Practicing Presence through Meditation

"Live each present moment completely, and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each instant. Practice the presence of peace. The more you do that, the more you will feel the presence of that power in your life." - Paramahansa Yoganada

The benefits of meditating are endless. It's amazing how sitting still in silence can be so rewarding. Clear thoughts, focused concentration, deep peace that lasts, soul-satitation. Woah. Soul-satiation? It fills the voids. Give it time.

When I start talking to people about meditation, many tell me that they 1. need to 2. don't know how.

It's about slowing down. Being able to have focused thoughts in the moment, finding yourself present, and feeling peaceful.


Try this: Take a deep breath. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold it gently for 2 seconds, and exhale for 5 seconds. Try that three times.

Ok, back? Feel a little more at ease?

Here is some basic instructions from the Self Realization Fellowship Website. Take 5 minutes for YOU. Don't over think this. Just try. Just be :)

Erect Spine

One of the first requisites for meditation is correct posture. The spine should be erect. When the devotee is seeking to direct his mind and life force upward through the cerebrospinal axis to the centers of higher consciousness in the brain, he should avoid stricture or pinching of the spinal nerves caused by improper posture.

Sit on a Straight Armless Chair

Those persons whose legs are supple may prefer to meditate sitting cross-legged on a cushion on the floor, or on a firm bed.

However, Paramahansa Yogananda recommended the following meditation pose:

Sit on a straight armless chair with the feet resting flat on the floor. Hold spine erect, abdomen in, chest out, shoulders back, chin parallel to the ground. The hands, with palms upturned, should rest on the legs at the juncture of the thighs and the abdominal region to prevent the body from bending forward.

If the correct posture has been assumed, the body will be stable yet relaxed, so that it is easily possible to remain completely still, without moving a muscle.

Now, close your eyes and gently lift your gaze upward, without straining, to the point between the eyebrows — the seat of concentration, and of the spiritual eye of divine perception.