Meditation, a call for your tips!

I am in the latter, but desperately want to be in the former. I am not good at doing it - I am great with guided meditation, but so very seldom, do I even take the time to set that up. I have PTSD, and I know it helps even actually keep episodes to a lesser degree, and can help when I.m having a panic attack, but it's the Last thing I think of! I need to learn to be disciplined about this discipline! 

Every morning and evening I do 10 or 15 minutes of stillness meditation. But what helps me the most is through out the day I do very short active mediation, by this I mean I take time out when I am cooking to thinking about how I am breathing and am I thinking about the food I am preparing and sending blessings for all those that worked to get it to my kitchen. When I get in my car I am mindful of how relaxed or stressed I am and adjust my breath if needed. Believe me, the way some people drives can take one breath away! I live a few miles from one of the most dangerous highways in this country. So I think everyone should be aware of their attitude, and adjust it to calming vibes if needed, before driving.

I am a caregiver and a lot of people ask me how I remain so calm and keep a smile, well most of the time, it is do to bring aware of when I need to adjust my breathing and thinking. Sometimes this is hard to do, but being stressed out is not how I want to live.

I meditate every night in bed for a peaceful night sleep.  And again in the morning before getting out of bed for a positive and productive day. Using breathe control as needed throughout the day.  On days when I get off track I really notice the difference emotionally and physically. 

Peace, Nameste. 

I meditate every morning and set an intention for my day. I find it very helpful to aid me in staying centered for the day. 

Diaphragmatic breathing ("belly breathing") is the key.  (The diaphragm is a muscle at the base of the lungs that facilitates inhaling and exhaling.)  Here's a great tip:  Put your hands on top of your head.  You can only breathe from your diaphragm in this position.  (We typically breathe from our chests, which is less efficient than using the diaphragm.)  You can do this while stuck in traffic (so frustrating!) or while consciously meditating in a quiet place.  It is an instant stress reliever!

I am a Registered Nurse and Meditation Specialist.

I try to make it to the YMCA. They have the most amazing silver sneakers chair yoga class and meditation that works well for me.

Also I live very near the University of Pennsylvania college and take every chance to grab in mindfulness experience or activity.

I am always looking for like-minded people to join me

I try to make it to the YMCA. They have the most amazing silver sneakers chair yoga class and meditation that works well for me.

Also I live very near the University of Pennsylvania college and take every chance to grab in mindfulness experience or activity.

I am always looking for like-minded people to join me

I list "meditate" as a daily to-do item on my Reminders app.  Once a week, I try to meditate with a "sangha" (meditation group).  Most weeks, we meditatte for about 20 minutes, discuss a "dharma" (reading related to meditation) for about 20 minutes, and then meditate for another 20 minutes.  Having a regular meditation schedule with a group ensures that I really will meditate on those days.

The rest of the week, I try to meditate at least 15 minutes each day, using the free Insight Timer app on my phone to time me or to give me a guided meditation of a specified length.  If I can't find 15 minutes, then I will at least do a five- or ten-minute (usually guided) meditation.

I meditate twice daily with different techniques: qigong standing meditation (zhan zhuang) in the morning and sitting meditation with religious content in the evening. Standing meditation is good for stabilizing the body and cultivating energy, and a precursor to other qigong practices and tai chi. Sitting meditation is both relaxing and spiritually meaningful.