Developing a Quiet Mind

Body and Breath Meditation for Horse Riders; An introduction.

Focusing on the body and breath can be a good way to start practicing meditation. The physical sensations of the movement of the breath in and out provide an anchor for our attention. It is always with us, always happening in the present moment. When we focus on the breath it allows us to notice when our mind has wandered.

When meditating we are not trying to breathe in any particular way or create any particular state. We are allowing things to be just as they are without trying to change them. Relaxation or calmness may or may not happen. There is no goal to strive for, no right way to feel, no success or failure.

Sooner or later when we meditate the mind will wander; carried away into thinking, planning, remembering, dreaming. This is perfectly ok, it’s not a mistake. It’s how the mind works. When we notice the attention is no longer on the breath this is an opportunity to acknowledge where the mind has been and gently, kindly, bring it back to focus on the next breath.

The meditation below is usually practiced in sitting; adopting an upright posture with the head and neck in line with your spine. You can sit on the floor or cushion cross legged or on a chair with a straight back. If using a chair your feet should be flat on the floor and your knees slightly lower than your hips. Your hands can rest on your thighs.

Meditation, as any new skill, takes practice and patience. To benefit from this practice it is best to do it once or twice daily, perhaps making a commitment to a regular time and place where you won’t be disturbed. It takes eight minutes.