by Ronnee Ruselle

Before you start, make sure that will not be disturbed by putting up a sign on the door, turn off your phone and perhaps play some nice meditation music or nature sounds to help get you into a relaxed state.

Use whichever way works best for you to get yourself relaxed. There are two common ways to help you relax when preparing for the meditation that many people find helpful.

• Muscle relaxation - this is a 'squeeze and release' method where you start with your toes and you squeeze each muscle for a moment to make it tired and then you completely relax it and feel the muscles and your body relax as you let them go.
• The other thing you can do before you start is to breathe. Take in four deep breaths. With each breath, fill your lungs as full as you can and when you let it go, in your mind you say "relax" and feel your body relax with you as you say it.

There is no reason why you cannot use both methods. Some people do. If you fall asleep while you're trying to meditate, don't worry about it. It's okay. If you have to go somewhere after, you could set a soft alarm to wake you post-meditation just in case.

Beginning Meditation

Once you are relaxed, empty your mind and then allow it to wander. You will begin by finding or creating a place of peace, comfort and security. The important thing is that it is comfortable and appealing to you. It will be a starting and ending place for your meditations.

This will be your sanctuary - a place you can come to each time you meditate and explore. Once you see your beautiful sanctuary, then see yourself exploring it. See the colours. If you have grass, see the texture of the grass, hear birds chirping or water running or wind blowing. It takes a moment sometimes, but take your time and you will succeed.

Don't feel any sense of hesitation and don't worry about whether you're 'meditating properly'. The proper way to meditate is to 'not' meditate, but just let your mind wander and do the work for you. You'll be pleasantly surprised what comes from it. Once you're comfortable with the location you're in, you can feel free to call your guides or loved ones to join you or you can leave your sanctuary and wander wherever your meditation takes you.

After your meditation it is a good idea to make notes. Keeping a record of your meditations allows you to refer back to them at a later date and to remember important points you might otherwise forget.You get some powerful and helpful messages in meditation and it's a good idea to record them so that you can look at them later. If you have any questions about meditation, don't hesitate to contact us and we will answer them for you.

Happy meditation