Happiness. Joy. Peace. These are all emotions that you strive to have each day in your life. Finding and keeping these emotions close at hand is a precarious task. 

One day you think you have found them all and the next day you find yourself wallowing in anxiety and emptiness.

Living in the present with mindfulness is the most obvious choice to find these emotions within yourself.

Sitting meditation

Sitting meditation is called Zazen. It began in India over 2,500 years ago. 

Zen grew from the experience of Shakyamuni Buddha, who realized awakening in the posture of dhyana ( zazen, Zen meditation) in India in the 5th century BCE.

When you are feeling under pressure and overwhelmed, the steps can help bring you back to the present moment. 

To find the basic steps to begin Zazen, head to this easy to follow How to Meditate video.

Movement meditation

Some people find that they cannot sit and meditate. Movement meditation may be the way to go. Any type of movement, when slowed down and applied with mindfulness, can be meditation.

Slow movements can bring the moment into focus and create serenity. 

Keep tuned in to your breathing and be aware of all the parts of your body (even your belly and toes) as you meditate. 

To put it in practice, try this video: Movement Meditation

Vipassana meditation

Instead of trying to control your thoughts and situations, Vipassana focuses on your inner self by quieting your mind and accepting your own thoughts and emotions.

Steps are easy to follow. Work up to 15 minutes a day. 

• Find a quiet area and sit on the ground crossing your legs.
• Sit straight, shut your eyes and focus on your core muscles. Relax the rest of your body.
• Be mindful as you inhale and exhale. 
• Don’t react to thoughts if they arise. Just breathe.