Meditation Basics
Keira Adams
What is meditation, and is it as complicated as it looks? The second question can be answered with a definite "no". A little more explanation is required to answer the first question, which will also explain why meditation is easier than it appears.
When you meditate, your body and mind are in a state of purposeful focus and rest. You will have sharpened consciousness of both your outer environment and your inner self.
There are numerous schools of thought regarding meditation. At their core, however, the principles are the same. The key to the practice of meditation is to calm your mind by eliminating negative thoughts through intense focus. Afterwards, your thoughts will be less scattered and your actions more purposeful.
Think of it as housekeeping of your inner being. Your negative thoughts and emotions (think of how you react to traffic jams, telemarketers, and your neighbor's new Lexus) are what "pollute" your mind. Meditation "cleanses" the mind, allowing you to focus on the things that really matter.
Where to Meditate
The practice of meditation will have optimal results in soothing surroundings. Pick a room in your home that makes you feel relaxed. If other people are in the house, find a place where you can lock the door and shut out distractions. Turn off the phone, and shut down any noisy appliances such as the washing machine.
Once you're meditating on a regular basis, you'll probably want some props. A meditation pillow or chair, some scented candles and some soothing meditation audio will all help you on your journey to Zen mastery.
Assume the Position
You're sure to have seen the usual pictures of people meditating in unlikely positions with perfect posture. Rest assured that there's no need to contort your body to experience meditation. The idea is to be comfortable so that you can focus on meditating, not your stretched muscles. You can sit, stand, lie down, or even walk around. The choice is yours.
Keep in mind, however, that your back needs to be straight if you're standing or sitting. If you slump, you'll be too relaxed and run the risk of falling asleep. And for maximum comfort, wear something loose and comfy so that you're not focused on your pants cutting into your middle. You have much more important things to focus on.
Ohmm
A mantra can be a useful part of a meditation routine. A mantra is a word or sound that is continuously repeated, and you should be focused your mantra alone during meditation. Find a meaningful phrase or a certain word, or even just a sound that resonates with you. Although not totally necessary, a mantra will help you to really focus on your breathing and take you to a higher state of consciousness.
The key to a successful meditation experience is focus. Choose an object in your mind or in your line of vision, and concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else. The same applies to a specific thought as well as to your mantra.
For a simple routine to get you started, start by settling yourself in your chosen sanctuary. Close your eyes, and envision each part of your body, from the top down or bottom up, it doesn't matter. Silently name each part as you think of it, and give it your full attention. You'll immediately notice if there's tension or discomfort in that particular location. In your mind, visualize the tension leaving that body part. You'll be amazed at the results.
Keira Adams writes about women's wellness, including
http://www.meditation-info.com/index.php) meditation techniques. If you want to know more about this calming practice, visit
http://www.meditation-info.com/index.php) Meditation-Info.
