How to Meditate During a Fast
Meditation is ideal during a fast because it encourages the cleansing and healing of the body and mind. There are many styles and methods you can use to meditate, but there are several common principles on which all of these methods rely. Following a few basic steps will help you learn to meditate in a way that will augment the positive benefits of your fast.
1
Meditate every day during your fast to maintain regularity in both your meditation practices and your fasting process. The best way to do this is by meditating at the same time every day and in the same location. Other ways to maintain regularity include wearing the same clothes each time you meditate, listening to the same calming music and burning the same type of incense.
2
Decide on the best time of day to meditate. It is important to find a time at which you will be free of disturbances. Many people find that the early morning hours are best because it tends to be quiet and the mind has not yet become burdened with the tasks and problems of the day.
3
Create a small space in your home where you can meditate undisturbed, whether it is a corner of a room or a closet. It often helps to separate this space by hanging a curtain or closing the door.
4
Set up a small altar to sit in front of as you mediate during your fast. Your altar should be a small surface on which you can place items that are inspirational to you, such as photos, books, candles or flowers. It is also common to cover the altar with a nice cloth, which means that you can use almost anything for the surface, such as a small bench, box or pile of books.
5
Find a comfortable and steady position in which to sit with your legs crossed.
6
Keep your back straight, fold your arms in front of you and close your eyes.
7
Take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through your nose.
8
Center your mind by choosing a focal point or repeating an inspirational phrase--referred to as a mantra--either out loud or in your mind. The steady repetition of a mantra usually helps the body and mind to become immersed in the act of meditation and give in to full relaxation and the cleansing of the soul.
9
Meditate at least 10 minutes per day without interruption. As it is important to be consistent with meditation, do not attempt to increase the amount of time once you have started.
Tips & Warnings
Generally, fasting for more than a few days is not medically recommended.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2209390_meditate-during-fast.html
Meditation is ideal during a fast because it encourages the cleansing and healing of the body and mind. There are many styles and methods you can use to meditate, but there are several common principles on which all of these methods rely. Following a few basic steps will help you learn to meditate in a way that will augment the positive benefits of your fast.
1
Meditate every day during your fast to maintain regularity in both your meditation practices and your fasting process. The best way to do this is by meditating at the same time every day and in the same location. Other ways to maintain regularity include wearing the same clothes each time you meditate, listening to the same calming music and burning the same type of incense.
2
Decide on the best time of day to meditate. It is important to find a time at which you will be free of disturbances. Many people find that the early morning hours are best because it tends to be quiet and the mind has not yet become burdened with the tasks and problems of the day.
3
Create a small space in your home where you can meditate undisturbed, whether it is a corner of a room or a closet. It often helps to separate this space by hanging a curtain or closing the door.
4
Set up a small altar to sit in front of as you mediate during your fast. Your altar should be a small surface on which you can place items that are inspirational to you, such as photos, books, candles or flowers. It is also common to cover the altar with a nice cloth, which means that you can use almost anything for the surface, such as a small bench, box or pile of books.
5
Find a comfortable and steady position in which to sit with your legs crossed.
6
Keep your back straight, fold your arms in front of you and close your eyes.
7
Take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through your nose.
8
Center your mind by choosing a focal point or repeating an inspirational phrase--referred to as a mantra--either out loud or in your mind. The steady repetition of a mantra usually helps the body and mind to become immersed in the act of meditation and give in to full relaxation and the cleansing of the soul.
9
Meditate at least 10 minutes per day without interruption. As it is important to be consistent with meditation, do not attempt to increase the amount of time once you have started.
Tips & Warnings
Generally, fasting for more than a few days is not medically recommended.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2209390_meditate-during-fast.html
