Meditation means to be in a state where your body and mind are aware and relaxed and centered. Practitioners of this art testify to an improved awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more optimistic outlook in life.
Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mediums and other spiritual disciplines. Never-the-less, you do not have to be a monk or mystic to take pleasure in its benefits. And you do not even need to have a particular place to meditate. You may even attempt it in your own front room!
While there are lots of varying methods to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. The most significant of these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and drifting thoughts and fantasies, and soothing the mind with a deep sense of being centered. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher level of activity.
The pessimistic thoughts you have - those of loud neighbors, power hungry officemates, that parking fine you received, and unwanted junk mail- are said to add to the 'polluting'|"Cluttering"| of the mind, and blocking them out permits for the "purifying" of the mind so that it might focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.
Some who practice meditation even shut out all sensory input by disallowing - light, no sounds, and anything touchable - and try to separate themselves from the commotion surrounding them. You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal. It might seem intolerable in the beginning, seeing how we are all too use to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you persist this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of all that is around you.
If you find the meditating practices you see on television threatening - the positions with impossibly arched backs, and agonizing-looking contortions - you need not worry. The point here is to be in a relaxing position conducive to concentration. This may be while sitting Indian style, standing, lying down, and even strolling around.
If the position permits you to stay calm and become centered, then that would be a positive starting point. While sitting or standing, the spine should be straight and aligned, but not so as to be uncomfortable. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.
Unrestrictive, comfortable clothes makes a big difference in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.
The location in which you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It might be in your front room, or bedroom, or any other area that you feel relaxed in. You might want an exercise pad if you intend to attempt more challenging positions (if you feel more centered doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You might want to have the area situated so that it is calming to your senses.
Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a noise free, undisturbed area away from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also assist in that regard, so having on hand many aromatic candles isn't such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on television humming those monotonous sounds are in reality just performing their mantra. This, in layman terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these individuals, holds a spiritual value.
You do not need to perform such; however, it would be beneficial to note that centering on repeated actions such as controlled breathing, and humming help the performer to enter a higher state of awareness.
The principle here is center. You might also try centering on a specific object or thought, or even, eyes open focusing on a single sight.
One sample routine would be to - while in a meditative state - silently name every part of you body and centering your awareness on that part. While in this process you should be aware of any stress on any part of your body. Mentally picture releasing this tension. It works wonders.
In summary, meditation is a fairly risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or the lack of effort - don't forget we're relaxing).
Studies have found that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body. And there has been a rising agreement in the medical community to look into further the studying of the effects of such. So in the near future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!
About the Author:
Dick Ingersoll is an eternal student, and is excited to share what he is learning with others. He has pulled it all together for you at: Simple Meditation
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