world-renowned spiritual leader and meditation teacher, shares my deep-rooted enthusiasm for meditation. As he puts it: “If you were to ask me what the most important experience of my life has been, I would say it was learning to meditate. Meditation has been the key to my creativity, wellbeing and happiness.”
As a spiritual activist, I believe that meditation has the power to create radical shifts worldwide. Our individual, personal experiences create a ripple effect. When more and more people begin to meditate, the world begins to vibrate at a higher frequency. If you’ve glanced at a newspaper (or Twitter) lately, you know the world is in desperate need of this higher vibration. Therefore, I am committed to teaching meditation to the masses.
If you’re inspired to begin meditating or enhance your existing practice, I encourage you to start now. Many people ask me about meditation all the time, so I’ve rounded up my answers to the three most common questions I get about meditation. Follow this guidance and connect to greater joy, stronger intuition and a rock-solid sense of purpose.
What’s the best time of day to meditate?
Morning and evening are said to be the best times to meditate because they coincide with our body’s quieter rhythms. Deepak says, “Our body knows how to be still; we just have to give it opportunity.” If you can begin your meditation practice each morning, you’ll have a greater chance of sticking with the routine. Carve out one to five minutes each morning (that’s all you need to get started) and you’ll begin to see great benefits instantly. If you’re not a morning person, don’t sweat it. Any time you want to meditate is the perfect time!
How do I handle my chaotic thoughts?
The best way to quiet the incessant thoughts that come up during meditation is to simply allow them to pass. You can let the thought come in naturally and let it go with ease. Do not try to push it away or force yourself to change your mind. Often thoughts that come through are merely tension being released. Some people like to imagine their thoughts as clouds passing gently through the clear, bright sky of their mind. Let them float in and out as you focus on the natural rhythm of your breath or a calming mantra.
How can I meditate with others?
Meditating isn’t just a solo art! Connecting with others’ positive, peaceful energy is extremely powerful. Plus, the perfect opportunity is coming up. On Friday, Aug. 8, join the Global Meditation for Peace with Deepak Chopra, India Arie and me as we host this worldwide attempt to break the record for the largest meditation gathering. This free event begins at noon EST, and you can attend from anywhere. Learn more and sign up here.
Even if you’ve never meditated before, you can start today by carving out a few minutes each morning or evening and letting thoughts pass naturally through your mind as you heighten your sense of peace. Use the Global Meditation for Peace to jump-start a new practice or deepen your current one. Together we can help uplift and heal the world as we uplift and heal ourselves.
Gabrielle Bernstein is the author of “Spirit Junkie.” Her new book “Miracles Now” is in stores. Find her online here.
