New Year's Eve Meditation

As the year begins to close and a new year is about to begin, it is time to reflect and to forget any negative event that happened in the old year. It shouldn’t be a time for sadness, regrets, or for remorse. I usually get depressed on the last day of the year and at the end I realize that there are far too many things to be glad about. It should be a time to set aside any worries, anxieties, and those what if thoughts that tend to come to mind when the year ends.  Therefore, I have gathered a few resources for meditating in the last day of the year and to look forward to another new year full of hope, happiness, and positivity. 

One way to end the year is by bowing. This technique of bowing and meditating will strengthen your body and will calm your mind. The repetition of repeating the same movement also helps you focus and stay alert. Take slow breaths and bow. After bowing, you will feel more at peace and relaxed.

Here more resources about bowing meditation and other ways to meditate at the end of the year. 

A New Year's Meditation: https://mrsmindfulness.com/new-years-meditation/

End of the Year Meditation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/attention-training/201112/end-the-year-meditation

Bowing Meditation: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/ilchilee/2017/08/01/bowing-moving-meditation-busy-minds/

Guided Relaxation-Visualizing the new year: https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/guided-relaxation-visualizing-the-new-year/

End of the Year Quotes: http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/end-of-the-year-quotes/

Free Meditation Quote Images

I have created my own meditation image quotes using my own photos. I hope these quotes will inspire you to have a successful year at work and in your personal life. Remember that failures are only setbacks. Don't get stuck living in the past. Enjoy these free image quotes that I've made for your personal use. Enjoy!

For more quotes about success, here are more resources:

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspirational

https://www.keepinspiring.me/famous-quotes-about-success/

http://wisdomquotes.com/success-quotes/

New Year's Meditation Quotes

A great way to start the New Year is by reading inspirational meditation quotes and affirmations to keep you positive throughout the year. I have gathered a few resources that I have found online to help you get started with your New Year’s meditation quotes or affirmations. Here is my own list of affirmations and quotes for the New Year:

1. Smiling is good for your health.

2. Visualize your dreams coming true.

3. Motivate others and stay calm.

4. Bring joy to others and not sadness.

5. Bring peace wherever you go.

6. “New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as new chances come your way.” -Auliq Ice (quote from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g4069/new-years-quotes/?slide=5)

7. “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.”-Melody Beattie (quote from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g4069/new-years-quotes/?slide=6)

8. “Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” -Neil Gaiman, Coraline (quote from: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/books)

9. “The life in front of you is far more important than the life behind you.” -Joel Osteen (quote from: https://www.thoughtsabove.com/inspirational-new-year-quotes/)

10. Be someone’s motivation.

Wishing you a new year full of love, peace, and health. Here are more resources about new year’s meditation quotes. 

New Year's Quotes: https://www.countryliving.com/life/g4974/new-year-quotes/

New Year Quotes: http://www.appleseeds.org/new-year-quotes.htm

New Year Image Quotes: https://sayingimages.com/new-beginning-quotes-new-year/

New Beginning Affirmations: https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2016/01/17/8-affirmations-new-beginnings#

Affirmations for the New Year: https://www.successconsciousness.com/blog/affirmations/affirmations-for-the-new-year/

*Wooden Frame Clip Art from: https://lovepik.com/image-400329940/simple-wooden-long-frame.html

* Rose Clip Art from: https://lovepik.com/image-400663549/rose.html

Meditating with Chocolate

Awaken your senses while meditating with chocolate. Chocolate is well known for its antioxidants. Also, it can improve the function of the brain. Chocolate makes a boost in your mood. Last, eating or drinking chocolate improves the blood circulation.

First, choose the flavor of chocolate you want to eat and meditate. You can choose dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cream chocolate, or any other flavor. I would recommend trying a new flavor to get a better meditation experience. Second, check the label of the chocolate for sugar, cholesterol, and sodium content. Third, unwrap the chocolate and break it in half.

The fourth step is to smell the chocolate. Then, close your eyes and eat it slowly. In this way you will savor the chocolate a little bit more. Also, you can meditate with hot cocoa if you prefer to drink the chocolate and not eating it. Here are more resources for chocolate meditation and enjoy the winter season! 

Chocolate Meditation: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindfulness-in-frantic-world/201109/the-chocolate-meditation

Practice Chocolate Meditation: https://www.verywellmind.com/practice-chocolate-meditation-3144784

Chocolate Health Benefits: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270272.php

* Free Chocolate Clip Art: http://www.clipartpanda.com/clipart_images/chocolate-png-image-65117806

* Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/ 

World Peace Meditation Day

" Peace begins with a smile"- Mother Teresa

This year, World Peace Meditation Day is on December 31^st. World Peace Meditation Day began in 1986 where people around the world meditated for one hour. On this day, you can take a moment to be silent, to light a candle, or you can take a walk and meditate on peace. In addition, you can smile at a new person that you might encounter. Here are more resources for World Peace Meditation Day.

World Meditation Peace Day: 

https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-world-peace/

Meditation for World Peace: 

https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation-world-peace

Guided Meditation for Peace: 

https://www.the-guided-meditation-site.com/guided-meditation-script-peace-tranquility-healing.html

Peace Day: 

https://lizjansen.com/peace-day/

Peace Quotes:

 https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/peace

*Free Candles Clip Art: http://www.pngall.com/candles-png/download/4574

*Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Why Meditation is Beneficial for Students?

These days more students are finding and discovering ways to release their stress, tension, and anxiety through meditation. Meditation can help students concentrate and feel less anxious at school, college, or university. However, there are several types of meditation techniques that students can practice. One form of meditation is guided meditation. This type of meditation is very useful because it clears your mind from any negative thought or negative event.

 Another form of meditation is Walking meditation because it keeps you alert, awake, and have more energy. In addition, a little bit of exposure to sunlight makes you feel more cheerful and to smile more. Meditating outdoors will make you see matters in a different way. Simply lie or sit down in the grass and take deep breaths. Do not focus on any negative thoughts that come to your mind.

Last, aromatherapy meditation can help you relax, sleep better, and be alert. Also, by using meditation apps such as Calm, Headspace, or a free meditation app can help you feel less stress. Meditation is beneficial for student’s mental health, brain development, and improves learning skills. Here are more resources. 

Meditate with Aromatherapy:
https://www.verywellmind.com/meditate-with-aromatherapy-3144780

Meditation for Students:
https://mindworks.org/blog/meditation-for-students/

Meditations Your Children Will Love:
https://chopra.com/articles/3-kid-friendly-meditations-your-children-will-love

*Free Clip Art: http://www.clker.com/clipart-magnifier-focus.html

*Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Meditation for a Positive Attitude

Meditating at work can help you feel less overwhelmed, drained, and depressed. As a receptionist, I have encountered rude co-workers and people with a bad attitude.  Meditation has helped me feel calmer and has made me feel stronger. In addition, I’m learning to ignore negative comments from my fellow co-workers. It hasn’t been easy working there while I learn new job skills.

I never stay quiet when impolite people make mean comments towards me. However, meditation has taught me to be more tolerant and to be less explosive with my emotions. It isn’t easy dealing with rude people no matter where you are. Furthermore, your work environment becomes very stressful, uncomfortable, and difficult to concentrate. After working there for a few months, I have realized that some people can’t change their attitude.

Therefore, meditation has changed my mindset. It has taught me to view negative events in a different perspective. No matter what you are going through at work, meditation can make you change your thoughts and your mood. The important aspect is to ignore, stay calm, and don’t lower your standards for anyone. Here are a few resources on how to deal with rude people at work.

Rude and Unkind: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/why-people-are-rude-and-unkind-and-why-its-not-about-you/

8 Clever ways to deal with rude people: https://www.purposefairy.com/9569/8-clever-ways-to-deal-with-rude-people/

Stay Positive: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11277/5-ways-to-stay-positive-when-negative-people-drain-your-energy.html

Rudeness Quotes: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/rudeness

* Free Open Book Clip Art: https://pngriver.com/open-book-png-transparent-images-31-4460/open_book-free-png-transparent-background-images-free-download-clipart-pics-e35dad_34ae20c5724b4c699562c4f5c6671ba9/

* Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Meditating in Winter

Meditating in the winter can be beneficial to your health. Although you will spend more time indoors, it is the best time to take some time for meditation. One way to meditate in the winter is by meditating with tea or with hot cocoa. By savoring and smelling the aroma of a hot tea or hot cocoa, you will feel serene and awake. This form of meditation helps with the respiratory and nervous system.  

Another way to meditate in the winter season is by watching the snow or rainfall from your window. Eliminate any negative thoughts and just watch. Take deep breaths and contemplate with gratitude. Also, you can write in your journal how you felt while you watched the rain or snowfall. After meditating for five minutes, you will feel ready to tackle your to-do list. 

Last, you can practice new Yoga poses, new guided or visual meditations, or write down new positive affirmations in your journal. There are so many ways to meditate in the winter. Here are more resources on how to meditate in the winter season.

3 Wisdom Practices for the Winter: https://chopra.com/articles/3-wisdom-practices-for-the-winter-season

How to Enjoy this Winter Season: https://www.artofliving.org/meditation/meditation-for-you/meditation-tips-for-winter

3 Meditations to keep you warm this winter: http://www.yogabasics.com/connect/yoga-blog/3-meditations-to-keep-you-warm-this-winter/

* Free Clip Art: https://www.kisspng.com/png-om-symbol-royalty-free-meditation-clip-art-yoga-685334/

* Free Snowflake Clip Art: https://www.clipartmax.com/middle/m2i8G6m2N4d3Z5m2_christmas-snowflakes-clipart-free-snowflake-free-clip-art/

* Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Sweetness Meditations Gift Ideas

Once again, it is the season of making your Christmas gift list.

There are so many options for choosing gifts for your friends, family, and acquaintances that love to meditate. One of my favorite meditation tool is the mini Zen garden. The mini Zen garden can be placed in an office or in the living room. This meditation tool can be bought, or you can make your own mini Zen garden. According to small garden, the mini Zen garden helps you concentrate, focus, and use your imagination. Here are the instructions to make your own mini Zen garden: http://smallgarden-ideas.com/miniature-zen-garden.

Another meditation gift idea is a pillow that can be used for Yoga. You can make your own meditation pillow at: https://raisingselfawareness.com/meditation-pillow/.  Also, you can make Yoga and Meditation gift baskets such as the one that is on http://thelunarfae.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-gift-basket-for-balance-wellness.html. If you know the person’s favorite essential oil, you can include it in the basket along with sea salt scrubs, diffusers, and other spa items. In addition, you can add a few herbal teas too. Last, you can add a few adult coloring books with color pencils. Here are a few resources for meditation gift ideas. 

Zen Garden: http://smallgarden-ideas.com/miniature-zen-garden

DIY Meditation Pillow: https://raisingselfawareness.com/meditation-pillow/

Yoga Gift Basket: http://thelunarfae.blogspot.com/2015/06/yoga-gift-basket-for-balance-wellness.html

Gifts for Yoga Lovers: http://www.poshbeautyblog.com/health/2016/1/22/gifts-for-yoga-lovers

Homemade Holiday Gifts: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/homemade-holiday-gifts#gid=ci02075694800225bd&pid=ew_252_04_large

* Free Clip art: http://www.pngpix.com/download/christmas-sack-gift-png-transparent-image

* Free Winter Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Music and Meditation

As Plato once said,“ Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. Music can be an important tool for meditation because it will make it easier to free our minds from negative thoughts. Your  mind will develop more ideas, concentrate more, and block any distractions while you meditate with music. Therefore, by selecting your favorite music or any other music  genre,  you will focus more and feel more creative. After meditating with music, you might feel productive, awake, and energetic. 

There are so many types of music genres to choose from and it can be difficult to select music for meditation. However, I recommend to choose your favorite music so you can feel comfortable to meditate. If you don’t like the music, you will feel uncomfortable, less cheerful, and less relaxed after meditating. Another suggestion would be to use headphones. Here are a few resources for meditating with music.

Music Meditation: 
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-practice-music-meditation-3144791

Music for Meditation: 
https://www.the-guided-meditation-site.com/using-music-for-meditation.html

Best Music For Meditation: 
https://www.meditationly.com/the-best-music-for-meditation/

* Free Music Clip Art: 
http://www.clipartpanda.com/clipart_images/trips-46168438

Gratitude Meditation

There are several ways to meditate about all the things that you are thankful for in your life. One way to do a gratitude meditation is by listening to a guided meditation about gratitude for five minutes. Another way is by reading gratitude affirmations each day to remind us about being thankful for having a new day and a new opportunity. Also, having a gratitude journal will help you write down everything that you are thankful for and it will help you stay positive throughout the day. Being thankful shouldn’t be a challenge.

Therefore, by practicing gratitude meditation, you will feel more happiness and will feel like a new person. You will become more aware of your feelings and it will help you balance your emotions. In addition, you will find it easier to write thank you cards, notes, and thank you e-mails. Nonetheless, there are so many things to be thankful for anytime of the year. Here are a few resources about gratitude journals and gratitude meditation. 

Guided-Gratitude-Meditation: 

https://mindworks.org/meditation-knowledge/guided-gratitude-meditation/

Gratitude-Meditations:

 https://livepurposefullynow.com/gratitude-meditations/

Gratitude-Positive-Affirmations:

 https://www.freeaffirmations.org/attitude-of-gratitude-positive-affirmations

Free-Printable-Gratitude-Journal: 

http://lifeloveandthyme.com/free-printable-gratitude-journal/

4 Meditations for Gratitude: 

https://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/2017/11/13/4-meditations-for-gratitude#

* Free Printable Postcards: http://excellencia.info/back-of-postcard-template/back-of-postcard-template-free-printable-postcard-templates-lovely-free-printable-postcards-2/

* Free Pink Rose Clip Art: https://www.clipartmax.com/middle/m2K9A0A0A0b1K9H7_free-pink-rose-clipart-image-pink-rose-clip-art/

* Post Stamp Frame: https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/75683-post-stamp-frame

Winter Essential Oils

One of my favorite winter essential oils is Cedarwood. Cedarwood Essential Oil is used for insomnia, eczema, and reduces your stress levels. This essential oil also helps with colds. By inhaling this scent, it will help you breathe more. In addition, Cedarwood oil can be used as a diffuser.

However, it is recommended to use Cedarwood oil in small amounts due to allergies or skin irritations. Therefore, Cedarwood oil can be used onto the skin with the use of carrier oils such as avocado, grapeseed, jojoba, and other carrier oils. This essential oil helps you focus and improves your sleep pattern. Furthermore, this essential oil can be used for meditation. Before using any essential oil, please consult with your doctor.

Another favorite essential oil that I like to use in the winter season is Juniper Berry essential oil. This essential oil helps with the nervous system and blood circulation. This essential oil can be mixed with carrier oils such as jojoba, coconut, lemon, and other carrier oils too. It is one of my favorite essential oils due to its antibacterial properties and it cleans the air. Last, Juniper Berry essential oil can be used as a diffuser. Here are more resources about winter essential oils. 

Cedarwood: 
https://draxe.com/cedarwood-essential-oil/

Cedarwood Essential Oil: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-cedar-wood-essential-oil.html

Cedarwood-Essential-Oil: 
https://www.up-nature.com/blogs/news/21-miraculous-uses-for-cedarwood-essential-oil

Juniper Berry Essential Oil: 
https://draxe.com/juniper-berry-essential-oil/

Juniper Berry:
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/juniper-berry-oil.asp

Benefits of Juniper: 
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-juniper-essential-oil.html

*Free Juniper Clip Art: 
https://www.kisspng.com/png-juniperus-oxycedrus-common-juniper-essential-oil-l-3117017/

* Free Cedar Oil Clip Art: 
https://www.kisspng.com/png-cedar-oil-cedar-wood-essential-oil-2380093/

* Free Background & Frame:
 https://www.pizap.com/

Ginger Essential Oil

Another favorite autumn essential oil is Ginger. Ginger essential oil is good for the respiratory system, digestion, and for nausea. The scent of ginger improves your mood. Also, it improves blood circulation when it is used during massage therapy. This essential oil can be used for arthritis, pain, and for depression.

In addition, this essential oil can be used in a warm bath in the mornings or at night. When this essential oil is used in a warm bath, it will help you relax, and it helps relieve the inflammation of the joints. One of the main causes of arthritis is inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Last, ginger essential oil has a light, woodsy, sweet scent when it is used as a diffuser. Here are a few resources about the benefits of ginger essential oil. 

Organic Ginger: 
http://www.floracopeia.com/Essential-Oils/essential-oils-sub/organic-ginger-oil-zingiber-officinale.html

Benefits of Ginger Essential Oil: 
https://draxe.com/ginger-essential-oil/

Ginger Oil:
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/ginger-oil.asp

Ginger Essential Oil for Arthritis: https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-arthritis

*Free Ginger Clip Art: https://www.kisspng.com/png-ginger-tea-essential-oil-carrier-oil-ginger-640138/

* Free Clip Art: https://www.kisspng.com/png-glass-bottle-essential-oil-4672634/

* Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Meditating while You Eat

One way to stop food cravings and to make better eating choices is by meditating. It will make you aware of what you are eating, and it will make you feel content afterwards. By following these simple steps, you will be able to be more conscious of what you eat, enjoy your meals, and will have no regrets.

The first step is to eat your meal in a slow pace and not to eat in a rush. The second step is to listen to our body and not to our brain.

This will help you avoid any emotional eating due to stress, depression, or nervousness. The third step is to concentrate on the meal that you are eating and not to be distracted. Sometimes, with interruptions, you will tend to over eat and not enjoy your meals.  Taste every portion at a time, smell the delightful aromas, and cut your food in smaller pieces. Last, be thankful for the food that you have on your plate or bowl.

Meditating while you eat will reduce emotional eating and will help you feel better. After practicing this type of meditation, you will notice a difference in your food selections. Furthermore, you will notice a difference in your emotional health. Moreover, you will be more attentive to your body signals.  Here are a few resources about meditating while you eat. 

Meditation in Action: 

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/meditation-in-action-mindful-eating_n_3518612

Mindful-Eating-Meditation: https://insighttimer.com/themindfulcenter/guided-meditations/mindful-eating-meditation

Mindful Eating: 

https://www.mindful.org/6-ways-practice-mindful-eating/

Mindful-Eating-Meditation-Food-Cravings: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/mindful-eating-meditation-manage-food-cravings

* Free Clip art:

https://pngtree.com/freepng/vegetable-udon_2575488.html

Drawing as a form of Meditation

“Drawing is rather like playing chess: your mind races ahead of the moves that you eventually make.”

-David Hockney

Another form of meditation is by drawing. Drawing for a few minutes a day can reduce your stress levels. Drawing different shapes, lines, and curved shapes will make you feel focused and will help you concentrate more. Don’t worry about how the drawing looks, just continue drawing and adding more elements to the drawing. After you finish drawing on paper or on canvas, you will feel calm, creative, and energetic. 

Here a few resources to get you started. Enjoy!

  Mindful-when-making Art: 

   https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/well/mind/how-to-be-mindful-when-making-art.html

Meditate-while-drawing: 

http://www.meditationrelaxclub.com/the-art-of-meditation-how-to-meditate-while-drawing/

Patterns-for-Meditative-Drawing: 
https://www.strathmoreartist.com/blog-reader/patterns-for-meditative-drawing.html

How Do You Conquer Fears and Phobias?

Meditation can help you overcome your fears and phobias by changing your mindset. According to EOC Institute, meditation helps you live in the present and not in the past.  Therefore, you can do Visual meditation to stop your fears and phobias from taking over your thoughts. Another way is by writing down your fears in a journal or in a notebook. By writing a list of your fears, you will be able to take the challenge to change your thoughts and feel less anxious.

Once you have made the list, you can accept the challenge and face your fears. Sometimes, you can face your fears with a friend or with a family member, who can give you the support that you might need. Studies have shown that by using the buddy system, people feel more positive, have fewer doubts, and less fear. However, it takes time and it won’t be easy at first. By letting go of your fears, you will feel happier and will have less stress. How do you conquer your fears and phobias?

Here are a few resources about conquering your fears and phobias.

Guided Meditation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EaMJOo1jks

Conquer Fears Guided Meditation:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf-q72iV8VY

EOC Institute: 

https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/how-meditation-cures-phobias/

The Tools Book: 

https://www.thetoolsbook.com/blog/2017/7/9/5-steps-to-overcome-fear

Understanding Fear: 

https://www.artofliving.org/meditation/meditation-for-you/understanding-fear

* Free background: 
https://www.pizap.com/

* Free Clip art: 
http://www.clker.com/clipart-baby-pink-heart-1.html