Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously
relaxed and focused. Practitioners of this art report increased
awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook
in life.
Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other
spiritual disciplines. However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic
to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t even have to be in a special place
to practice it. You could even try it in your own living room!
Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the
fundamental principles remain the same. The most important among these
principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering
thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of
focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher
quality of activity.
The negative thoughts you have those of noisy neighbors, bossy
officemates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam are said to
contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out is
allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper,
more meaningful thoughts.
Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input no sights, no
sounds, and nothing to touch and try to detach themselves from the
commotion around them. You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if
this is your goal. It may seem deafening at first, since we are all too
accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue
this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything
around you.
If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening
those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions you
need not worry. The principle here is to be in a comfortable position
conducive to concentration. This may be while sitting cross-legged,
standing, lying down, and even walking.
If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a
good starting point. While sitting or standing, the back should be
straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is
slouching and falling asleep.
Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight
fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.
The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It
may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel
comfortable in. You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on
the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and
if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You may want to
have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.
Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet,
isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the
washing machine. Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking
up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are
actually performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a short
creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic
value.
You do not need to perform such; however, it would pay to note that
focusing on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the
practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.
The principle here is focus. You could also try focusing on a certain
object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a
single sight.
One sample routine would be to while in a meditative state silently
name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that
part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part
of your body. Mentally visualize releasing this tension. It works
wonders.
There are also many meditation CDs on the market that have been
scientifically proven to alter your brainwaves in such a way to help
you achieve deep meditation. find out more about these here: Meditation
CDs.
In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits
are well worth the effort (or non-effort remember we’re relaxing).
Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial
physiologic effects to the body. And there has been a growing consensus
in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So start
now in creating your health and well being...start meditating today!
