Surrogates and intended parents can both benefit from meditation. Although most people associate it with stress reduction, research says it can also help encourage a healthier lifestyle, improve the immune system, aid in cardiovascular health, and slow aging. Plus, it’s been known to increase happiness, self-awareness, and acceptance. However, if you haven’t tried it before or have tried it and struggled, you can apply the tips outlined here to help aid in your journey.

1) Be in the Moment

The overall goal of meditation is to quiet the mind and to be in the moment. When you meditate, you should feel a sense of peace and calmness, as well as an awareness for what’s happening with your body.

2) Don’t Expect Meditation to Nuke All Wandering Thoughts

One common misconception about meditation is that, if you’re doing it right, your mind will become instantaneously clear. Perhaps over time, you may get to that point, but newcomers to the practice have to train themselves over time. When you begin your first meditation sessions, expect your mind to wander a bit, and simply guide yourself back to where you need to be. As you progress, you’ll catch your mind wandering quicker and will eventually reduce the number of wandering thoughts and how long they go on for.

3) Do Meditation in Your Own Way

Some people like to use music to transport themselves away from thought, while others like guided meditation or total silence. You should create the environment that works best for you and makes you feel comfortable.

4) Take Baby Steps

If you’re one who truly struggles with quieting a busy mind, you may do better by beginning with simple breathing exercises. Instead of setting aside time for a full session, start by taking a few deep breaths and focus on pulling in air as well as positive thoughts. As you let out those breaths, imagine pushing out any negative or unwanted thoughts with them. When you’re ready to plan your meditation sessions a bit more, begin with short interludes of two or three minutes. In the early stages, even this can feel like an extraordinarily long time, so set your duration for something you feel is manageable for you.

5) Quiet Your Surroundings

It’s pretty close to impossible to quiet your mind as a mediation beginner if you haven’t quieted the area around you, though you’ll likely find over time you can do it anywhere. In the early stages, set up an area that’s distraction-free and shut off your phone.

6) Celebrate Your Success

Whether you’ve moved from basic breathing exercises to two-minute sessions or have managed to cut back on wandering thoughts, each success is something to be proud of. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others or to set a timeline for hitting certain milestones. Meditation is about letting go and being right where you are now. People tend to report feeling better after only a week or so of meditation, so stick with it and appreciate the positive changes you’re making.

Find Surrogates and Intended Parents with SPS

Whether you’re an intended parent hoping to find qualified surrogates who can help you expand your family or you’re a woman who would like to provide someone with the ultimate gift, Surrogate Parenting Services is here to support you in your journey. Visit “Surrogacy in California: Personal Matching Process” to learn more about how we match surrogates and intended parents or contact us at (949) 397-6855.