Meditation is an ancient technique that can benefit you mentally, physically, and spiritually. It has many advantages, including:
- Stress relief
- Increased ability to relax
- More energy
- Increased motivation to work toward your goals
- Better relationships
- A heightened feeling of well-being
- Greater self esteem
- More confidence
- A stronger connection with your spiritual side
- Better health
Meditation can even reduce stress-related conditions, like high blood pressure, and physical ailments like pain and disease.
The process of meditating is not difficult, but it does take some preparation and practice to see the most benefit from it.
- Peaceful atmosphere. a peaceful atmosphere is essential to a positive meditation experience. Create an atmosphere that is quiet, calm, and comfortable. Turn down your lights, turn off your phone, and put on soft music. Choose music that creates a sense of calm, because music can play an important role in setting a reflecting and contemplating mood.
- Accessories. The use of accessories can aid in meditating. Cushions or a yoga mat, will provide you a comfortable sitting area for greater peace and enjoyment during your meditation. Portable water fountains and candles can also lend well to creating a comfortable and relaxing environment.
- Comfortable clothing. Comfort is important when it comes to meditating. Choose clothing and accessories that are loose-fitting and light on your body.
- Rhythmic breathing. Each breath should be slow, easy, even and deep. Inhale and exhale in this manner for at least ten breaths.
- Om. “om” is the sacred syllable. Utter it silently with each inhale and audibly with each exhale. This helps you quiet your mind and release distracting thoughts.
- Detached observation. Here, you will detach your body and mind. Observe your mind from a detached point of view without criticism or judgment. Gradually, your mind will begin to cease it’s activities.
- Meditate. Meditate by quieting your mind. Thoughts will come in, and that is ok. You can acknowledge that thought, then let it go. Try to find the ‘space’ between your thoughts and stay there for as long as you can. It takes practice, but you can do it. You will get better each time you meditate. Concentrate on your breathing. Although there are different types of meditation, the purpose of meditation is to clear your mind and to seek the peace that exists inside all of us.
- Once you have meditated a few times and learned to quiet your mind, you can then focus your thoughts. Envision the life you want to live in every detail, including as many of the senses as possible, then feel the positive emotions that go along with it — joy, happiness, pride, gratitude, and more. Enjoy this vision as if it’s happening now, not in the future.
- If you wish to inhibit pain, let your pain go and feel your body surge with perfect, health. Imagine a golden-white light surrounding you with perfect healing. Feel and know that you are healed.
Take time to meditate each day. As you practice more, it will become easier to rid your mind of distractions and let the meditating experience envelope you so you can truly enjoy its myriad of benefits for your mind, body and soul.
