So What Is Meditation?

In the past forty years or so, the western world has witnessed and experienced a merging of beliefs and lifestyles, from the east into the west. The influence of eastern philosophies has brought to the foreground, the powerful effects of meditation on our psychology and behaviour.

 Meditation is now not just viewed in the context of particular spiritual or religious beliefs, but as a tool for developing awareness and peace of mind.

 Meditation does not come from anywhere in particular, other than experiencing the true involvement of our own nature in its pure existence. Being alive in the moment.

 It is basically a mental exercise of consciously focusing the attention on a specific object or sound, or mental process. When the mind becomes immersed into the given point of focus, its sense of 'separation' or 'isolation' dissolves as it unites with the object of attention. This experience creates a deep sense of calm and rest.

There are many techniques, with many names, origins and philosophies, but the best way to feel it is to have a go for yourself. It will take a bit of practice but the benefits are worth the effort.

Benefits Of Meditation

The practice of meditation calms the mind and nervous system, lowers the heart rate and slows the rhythm of the breath. Due to the slowing down of these functions, our ability to cope with pressure increases, as our internal environment becomes more spacious. Most illness and disease are compressed by anxiety and fear built around them. Meditation can help recovery from these traumas by developing a more relaxed relationship within us. Meditation enhances sensitivity, alertness, mental clarity and a feeling of 'centredness'.

When To Practice

Meditation is best practiced at the beginning and the end of the day. Practice 15 minutes to 1 hour in a quiet space, although when you begin just a few minutes will be a good start.  Simply choose a comfortable chair or a cushion and sit with the spine straight keep the body still and rest your hands on your thighs.

Meditation On The Breath

Under normal conditions, the breath is the only involuntary function we possess that we can voluntary control. The breath carries life energy and is inseparable from our existence. Meditation on the breath focuses the attention on the natural flow of the air, as it travels into the body and out again.

Close your eyes softly and begin to become aware of either the sensation of the breath as it touches the nostrils as you breathe in and out, or the rising and falling of your abdomen as you inhale and exhale. Follow the breath with great interest and curiosity. It is the development of curiosity or the 'inquiry' into the journey of the breath within you that helps to focus the mind. As the abdomen rises with the inhalation, say to yourself 'rising'. As the abdomen falls with the exhalation, say 'falling'. Keep the mind open to the sensation of the breath while you continually repeat this mental quotation. It is important that it corresponds with the sensation of the breath, otherwise it will become mechanical and meaningless. The breath may be fast or slow and it may change or even seem to stop. Try not to judge or control it. Just observe it and let it lead your attention. You are following the breath; not it following you. If the mind wanders as no doubt it will do at the beginning, do not criticize yourself just come back to the breath and continue.

That was a just suggestion for a simply Meditation exercise there are many. You can change the words you say to yourself, for example saying ‘I am’ on the in breath and ‘relaxed’ on the out can have a very relaxing effect on the body. Alternatively you can focus your attention on a colour, your Chakras or an object such as a candle flame or a flower.

The only way to benefit from it is to try it!