Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Some of the benefits of meditation that practitioners have noticed are increased awareness, focus, concentration and a more positive outlook in life.
Meditation is regularly practiced by monks, mystics and other spiritual individuals. But don’t think that you 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 either. You can practice meditation in the comfort of your own home!
Clear And Calm Your Mind
Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. It’s very important to remove obstructive, negative and wandering thoughts in order to clear and calm your mind with a deep sense of focus. This prepares your mind for a better quality spiritual journey.
The negative thoughts you have those of noisy neighbors, bossy office mates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam are said to contribute to the polluting of the mind. Shutting them out 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. They try to detach themselves from the outer world and focus on a more meaningful, deep, profound thought if that is the 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 your inner self.
Get Comfortable
If you find that some meditating positions you see on the internet or television very uncomfortable, please do not worry about it. What’s important for you here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration. You may sit cross-legged on the floor, lay down or sit in a chair. Whatever is most comfortable for you.
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.
Wearing loose, comfortable clothes is best for meditation because tight fitting clothes has a tendency to make you feel tense.
The place you perform meditation should be a quiet environment, such as your living room, bedroom or any place that you feel comfortable in. You may even meditate outdoors if you wish. Again, choose a quiet environment. You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions. Again, whatever you’re most comfortable with.
Silence Please
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 aromatic candles is a good idea.
The monks you see on television or the internet making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound that holds a mystic value.
You certainly do not need to do a mantra; however, you may want to focus on slow, deep breaths.
Focus, Focus, Focus
The principle here is to focus. You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought.
One routine during meditation is to scan your body from head to toe, which helps your body relax. While doing this, be aware of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize releasing this tension. It works wonders.
There are also many audio meditations on the market that have been scientifically proven to alter your brainwaves in such a way to help you achieve deep meditation. They work wonders as well.
Meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or no effort due to relaxation).
Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body and not to mention a growing consensus in the medical community that study the positive effects of meditation. So what are you waiting for? Start your meditation journey today!
This is a great article on meditation! Thank you!
Thank you for visiting, Jason.