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Meditation 101
Mark McCoid
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!
Mark McCoid owns HealingProducts.com,
your Meditation
and Healing Resource. Make sure to sign up for our free
newsletter "Your
True Potential" and get our free report on the Secrets
of Brainwaves. Submitted with Article
Distributor.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
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