Tools For Quieting The Mind

As we begin the New Year, I am reminded there are many who are still searching for meditation methods that work for them. One of the most important aspects of meditation is quieting the mind in order to hear the thoughts and ideas that come from the Void that is Source energy. In today's world, information comes at us at such a rapid rate it can be difficult to close ourselves off from that extraneous noise. Here are a few of the tools I use to help myself unplug from the thoughts of the world and quiet my mind!

Tools For Quieting The Mind:

1. Exercise. While this may sound strange, exercise is one of my go-to's when it comes to quieting the mind. Whether you are into stretching, cardio, or muscle building, exercise is a great way to relieve stress and tension. The repetitive motions help synchronize the two hemispheres of your brain and make it go into an alpha brainwave state, which puts you in a calm, relaxed frame of mind.
2. Music. Calm, soothing music--especially music you are familiar with and enjoy--can also bring the brain into synchronization and create brainwave states that relax and help clear your mind. If you are musical, singing or playing a musical instrument can also help.
3. Hobbies. Whether you are artistic, like to cook, restore old cars or enjoy solving math problems, spending time in a hobby relieves stress and brings happiness and enjoyment that helps calm your brain.
4. Making Lists. Sometimes, writing down a list of all the things  you need to do or even a list of your problems frees up your mind. Many occasions, your mind continues to dwell on stressors so that you will not forget to take care of them. This is why you can't seem to get things out of your head. When you make a concrete list, you give your brain the internal signal that it no longer needs to remember because you have a written reminder to use later.
5. Visualization. If you are a visual and imaginative person, you can use your imagination to visualize emptying your mind. For example, imagine a ball of light or an angel beside you. Picture this light being siphoning off all the dark, negative energy inside you. You could also picture your spiritual mentor (like Jesus or Buddha) standing beside you, accepting all your problems and burdens and offering to take them away from you. Understand that any scenario you come up with that helps relieve your mind of its problems is what you need to work toward.

There are many things you can do to quiet you mind and make it easier to connect directly to Source energy. Allow yourself the time you need to take care of self and quieting the mind becomes much easier.

~CSE