The Art of Meditation

What is meditation and how does it work?

Meditation is a discipline in which one trains the mind and ultimately induces various modes of consciousness. The word meditation has many different meanings in varying contexts of world philosophies and religions. Derived from the Latin word meditari, meaning “to think or contemplate”, meditation has proven to be beneficial on all levels of being.

Essentially, meditation can be used as an internal effort to regulate the mind and the body. It is often used as a relaxation tool and can help ease physical, mental and emotional ailments. Not only does the daily practise of meditation release accumulated stress but it also helps prevent stress.

Types of Meditation

•Guided meditation

•Mindfulness meditation

•Mantra meditation

•Tai chi

•Qi gong

•Transcendental meditation

•Meditative prayer

•Yoga

To increase the benefits of meditation, it is important to practice it on a daily basis. A few minutes every day is all that is required. During meditation, you focus your attention and remove the mass of muddled thoughts that can overwhelm your mind.

When you consciously choose to move into higher states of consciousness, you become empowered and your state of physical and emotional wellness is enhanced.

The many benefits of meditation don’t just end with the end of your meditation session, but the effects support the body and mind throughout the day

Physical Benefits

•Improves immune system

•Lowers blood lactate levels, reducing anxiety

•Stabilises blood pressure

•Decreases tension pain

•Improves sleep patterns

•Increases serotonin production, improving moods and behaviour

•Increases blood oxygen levels, improving metabolism, digestion and elimination

•Increases energy levels

•Relaxes the body

Mental Benefits

•Gain clarity and awareness

•Increases creativity

•Gain new perspective

•Stabilises emotions

•Decreases anxiety and negative emotions

•Alleviates depression

•Relaxes and balances the mental body

•Increases self-awareness

•Develops intuition

•Improves attitude

•Stimulates memory

Learning to still the mind

The art of meditation, like everything in life, requires practice. It epitomises simplicity and detachment and with practice one can learn to meditate anywhere. Cast out distractions and awareness of the outer world and shift your focus inward. Learn to tame the mind and control the breath

If you can’t learn to control your breath,

how can you possibly expect to have any real control

over your mind and your physical reality?

Breath of Life Meditation

•Find a quiet, comfortable position, either sitting and laying down.

•Close your eyes and breathe in very deeply through your nose and out again through your mouth.

•With each breathe become aware of the flow of your breathe.

•Feel the cool air going in through your nose filling your lungs and then flowing out through your mouth. Feel your chest raise and fall as you breathe in and out.

•If you find your mind wondering, bring your awareness back to your breath. If outside noises are distracting you, bring your awareness back to your breath.

•Relax and breathe quietly for 10 – 15 minutes.

•This simple meditation leaves you feeling calm and relaxed.

Meditation takes practice, so do not judge your skills – develop your meditation skills with regular practice.