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Meditation 101 |
Written by Deborah Shipley
Thursday, 29 September 2005
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"Still your mind in me, still yourself in me, and without a doubt you
shall be united with me, Lord of Love, dwelling in your heart. "
-Bhagavad Gita
Meditation is a bit of a buzz word these days. For some it is a
requirement and a respite from life's hectic pace. For others it may be
misunderstood, overwhelming, too new age, too difficult, or completely
feared. Yet, meditation, if practiced with commitment, will inevitably
lead to the successful quieting of the mind. It does not stand alone,
however, as it needs to be first nourished with concentration and
focus. If someone is willing to make meditation a daily practice, the
benefits will unfold and create a life lived in clarity and with a
purpose aligned with the higher self. The common phrase, "The answers
are within," cannot be attained without clearing the mind of all the
daily clutter. Meditation leads the way.
If one wants to be successful in meditation, one must understand that
it is an ongoing process. It is a discipline, just as physical
exercise, that reaps benefits only from concentrated and continual
effort. Meditation needs to be cultivated; and a dedicated practice is
essential. That being said, just like exercise, some is better than
none. A student may start with small increments and gradually increase
his/her practice with time.
Meditation may sound like a complex assignment, especially for a
beginner. The mind is used to wandering, and focus does not come easily
for most. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras share that yoga poses, breathing
exercises, and relaxation all contribute to the preparation of a mind
space that is open to receive meditation. It is a mind-body experience,
and therefore, the body needs to also be strong for the prolonged
periods of meditative sitting. There are several sitting postures the
body can assume although the classic is seated comfortably on a mat or
a pillow with spine erect and legs folded, hands resting on the knees.
The best time of day for meditative practice is in the early morning
upon rising or in the evening just before bed. The unconscious mind is
at its strongest at the edge of sleep and when waking up, and
therefore, the meditation is more likely to work in harmony with the
mind. It is recommended that one meditate for at least ten to twenty
minutes one or two times per day, but five minutes is certainly a place
to begin.
There are many different types of meditation. Each individual has a
unique experience with each one. One example is that of a witness
meditation. In a witness meditation, the individual will only observe
how the mind/body is reacting in the silence, without judgments. The
individual will allow the mind to lead them in the meditation, as they
quietly follow. Anytime the mind wanders off, and it will, the
individual would recognize the mind wandering and gently bring it back
to the moment and the silence. Some other examples are following the
breath, repeating a mantra, or gazing at a candle. The important thing
is just that the individual sit down to do it, no matter what comes up
or how the experience plays out. If one just keeps coming back to
practice, results will begin to present themselves.
There are both psychological and physiological benefits of meditation.
Some psychological benefits are focusing of the mind, remaining in the
present, allowing clutter and worry to fade away, clarifying the
purpose of self, and developing a peaceful mind. Physiologically one of
the biggest benefits is the calming of the nervous system and release
of stress-induced physical symptoms. Rarely is there a reason not to
meditate. My own experience with meditation began back in my early
twenties. In my quest for personal peace, I picked up a few books about
meditation that offered suggestions for getting started. I attempted
many meditations, but my attention neverlasted longer than a minute. I
was not prepared at this time to quiet my mind, and my life was in
utter chaos. I gave up on the concept then, figuring I just was not
capable. I realize now that I was reluctant to get
quiet, because I was afraid of what I might learn about myself. In the
past few years, meditation has become extremely important in my
routine, in whatever form I choose; and it is a time that I look
forward to and embrace. It's "my time for me, "and it is usually after
I meditate that my "answers from within" appear. My meditative journey
brings me closer to living my life with clarity and keeps me present in
my true authentic self. Meditation is said to be a universal
requirement for everyone. The highest joys can be attained during the
meditative process. I often wonder what our world would be like if
everyone carved out some sacred time for meditation. If everyone had
the courage and personal motivation to get quiet would we still see the
prominence of such things as lying, stealing, "road rage", rampant
disregard for human emotions and life, self-inflicted suffering and
illnesses, wars between nations, terrorism, and the list can go on and
on? I see meditation as a vital tool enabling me to experience the life
that I was meant to live.
Have you got five minutes? Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Deborah Shipley is a registered yoga teacher, publisher of a free monthly e-zine on self-esteem, and an e-book author.
http://www.TipsForInterpersonalSkills.com
Deborah Shipley is a registered yoga teacher, publisher of a free monthly e-zine on self-esteem, and an e-book author.
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