(Photo: Cosmos Meditation Shawl in the color Red) Quieting the mind can seem like an elusive goal. However, meditation is a powerful tool for achieving the serenity we often seek. Understand that the mind's nature is to wander. Setting realistic expectations for your meditation practice is crucial. Instead of aiming for complete silence, focus on cultivating moments of stillness and gradually extending them over time. 4 TECHNIQUES FOR QUIETING YOUR MIND 1. Anchor your attention to the breath. Start by observing your breath without trying to control it. Notice the rise and fall o ..read more

(Photo: Simplicity Meditation Shawl in the color Denim Blue)   The influence of meditation on the mind-body connection at a subtle level is a complex and multifaceted topic. While the specific effects can vary among individuals and meditation techniques, there are some general trends and findings that have been observed in various fields including psychology, neuroscience, and traditional healing practices. Stress Reduction: Meditation practice encourages relaxation and activates the body's relaxation response, leading to lower levels of stress hormones like cor ..read more

(Photo: Gratitude Meditation Shawl in Wood) Equanimity is a balanced state of mind. It is maintaining an even-temper regardless of internal or external circumstances, emotions or sensations. Equanimity does not imply indifference or a lack of emotion; instead, it involves a mindful response to situations rather than reacting impulsively. In meditation and mindfulness, equanimity is often associated with a deep sense of inner peace and acceptance. It involves recognizing the impermanence of life and understanding that both joy and sorrow are transient experiences. This perspectiv ..read more

(Photo: Clarity Meditation Shawl in the color Black) A so-called "good" meditation requires a focused mind and the ability to ignore all distractions...both internal and external. When you sit to meditate, forget about everything. Know that this is time for you and the Awareness, or God, or Source, or Energy, or whatever you prefer to label it. Forget that you are a husband or wife or son or daughter or father or mother. During this time, you are not an employee worried about work. You are not a business owner with endless tasks on your mind. You don't sit for meditation as any of those roles ..read more

(Photo: Truth Meditation Shawl in Ivory) If you implement this one practice in your meditation, you will notice that your meditation becomes very effective soon. Without this, meditation can remain a struggle. So what is it? Fix the day and time that you meditate. It sounds obvious. Because it is. When we don't schedule time for the things we want in our lives, we have a tendency to not do them. So write down the fixed day and time that you plan to meditate and then show up for it. One of the commonly asked questions is "Is there a best time to meditate?" Any time is better than no time. Howe ..read more

(Photo: Simplicity Meditation Shawl in the color Saffron) Negative thoughts can trigger all sorts of negative responses in the body such as stress, depression and anxiety.  Let's explore not only how to deal with repeating negative thoughts, but also how to break the thought pattern. First, let's understand the cycle of thought patterns first. If we introspect, we see that thoughts arise. They come up from some unknown source. From a subconscious reservoir of tendencies, mental impressions or psychological imprints. These tendencies are already bubbling from within and can arise with or w ..read more

(Photo: Tree of Life Meditation Shawl in Pink) Meditation is not about believing something. It's about paying attention to your experience. When the mind can be concentrated and focused, it calms. And once the mind calms, it is easier to see the truth of our experience. But because our minds are restless, it is often difficult to observe the truth of our experience. In the book Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, meditation (or yoga) means the cessation of the modifications or fluctuations of the mind. Thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotions keep bubbling up all day long. Cessation of that is meditation. Si ..read more