13 Oct The Art of Meditation

“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A zillion thoughts may be running through your mind while you’re trying to balance a family, career, and other activities. At times, things may start to feel overwhelming and you start looking for an alternative to ease the burden. Many people turn to meditation to relieve their mind, body, and soul.

What is Meditation?

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and it’s used as a relaxation technique to reduce stress. The overall goal of meditation is to quiet and focus the mind without any distractions. It allows you to be present in the moment while focusing on your internal being. Meditation is mental exercise for the mind.

Benefits and Types of Meditation

Practicing meditation can yield an array of benefits. Some research suggests it may assist in managing anxiety, depression, headaches, and sleep issues. It increases self awareness while decreasing negative thoughts and emotions. Meditation is also used to boost creativity and mental clarity.

There are different types of meditation that can be used to achieve the goal of quieting and rejuvenating your mind. Below are a few types that can get you started on your way. It’s not a one type fits all ordeal, you may have to try different ones to determine what works best for you and your lifestyle.

• Guided meditation may be led by an instructor and often it’s conducted in a group setting. You are encouraged to form mental images of experiences and places that are relaxing. Incorporating senses such as sight, smell, and sound will assist you in achieving a deeper level of relaxation.
• Mindful meditation involves an increased awareness of living and experiencing the present moment.
• Mantra meditation helps you to focus your attention by silently repeating a phrase, word, or thought.
• Yoga meditation focuses on the mind and body. It utilizes different postures and controlled breathing. The twofold combination helps you to improve your flexibility while learning to calm your mind.

Elements of Meditation

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. The different types of meditation share common elements. Generally, the elements below will be cycled through in each meditation.

• Focused attention is considered the most important. You can focus on a mantra, an object, breathing, or a mental image.
• Relaxed breathing requires deep breathing using the diaphragm muscle. This technique slows breathing and allows you to take in more oxygen.
• A quiet setting with no distractions is needed to help you focus.
• A comfortable position that allows you to maintain good posture is also needed to balance the energy in your body. You can choose lying down, sitting, or walking.

Wrap Up

All in all, meditation is a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine. In the beginning, you may observe your mind wandering while trying to meditate. It’s ok and it will take some time to truly master the technique. Practice, practice, practice! You can start out small by meditating 5 to 10 minutes a day then work your way up. If you learn to stick with it, you will be amazed at the benefits you will experience.

Meditation is known to change lives for the better. You have to learn to manage your mind just like you manage your day to day activities. Your mental health is the foundation for your overall health. The mind is very powerful and you have to ensure you nourish and take care of it!