Recent Questions:

Hi Krista,

During guided meditations, I always feel like I have fallen asleep, and afterwards, I cannot remember what was said by the guide. How can I keep from zoning out during guided meditations?.

Thanks,
Kerry

Dear Kerry,

This is an excellent question and one I hear often. Here are some tips that will help you build your concentration:

1. You may be trying to meditate for too long so try shortening your practice by 5 to 10 minuets for a week, then add 1-2 minuets per week until you are meditating 20 to 40 minutes per day.
2. Meditate at the same time of day or early evening.
3. Don't meditate late in the evening when you're really tired or on a full stomach, you'll definitely fall asleep.
4. Sit with a firm intention that you are going to stay awake and focused.
5. It’s normal for your mind to wander during meditation, just refocus your mind and your attention back on your breath and the sound of the guides voice. Remember that each moment is a moment to begin again.

With regular practice your concentration will increase and your practice will become more and more enjoyable.

I hope these tips help.

Namasté
Krista
 

Hi Krista,

I am new to meditation and sometimes when I’m doing a guided visualization I find it difficult to visualize the light and breathe deeply at the same time. Am I supposed to do both at the same time? Also, I’ve been experiencing a lot of physical discomfort. I am not having the best experience and need help!

Thanks,
Bea

Dear Bea,

Aches and pains in the back and chest or even emotional discomfort are very common when first beginning your mediation practice. The vast majority of people are literally not in their bodies, an example of this phenomenon is when you’ve driven home but you don’t remember how you got there…it feels almost like waking up in your driveway. What's happening when you sit and begin to breathe deeply, is that you’re experiencing what it feels like to be in a body that’s been neglected by a lack of presence. It’s almost like walking into a forgotten room and finding it in disrepair.

The good news is that the discomfort will ease up in a short period of time as you continue with your practice. Taking the time to meditate is like cleaning up that forgotten room and making it beautiful again. As far as the breathing and the visualization, your body is learning a new way to breathe. In a few weeks you’ll be able to coordinate your breathing with the visualization effortlessly and naturally. What you don't want to do is hold your breath while trying to visualize. You may not always be able to visualize what's happening and that’s okay, just continue to breathe deeply, relax and know that you are indeed receiving the healing benefits of the meditation practice anyway. All you really need is to give your practice a little time. I hope this helps.

Namasté
Krista