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Meditation Made Easy: No Pretzel Legs or Chanting Required!

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Meditation sounds like a great idea. Who wouldn’t want to spend some quiet time, reduce stress and be more peaceful? But seriously, who has time? And those positions? And the chanting? It just seems too complicated, right?

Wrong! According to an article in Women's Health Magazine based on research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, meditation can be easier than you think!

“The practice itself is relatively easy,” says Bodian, who compares meditation to running. You have to build muscle in order to run far and for long periods of time, just like you have to train your mind to be attentive and aware. All you need to do is breathe. Once you’re sitting quietly, close your eyes, and inhale and exhale easily and fully,” says Stephan Bodian, author of Meditation for Dummies.

Tips to get started:

- Get a book or video to help you figure it out.

- Begin with just two or three minutes per day. The more you do it, the better you’ll feel. You’ll want to do more!

- Try meditating in the morning for the most benefit.

- Wear comfy clothes.

- Find a comfortable position. Sit, stand or lay down, be able to relax but not fall asleep.

- Don’t expect too much. Your thoughts won’t stop just because you tell them to! Concentrate on your breathing and let your mind be free. Think, but don’t be involved in your thoughts.

- Chanting isn’t required, but quiet is. Turn off the TV, radio, cell phone, etc.

Meditation lowers blood pressure and heart rate. It has been shown to lower stress and improve productivity. Give it a try - you’ll be happy you did!

Get more valuable information in Eliz’s new book, The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart, or in her award-winning blog.

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Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage their stress.

As the director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.

Link to blog: http://www.embraceyourheart.com/blog/2009/06/30/meditation-made-easy-no-pretzel-legs-or-chanting-required/

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.