I can't sit still and close my eyes to meditate. What do I do?
If you can't sit still and close your eyes to meditate, try preparing with warm-up exercises, deep breathing, and finding a comfortable position. Consider walking meditation or guided meditations to ease into the practice. Over time, regular practice will improve your ability to meditate effectively.
If you're finding it difficult to sit still and close your eyes for meditation, know that this is a common experience for many beginners. According to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, there are several ways to ease into meditation that might help you.
Firstly, it's important to prepare your body and mind before you begin. Doing a few warm-up exercises or sukshma yoga can help improve circulation and reduce restlessness, making it easier to sit still. Deep breathing exercises, like nadi shodhan pranayama, can also help calm the mind and prepare you for meditation.
You don't have to sit in a strict posture like padmasana; find a comfortable position, whether on a chair or cross-legged on the floor. It's also helpful to meditate on a relatively empty stomach, as being too full or too hungry can be distracting. If you find it challenging to meditate with your eyes closed, remember that there are different types of meditation, including walking meditation, which allows you to meditate with your eyes open and your body in motion.
Lastly, consider starting with guided meditations. These can provide structure and support, helping you to relax and focus as you follow the instructions. With regular practice, you'll find that your ability to sit still and meditate improves over time.