Students sometimes ask – “Can you give me just one thing I could do to improve myself and my health?” My answer is meditation. It lowers stress levels and improves virtually every area of personal health. And, perhaps more importantly, it can open doors to new behavior patterns.

We covered meditation this week in class – specifically we discussed “open awareness” meditation. In Taoist systems like Wild Goose, there is a progression of meditations that clear stress and balance energy flows. The starting point for all these meditations is awareness.

“Open awareness” meditation is very easy. Sit in a quiet spot and observe your thoughts. When a thought comes, don’t attach to it. Simply watch it come and allow it to pass. Don’t follow or attach to it. As you keep this regimen for 15 to 20 minutes, you will begin to notice occasional periods of silence – i.e., no thoughts. During these quiet periods, just observe. As you observe, allow your awareness to expand through your body. After 15 to 20 minutes, slowly open your eyes. That’s it. It’s that simple. Meditate regularly; twice each day for 15 – 20 minutes is optimal. Morning and afternoon / evening are typical meditation times. It can be done with eyes either open or closed, but it’s best to start with eyes closed to limit distractions.

Here are some additional tips –

1. Keep your posture relaxed, but aligned.

2. As you meditate, continue to relax areas of tension.

3. Place the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth.

4. Breathe in and out through the nose if possible.

5. Don’t meditate after a meal. Allow an hour for food to digest.

6. Don’t force any part of meditation. Take it as it comes.