Day 1: 30 Day Meditation

I chose to sit for 15 minutes today. I set my iPhone's timer to "Harp" so I could be signaled gently back to "regular" awareness. The second I came to sitting my mind and body said, "Ahhhhhh, this is good." And about two seconds later my ego wanted in on the action, letting me know that my hip hurt, my back hurt, and shouldn't I have gone to the bathroom before sitting? (as if 15 minutes would really make a difference). At least I did a couple things "right" - I didn't eat before I sat and I tried to maintain an upright posture. Although I felt squirmy and my mind felt like it was wildly ping-ponging around, my 15 minutes went quickly and I enjoyed my sit. 

For folks who are newer to meditation here are a few more tips to help you along:

• Find a comfortable place to sit on the floor or on a chair. 
• Make sure you won’t be disturbed: close the door to where you are sitting and turn off your phone's ringer.
• Set a timer so you do not have to constantly open your eyes to see if you are done.
• Use props under your bum as needed to help you sit up tall. It’s important that you are not lying down or slouching as you might fall sleep.
• Let your hands rest naturally and comfortably in your lap, on your knees, or on top of each other. 
• Close your eyes and focus on your breath, letting your breath rhythm become smooth, steady and natural.
• When a thought comes, acknowledge the thought, let it pass, and go back to focusing on your breath.

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