If you are new to meditation, you may be struggling with silencing the mind chatter. I struggled with that on and off for a while when I first started to meditate regularly. Now I don’t have that problem anymore. I meditate twice a day, 20 minutes in the morning and evening, and I can now do so effortlessly with no mind chatter. Now that I mediate on a daily basis, I feel a lot better all over and I can’t imagine not meditating now that I am reaping the full benefits of it.
Meditating simply means being still. It is taking your mind off everything, sitting comfortably and focusing on your breath while breathing in and out deeply. It is different from the prayer quiet time which I also do multiple time a day. So how do you silence the mind chatter when you meditate? Here are some tips that may help you do just that.
Meditate daily
The more you meditate, the easier it will be for you to go right into it and be still. The more you practise mediation, the more you know how to silence the mind chatter that threatens to keep your mind and head still. If you only meditate once a while, you will definitely find it difficult to be still mindfully, but if you practise on a daily basis at set times, you will gradually get into the swing of it. If you are struggling to silence the mind chatter, don’t give up on meditating. Continue to meditate on a daily basis until it becomes second nature to you.
Pick the right time
It is important you mediate alone and when you know you won’t be disturbed. Picking the right time helps as it keeps your mind focused and free from distractions. It is a good idea to put gadgets on silence so you are not disturbed. I always make sure my iPhone and Apple Watch are on the silent mode so I am not disturbed.
Keep your mind still
Whenever you find your mind beginning to wander, acknowledge the thought, bring your mind right back and focus on your breathing. It is easy to wander off when you are trying to meditate, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Just ensure you continue to bring your mind back and you will find that the amount of time you do this decreases the more you meditate. This is a clear case of practise makes perfect!
Keep your eyes closed and no music
I know some people say they mediate with their eyes open and music on. It can be possible to do this but I won’t recommend it. I struggle to keep my mind focus even when using guided meditations so I won’t recommend you listen to anything. Keeping your eyes closed is also important as it keeps you looking within and your mind is focused on your meditation and nothing else.
Start gradually
If you are struggling to keep your mind still or stay awake while meditating, then it may be a great idea to start small. Start mediating for 5/10 mins for some days and then gradually increase the amount of time you spend mediating.
Do you meditate? What are the benefits for you?
Yes I do meditation most days and have for many years. It’s part of my therapeutic self care wellbeing. I use alot of You Tube meditation and to help me sleep which i struggle with
Stillness of the mind for me, I have developed over many years and by listening to spiritual speakers daily over recent years, on You Tube which is filled with them. I often have speakers on while I’m doing things as the talks do go in.
Here my list I have used up to now you might find useful. I started with Fr Richatd Robr for a while and dib in and out of them all.
I love how much your topics blend with thought provoking topics too
1/ Fr Richard Rohr (Franciscan monk who deals with Christian, spiritual principles and the inner life)
2/ Eckhart Tolle (non duality)
3/ Rupert Spira (non duality)
4/ Mooji (non duality)
5/ Lisa Cairns (non duality)
6/ Alan Watts (philosopher)
I will check all of them out. Never heard of any of them before. Thanks Carol.
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I haver to admit I have never tried meditation, but they sounds like great tips
It is worth trying.
Meditation is not something that I have tried, but given how hectic life is I think I need to try and slow down a little and give this a go
It is worth trying for sure.