As we are all aware, Summer is slowly fading away ! Saddening, isn’t it?  This means it is time to put your tank tops, flip flops, swimsuits, and ANYTHING that glitters away! Summer has SPOILED us with many great parties , lunch dates with summer flings, many drunken nights (classy ones, I hope, ladies) , and many more adventurous experiences. Don’t fret yourself, as Autumn sets in, it is the best time to take care of yourself and re-evaluate your life, mind, thoughts, soul, spirit, and mind .. A great way to do so is by meditating.  I’m sure many of you are not aware that you practice meditation in your daily activities, such as walking, cleaning, listening to music, driving, or even sleeping. Meditation isn’t always about sitting down, crossing your legs and humming, but finding the peace within. Once you have entered the realm of silence, there is nothing that can turn you away from it. Concentration is a huge factor when it comes to meditating. Without it , you will be lost. Meditation was a recommendation given by a friend, and after thinking about it, I decided to seek out for information. Sunday morning arrived, I got dolled up and treated myself to a lovely day at Barnes & Nobles. After many hours of research, reading, and of course, coffee sipping ( Starbucks owns! ) , I came across a couple of great reads, but one in particular brought my attention. It is called ” The Meditation Bible ; The Definitive Guide to Meditation for Every Purpose” by Madonna Gauding.  Below is a snippet of the book, and a meditation technique I practice everyday. It is called ” Spacious Mind “.

The benefits of this meditation is as follow :

• Gives your mind rest from over thinking, over doing, and also releases it from stress
• Helps you put your mind and body at peace, and helps you become calmer and compassionate
• Provides mental spaciousness

To prepare for this meditation, relax by stretching out your body on the floor, bed or on the floor. Relax all your muscles, rest and breathe in deeply fives times, and exhale. Once you are done, slowly get up and begin.

1. Sit crossed-legged on a cushion or a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Begin by focusing on your breath, counting on the out-breath up to ten. After five minutes, stop counting your breath and simply focus on the out-breath for another two minutes.
3. Become aware of the calmness and space that arises at the end of the out-breath. Let yourself float deeper and deeper into the feeling and space. Imagine your breath flowing out into a vast area filled with light.
4. With each breath, let the space get larger and larger. Allow yourself to rest and be in that space in the present. If a thought appears, gently refocus on the spaciousness you have created.
   
5. Tell yourself that it is okay to just be. Remain in this calm space as long as you like. When ready , take a deep breath and end your session.

I guarantee you that you will feel your mind and spirit at ease.  After a long day from work, school , or running the streets of ATL, take a nice bath, get comfortable, and practice it. I would suggest it to do it before going to bed as it will definitely help you get a great night sleep; SNOOZE-FREE !  You may even grab a yoga mat, or a soft blanket, and go to a park, find a quiet place below a tree and relax.

P.S :::: Turn off all cellular devices, and put them away !! No Exceptions !! It will be back when you return ! (giggles)

Peace, Love, & Unity.

BellaDoll