Articles about meditation

Meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, particularly in Eastern philosophies and religions. In the past few decades, as Western culture has been exposed more and more to meditation through the martial arts and some popular Eastern philosophies, it has also been found to have many health benefits. Westerners are also discovering that meditation is not as mysterious or difficult to do as many of us may have thought. And given the long list of benefits that a little meditation can produce, it may be worth it for you to look in to this ancient practice.

Some health benefits of meditation may include:

The meditative process requires you to go into the silence of your inner self and be still and present without the interference of continuous thought. This inner silence connects you with source energy and allows the free flow of well being that emanates from the source to envelope you.

The silence doesn't give you giant revelations or tell you to buy IBM stock but it does connect you to the absolute where all knowledge exists. This knowingness is not verbalized to you because the communication of the cosmos is not verbal. Words and verbal expression are primitive ways to express your self because words are so unreliable in communicating the truth. They are limited in their meaning and can be manipulated to distort the truth. We see this every day in the physical world we live in.

When you go into the silence you use the silence to open yourself up to all of the knowledge that you already possess. Knowledge that you know but don't necessarily know that you know. The silence allows you to know it again. When you are done with the silence and the meditation is over you have re-membered (become a member once again) yourself to this knowledge. You still may not know consciously that you re-membered this knowledge but it sits in your unconscious, ready for you to use.

One of the finest things you can do when you are awake and aware is to tap into the knowledge that sits in your unconscious, pull it out, and reveal it to the world as something you already know. The thing is that you didn't know you knew it until you reached within you, extracted the knowledge and then used it. Of course you need to be conscious and aware to know when you have done this.

Meditation is one of the methods of tapping into your source but it is not the only way. Whenever you walk in nature and silently observe the abundance of life that surrounds you, you are tapping into the source. As you watch birds fly overhead, or look at a newly formed flower in the spring, or observe the colors of the leaves changing in the fall, or the last glimpse of the sun as it leaves the horizon, or hear the sound of rushing water over rocks or ocean waves or when you see the squirrel in your backyard gather nuts or any aspect of nature that catches your attention at any time, you connect yourself to the wonder and abundance that surrounds us.

As you observe the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world, you can feel the inter-connectedness of it all. You begin to understand how we are all in this together, and you see the connection between plants, animals, earth, sky, water and humans.

The more you observe the more you appreciate the paradise that was created for us to live in and to use as the stage for the performance of our lives. As Shakespeare said "All the world is a stage and we are but players on the stage of life."

We have this unbelievable setting in which to conduct the events and experiences of our lives. The more we are able to see the beauty and perfection of this gift, the more we give thanks for it. This appreciation and gratitude for acknowledging the abundance in which we live is another way for us to connect to our source.

Whenever you give thanks for the gifts you are presented in this life, you connect to your source. You can do this at any time. You can stop now and give a silent "thank you" for whatever you feel at the moment and you will connect with your source. Ten seconds or ten minutes, it doesn't matter. If you are stopped at a stoplight and feel the urge to give thanks, then do it and feel the joy in the appreciation of the beauty and magnificence of the life that you lead.

As you conduct the day-to-day activities of your life, stop yourself for a few minutes and take the time to observe what is going on around you. Step back and see how everything connects and flows together in a wonderful symmetry. See the relationships that exist between you and the events and circumstances that pass before you as you travel your path. As you do this exercise become "aware" that you are doing it. Become "aware" that you are observing yourself. That you are watching your body move around doing life functions.

Be "aware" that the observer is not the body or the mind. This silent observer is the timeless presence that is with you always and is there to observe and guide you if you but let him (or her). It's your choice if you wish to accept his guidance, as it has always been and always will be. When you are observing the observer, you are connecting yourself with your source.

Whether you sit silently in a room, walk your dog (which is God spelled backwards) or sit quietly at the traffic light giving a prayer of gratitude, you are connecting to your God source and tapping into the authentic power that you possess.

You are never without this source of power, but unless you are "aware" of it you may not be able to access it. Most people look outside of themselves for their power through such vehicles as money, status, sex, physical strength, cars, or a variety of symbols that they perceive will give them power.

All of these external sources are temporary and temporal. Only by going inside yourself do you find your "authentic power." The power that observes but does not judge. The power that manifests no physical strength but can move mountains. The power with no bank account but is rich beyond measure. The power with no worldly title but is the emperor of its domain. The power that is not temporary but infinite and the power that is not temporal but is all encompassing in its scope.

This is the authentic power you possess within you. Wake up and feel the power. When you wake up and become "aware" of the authentic power within you, you can begin to access your power and manifest into your life the events and experiences that you choose to help define who you really are.

As these events and experiences show up in your life, you are "aware" of them and "aware" that you created them and called them forth. When this happens, give thanks for your manifestations and go on to choose your next creation.

Meditation is pure bliss. Ask anyone who has incorporated meditation into their daily routine and they'll tell you the same thing. If you haven't yet discovered the rich benefits of regular meditation yourself, this article is for you. It's a simple Meditation How To Guide so you can get started today.

1. Find Peace. To find peace within through meditation requires that you begin with a peaceful, quiet place in which to enjoy the process. You want somewhere you can call your own for at least the next 15 to 20 minutes. Locate a private place away from as much noise as possible.

If you can hear neighborhood kids playing... dogs barking... and traffic zooming by.... you need to get away from that as much as possible. The more peaceful, calm and serene your environment, the easier it is to relax on a deeper level and get the full benefit of your meditation.

Your meditative environment may be indoors or outdoors. Wherever it is, you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, environmental noise, and the nonstop chatter that's going on externally and even internally within your own mind.

2. Get Comfortable. Now that you found a location, the next step of your 'meditation how to' is to get comfortable there. By this I mean that you should be wearing loose fitting clothing, something that you're totally at ease in.

So if you're wearing a shirt and tie with jacket for example, you want to remove the jacket and take off the tie and possibly loosen your shirt and roll up the sleeves. Maximum comfort is important here because anything less will distract you at some point and draw your focus away from the meditation itself.

In addition to wearing comfortable clothing, find a reasonably comfortable chair. Now keep in mind that you only need 15 to 20 minutes for a highly-effective meditation, although you can gain benefit from shorter or longer sessions too. But for those 15 to 20 minutes, you want to experience as much comfort and joy as possible.

3. Assume The Position. Now it's time to move this 'meditation how to' into action. Take a seat in your chair, keeping your back straight and upright. Relax your body and allow it to be at ease as much as possible.

Some people prefer to lie down, while others (usually long-term enthusiasts) like to sit on a cushion on the floor during meditation. Whatever works best for you is the way to go. But a word of caution is necessary here. If you tend to fall asleep while you're lying in a horizontal position -- don't do it. Settle on the chair option instead. You want to get deeply relaxed while still remaining awake during your meditation. Falling asleep defeats the purpose.

4. Relax. For maximum benefit, it's important to relax as much as possible during your meditation session. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and slowly. Take in plenty of oxygen as you inhale. And as you exhale, release everything that you're holding onto; all your cares and concerns. Just let it go. As you release each breath, let go of any tension felt in your body... and any thought that appears. Let everything go and simply focus on your breathing. Continue to take long, slow, deep breaths -- in and out -- in a consistent rhythm.

5. Know Your Target. Aim to discover a new level of relaxation through meditation. Strive to reach a new level where you are at complete peace where you feel pure bliss. Your mission through meditation is to experience complete freedom. Mentally, physically and spiritually -- you want to be free of any thoughts or resistance of any kind.

As you notice thoughts entering your consciousness when your mind wanders, gently release each thought as it comes. Don't dwell on it or think about it even for a moment. Doing so energizes the thought and takes you away from your bliss. Simply let it go. And don't think about it anymore. Get back to the moment and enjoy the peaceful, pleasurable state of complete freedom.

6. Focus on Breathing. Breathing is the key meditation how to tip. Deep, slow, methodical breaths are what enable you to completely relax. Deep breathing is a wonderful tool that can be used anytime. Whenever you're stressed, simply take a few deep breaths. Instantly, you'll feel better, lighter, and less-burdened by negative thoughts. Deep breathing has a way of calming the mind, while energizing the body with oxygen.

But there's another great benefit of deep breathing during meditation and that is -- it gives you something to focus upon. For most of our waking hours, we tend to be thinking about so many different things that to suddenly think of "nothing" is challenging. It's a difficult task for most people he first time they try to quiet their mind in order to hold no thoughts.

Naturally, the tendency is to focus on something the mind is used to. So it gravitates towards anything it can get hold of. So give your mind something to focus on that will serve you well; your pattern of breath.

As you begin to relax, focus on your breathing. Breathe in deeply... hold your breath for a few seconds... and breathe out again. Then repeat this cycle a number of times, focusing on filling your lungs with life-giving oxygen as you inhale and releasing every thought as you exhale.

7. Quiet The Mind. While meditating, you don't have to be striving to accomplish something or get something done. One of the great advantages of meditation is to separate yourself from the daily onslaught of activity.

Simply relax and enjoy the moment. There's no need to work on your aspirations at this moment in time. Initially at least, you want to be free of any thoughts. As you reach that level, you may then choose to turn it into a visualization meditation. That's where you envision a specific goal.

But your initial purpose at least is to become "thought free". It's the ultimate freedom. Striving for this target raises your vibration. You'll enjoy feeling lighter, more energized and more a live. It puts you back into the flow of life where you begin to attract more of what you want.

How often do you hear yourself saying "I don't have the time or if only I had a minute to myself." We sometimes forget to step back, tune in and relax by taking time to meditate.

As life becomes more stressful we seem to be moving at such a breathtaking speed as we deal with computers and mobiles that enable us to talk to people across the world in a matter of seconds without even catching our breath. If the world sometimes seems to appear in chaos or we feel buffeted about by the roller coaster of life it could be wise to take a step back and reconnect to what really matters in life. It sometimes helps to just take a quick breather in between emails, texts, meetings or housekeeping tasks and childcare especially if you are working to tight deadlines.

Meditation is a beneficial way of releasing our tensions, fears and worries enabling us to obtain the feel good factor thereby helping us to feel safer, more secure and realising that there are deeper levels of relaxation. It is a simple way of bypassing our chattering mind and fleeting thoughts relieving stress to help us to think more clearly and alleviate any problems by getting in touch with our inner self.

It is a simple process that will revitalise, renew and energise you at anytime and help you to relieve the stresses of your day. Before any meditation it is advisable to prepare yourself by sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, with your feet firmly on the ground and imagine a bubble of protection surrounding you. Take in 7 deep breaths and as you breathe out on the last breath you are now ready for the 7 Simple Steps to Heaven that will create a haven for peace, tranquillity within and inner awareness.

1. Take a deep breath as you do breathe in the Divine energy and release.

2. Breathe in and take this breath to your heart and release.

3. As you breathe in and release send out gratitude to all the people that you know and who are in your life at this time ie. good, bad and the indifferent.

4. As you breathe in ask for blessings for all those people that may have given you insights or understanding throughout the day.

5. Next breathe in and say thank you for the day that you are about to encounter with all its twists and turns.

6. As you breathe in and release focus on the love in your heart as you accept, appreciate and acknowledge.

7. Then as you breathe out on the last breath let go of any negative emotions and relax. When you are ready you can open your eyes.

Why not try the Shower of Sunlight a 3 minute meditation that can be used on a daily basis for those of you that may need relief from the stresses and strains of daily living.

1. Find a comfortable space either sitting or standing as your prefer. Then close your eyes as you feel the warmth of the suns rays or visualise the sunlight as droplets showering over your head and down your shoulders.

2. Visualise the sunlight in droplets clearing any negative energy or thoughts out through your feet and into the earth.

3. Now, perceive yourself radiating a glowing of golden sunlight and open your eyes.

This meditation can be adapted into your daily routine for example during your lunch break or when you have a few minutes to spare. You can either take yourself outside into the sunlight or use the rays of the sun as it cascades through the window as a golden light to cleanse and reenergize your Aura.

Meditation has been found to have a positive influence on the body, mind, and spirit. Successful management of chronic pain, decrease in blood pressure, and reduction in stress hormones are a few of the physiological benefits of meditative practices. Meditation is also known to produce a variety of psychological benefits, including reduction of anxiety, enhanced sense of well-being, increased awareness of emotions, and a greater sense of self-actualization. Spiritual bliss and enlightenment are among the spiritual benefits of meditation.

Recently scientists have looked at the effect of mindfulness meditation (one type of awareness meditation) on the brain and neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to develop and change - essentially rewire itself - in response to training and/or experience. Richard Davidson, PhD at the University of Wisconsin has conducted research that indicates that meditation increases neuronal firings in the left frontal cortex of the brain – the same area associated with positive feelings and happiness. Studies involving very experienced meditators (Buddhist monks) have shown that these brain changes may be long lasting. In other words, mindfulness meditation may increase your level of happiness and the more you practice the happier you will be.

Rather than disregarding any distracting thoughts, those practicing mindfulness meditation simply observe their thoughts without judgment. The goal of this form of meditation is to increase awareness in the present moment. If you want to give this type of meditation a try, I suggest beginning with a mindful walking practice. This simply means that while you are walking, you keep your awareness on the experience of walking. Stay in the present moment and be aware of what your body feels like as you walk. Notice the sensations as you put one foot in front of the other. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Simply keep your awareness on your experience in the moment.

When other thoughts come into your mind (and they most definitely will come) simply observe them and let them go – without judging them. This is a key to mindfulness - rather than getting caught up in these thoughts or berating yourself for having distracting thoughts, it is important to be an impartial observer of the thoughts flowing through your mind. Remember… observe the thoughts and let them go.

As you gain experience with this type of meditation, you will gain the understanding that your true essence - your essential spirit - is not the contents of your mind, but rather the observer of the contents. This awareness will help you detach from intense emotions and allow them to flow freely and easily. When practiced on a regular basis, mindfulness becomes a way of life and a path toward greater happiness, peace, and joy.

The practice of transcendental Meditation is not only that, a practice, but also, it seems, a product. You see, transcendental meditation is actually a technique that was revealed in the latter part of the 1950's by one Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

The actual practice itself is a twenty-minute process, utilized two times daily. The practitioner will close his eyes while sitting down, allowing his mind to transcend to a peaceful mental place. Maharishi Yogi tells us that transcendental meditation is actually an evolution of the Vedic tradition, originating in India in ancient times.

Transcendental meditation involves seven different and unique steps requiring certain outside influences. There are lectures mentioned in the steps as well as interviews. This is not something that just anyone could attempt without the proper information and sources of knowledge and guidance.

The actual results of transcendental meditation have garnered great interest from many different sectors of the professional health community. Since the great influx of the practice, as well as an excessive amount of testimonials on health results by individual practitioners, such elite and highly regarded medical presences as The Stanford University, the Harvard Medical School and the highly esteemed Yale Medical School have taken countless specialized polls and researched the long term results of this theoretical practice.

Of those studies, there have been some actual factual results, tested in depth, stating that there are real physical changes as a direct result of the ongoing practice of transcendental meditation. Among the many physical conditions that have showed and improvement directly related to this metaphysical process are a drop in high blood pressure, decrease of the stress of ageing, a reduction in insomnia issues, cholesterol issues, and a general well being. It is almost as if the practitioners of transcendental meditation have managed to somehow strengthen their immune system.

Studies have also shown that transcendental meditation can greatly reduce mental issues, such as desire for alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, and stress issues. The knowledge that stress itself can lead to many physical ailments makes this process almost priceless to one who would hold his or her health in high regard.

Although there are very many doubtful comments still floating heavily around the medical community. However, the National Institute of Health has obviously given the process some solid credibility as they have invested well over twenty million dollars in research funds towards the long-term effects of transcendental meditation on the human heart.