What Is Meditation

What is Meditation? Meditation is a deep state of relaxation, a state of peace that occurs when the mind is calm. Training the mind to become empty (lack of thought) or not being connected to content, letting go. Meditation changes the frequency in the brain waves, moves us from higher frequencies to lower frequencies that connect to a different center of the brain.

The word meditation refers to a variety of practices that promote inner peace as well as inner energy. It gives us clarity when at times we have confusion and need answers or guidance in our life. The answers are within us, but in the midst of noise and busyness it is often hard to receive the message. Meditation connects us to a guiding force to which we all connect. There are many forms of meditation, you may meditate while walking or sitting in nature, painting, etc. Whatever that soul connection that you have is, it may be done in a meditative state.

Research has shown us that practicing meditation has many benefits including lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, release stress, better learning retention and overall wellbeing. If stress, anxiety or worry overwhelm you may consider trying meditation, even ten minutes a day may be beneficial to your health and help you. It can restore and renew your mind, body, and soul.

This practice does not have to be affiliated with any religion and is as easy as being still or totally focused on just one thing, like your breath, relaxing one body part at a time, a word, a mantra or prayer, a sound, an object, the flame of a candle, painting, or simply walking in nature. The western civilization often associates meditation with Monks or sitting on a pillow with legs crossed for periods of time. This belief that everyone will have to go about it the same way deters most people practicing meditation.

Our biggest challenge is keeping the mind free of negative, chaotic, or busy thoughts, a mind that is so often occupied with to do lists, which can make us feel guilty when not taking some type of action. Therefore, not thinking of anything at all may seem impossible.

If that is challenging for you, try visualizing some image or thought that brings you bliss. If your mind is busy, imagine the thoughts or words being taken away on a cloud until the mind is clear and try to focus on your breath alone. The more you practice stillness, the easier it will become. Consistency is the key.

Meditation has been introduced into schools and is being taught to very young children, which has resulted in a decrease of bullying, attention disorders, and more. Children and adults are benefiting from learning how to meditate. Hospitals and doctors are starting to suggest that patients who are very ill try meditation, even hospice care is incorporating the healing practices of meditation and Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation.

So why wait until we are sick or stressed to take just 10 minutes a day or longer to improve our health and wellbeing? Why not take time for what is important – our overall wellbeing, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Meditating just a few minutes a day could actually help improve our lives. Allow our days to move along more smoothly and effortlessly. Our lives would improve in countless ways by feeling less stressed and more energized. Meditation will give us greater clarity to our thoughts and the answers to our many questions may come easier to us, when we still the mind. One may become calmer and more able to focus on positive thoughts or images.

You may choose a guided meditation to start with and in the privacy of your own home or find a group in your area to meditate with, the choice is yours. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. You need only have the desire to improve your wellbeing. Strive to live a healthier, happier, and truly wealthier life. Envision your life more in peace, love, and joy! Fan the flame within or the spark of creation within. Remember, the light of one single candle cannot be extinguished by all the darkness in the world. You are the light and meditation may not only help you, but also countless others as you radiate it out into the world.

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