The Standard

What if we told you there’s a way to increase focus, reduce stress, and improve your overall positivity? And there is no red or blue pill involved. Best of all, it’s 100% free. Just what is this magic path? Meditation. We do have guided classes at The Standard Spa, which are a good way to get started, but if you can’t make it to the hotel, our meditation guru, Mary Robertson, put together this helpful guide to calming your mind. It takes some technique and a bit of practice, but it’s so very worth it.

Shhh. Find a quiet place. You’ll need minimal distractions.

Turn down the lights. Yes you can sit in the sunshine but finding a shaded area or darkened room will help.

Sit in a comfortable position. You don’t have to go into some complicated posture but you’ll need to find a position that allows you to sit still for an extended period.

Take a deep breath. You need to settle in.

Relax your neck, shoulders and back. We carry so much attention in our shoulders, neck, and back it’s important to make sure to stretch a bit to begin the easing of the tension.

Focus on your breath, maybe giving your breath a count, inhaling for a count of three, exhaling for a count of six.

Notice the thoughts that pop up, look at them, and then let them go. Do not become attached to your thoughts. Imagine your mind like a blue sky. The thoughts are clouds passing by, look at them, then let them go…

Tip 1: If you have trouble quieting you mind it’s ok. Listen to the chatter but become an observer of it, look at the words, almost imagine like you are watching a movie. The mind is the blank screen and the “chatter” is what is being projected on that screen.

Tip 2: Still cannot quiet the chatter? Try repeating a mantra, for example, on the inhale say to yourself “let” and on the exhale “go”, “let go”… Or simply repeating the word “peace”. Your mantra can be whatever you want it to be, keep it positive and uplifting!

Hopefully this helps to start you on your path to meditation and all it’s healing powers.

Prefer some guidance? Reserve a place at one of our classes. Call the spa desk today (305) 704-3945.