Nurture to Nourish: Three Tips to Improve Your Mindfulness

Today, meditation has myriad meanings and various applications. It is a necessity to keep you sound, sane, and in place. Be it in Indian, Chinese, Buddhist, or Sufi traditions, meditation is a mandatory practice. It not only helps you to keep balance but also enables you to reach your ultimate goal, Moksha - the fourth Purushartha.

Swami Vivekananda said, 'The practice of meditation is the great scientific method of knowledge. There is no knowledge without the power of meditation'. Through scientific research, meditation is known to increase the thickness of the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex in the brain plays a major role in memory development and cognition and also influences attention. Adapting to mediation as a habit needs time and steady effort. Meditation techniques are practices that increase awareness and mindfulness. But the right inclination and attitude are a must for meditation to become a habit.

A frequent question that resonates in our minds is how can we incorporate meditation into our daily lives?

Now, let's be real here. Meditation can take time to become a part of your schedule, and here are a few tips that can help you incorporate meditation into your daily routine:

First and foremost is to watch what you eat. Before you begin meditation, it's important to understand your food timings and eating patterns. Certain important questions are: at what time do you eat? What do you eat? Do you chew your food properly? How much water do you drink? Do you sit and eat or just munch on something while talking, standing, roaming, or when you're on your cell phone? The reason why we ask you to ponder over these questions is because a light body is a prerequisite to meditation. A heavily fed body will cause laziness and drive you away from your chosen technique of meditation. So eat light and sattvic food, refrain from meat and alcohol (if you must consume it, then try cutting it down to minimal levels). The popular saying is, 'Jaisa khaye anna, waisa hoye mann'. Both food and meditation are directly and closely linked with your mind. To make meditation a habit, first keep your basic eating habits in check. Yogic traditions emphasize on Mitahar- which means eating in moderation.

Asanas are a compendium of physical postures. However, asanas are physical postures that require a lot of body lightness and strength (again, your eating habits play a tremendous role). The four meditative asanas mentioned in Yogic texts are: Samasana, Swastikasana, Padmasana, and Siddhasana. Of these four, the first two are comparatively simpler. To advance in meditation, you can practise either of these two for at least 15 minutes. You may not be able to do it initially, but with constant practice, both these asanas will become a habit and ultimately lead you to meditation. (Seek the guidance of a proper yoga instructor before doing these asanas). If you are unable to find a qualified yoga instructor, then you can also sit on the floor in any comfortable position. For those who cannot sit on the floor, they can use a chair too. Practicing meditative poses regularly will give you physical stability that will lead to a focused mind.

We are either living in the past or busy planning for the future. In the struggle between the past and the future, we completely forget to relish the passing moment. Our present is the product of our past, and our future will be the result of our present. Relishing the present moment is crucial to making meditation a habit. No matter which technique of meditation you choose-be it guided imagery, relaxation, yoga nidra, or simply focusing on the mantra-staying in the present is just as essential as water to the fish. When you 'practice' being in the present, it will become easier for you to overcome your pain and cravings (these are one of the many hindrances in meditation). Be it eating, brushing, bathing, walking, or reading, no matter what you do throughout your day, just be there wholly and completely!

Above were the three most important and simple tips that'll help you through meditation. Now let's dive into its benefits. Reading through these benefits will inspire you further to make meditation a habit.

* You'll achieve mental clarity and emotional stability.

* Meditation techniques will significantly influence your health, business, lifestyle, and social status.

* Reduces stress, anxiety, pain, and depression.

* Promotes the overall feeling of well-being.

* Meditation helps you get rid of negative qualities and hindrances.

* Helps you achieve family, professional, and spiritual goals.

Choose whichever meditation technique you like, but make sure you do it for a long period with enthusiasm and the right inclination. If you focus completely, even the smallest of tasks like eating can turn into a meditation. Meditation is not what we think of as sitting on huge durries in the most complicated asanas. Both life and meditation can be made simple. All we need to do is just eat right, think right, and focus right!