Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. People who faithfully practice this art give an account of increased understanding, center, and concentration, as well as a more optimistic attitude in life.
Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, shaman and other spiritual controls. Never-the-less, you do not have to be a monk or mystic to take pleasure in its benefits. And you do not even have to be in a particular place to meditate. You may even attempt it in your own living room!
Even though there are several varying approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. The most essential of these principles is that of eliminating obstructive, pessimistic, and drifting thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of being centered. This empties the mind of rubbish and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.
The negative thoughts you have - whether it be of noisy neighbors, bossy co-workers, that parking fine you got, and unwanted junk mail- are said to add to the ‘polluting’|”Cluttering”| of the mind, and closing them out allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more significant thoughts.
Some practitioners even close out all sensory input by disallowing - no sights, noises, and nothing to touch - and try to remove themselves from the commotion surrounding them. You might now focus on a deep, reflective thought if this is your goal. It might seem intolerable in the beginning, seeing how we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you get use to this practice you will find yourself becoming more aware of all that is around you.
If you find the meditating methods 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 comfortable position favorable to concentration. This might be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even strolling around.
If the position permits you to stay calm and focus, then that would be a good 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 things you want to refrain from is slouching or allowing yourself to fall asleep.
Loose, breathable 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 may be in your front room, or bedroom, or any other area 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 centered doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You might want to have the place situated so that it is calming to your senses.
Absolute quiet helps most people relax and meditate, so you might want a quiet, isolated area far from the jingling of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also aid in that regard, so having on hand many aromatic candles is not such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on T.V. humming those repetitive sounds are in reality just performing their mantra. This, in layman terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.
You do not need to practice or do such exercises; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repetitive actions such as breathing, or humming help the performer to gain a higher state of awareness.
The principle here is focus. You might also try becoming centered on a particular object or thought, or even, eyes open focusing on a single sight.
One example routine would be to - during meditation - in your head name every part of you body and focusing your awareness on that part. While in this process you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize letting go of this tension. It works wonders.
In all, meditation is a fairly risk-free practice and its rewards are well worth the effort (or the lack of effort - remember we’re relaxing).
Studies have found that meditation does bring about beneficial physical effects to the body. And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So soon, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation may turn into a science itself!
