To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back
in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace. ~Milan
Kundera
I would like to continue with my series on the Self-Healing Technique of meditation for your physical and mental health. The art of meditation has been around for centuries, originally as part of the Hindu Religion. The main goal of this practice is to achieve a state of relaxation by clearing your mind of any thoughts that you may have. This technique is called "centering" and is the highest form of spiritual contemplation. One way to reach this is by using mantras or word recitation such as the prolonged sound of "om", which is derived from the Sanskrit language and is thought to contain sounds that come from the Hindu gods of creation, preservation and destruction. Another way is by breathing deeply while focusing on your breath. Physically active meditations such as yoga can also help you to achieve the state of deep relaxation that meditation can give.
Modern science has known for a long time that when we relax our mind, it has a healing effect on our body by helping to reduce stress,depression,and emotional imbalance. It also improves concentration, helps prevent disease and boosts the immune system. This occurs because When we are in a meditative state, our metabolism including respiration, and blood flow slows down considerably thus allowing us to relax.
Modern science has known for a long time that when we relax our mind, it has a healing effect on our body by helping to reduce stress,depression,and emotional imbalance. It also improves concentration, helps prevent disease and boosts the immune system. This occurs because When we are in a meditative state, our metabolism including respiration, and blood flow slows down considerably thus allowing us to relax.
To get the most benefit from meditation, you should do it daily, the more you practice, the easier it will become. Each practice should be at the same time and in the same place, preferably a comfortable spot where you will not be bothered. Your sessions do not have to be very long, but you need to let go of any stress that you may have and stay focused on relaxation. Then you will be able to achieve inner tranquility. Continue doing the same routine for a few weeks before you begin another type of meditation. There are many classes that you can take with a certified instructor if you are unsure how to begin.
Guided Imagery with meditation, which I told you about in my last blog, is a very effective technique for helping you to calm your nerves. You may want to purchase relaxation tapes with quiet music and colorful stories to take you away from your everyday worries and stress. They will help you to achieve a peaceful state of mind. Other things that may be helpful include concentrating on an object or reciting a mantra.
While practicing meditation, the most popular way to sit is the lotus position,
this is also used in yoga. To do this, you may want to use a pillow, or sit on the floor. Cross your right foot over your left thigh and your left foot over your right thigh. Your knees should touch the floor. Rest your hands on your thighs as your palms face upward. This position is difficult to attain because you need to be very flexible. If you are just starting out, sit "Indian style", with your knees bent and feet crossed at your ankles. With practice you will eventually be able to achieve the lotus position. It really doesn't matter how you sit, as long as you are fully relaxed.
Now I am going to tell you about a special type of meditation where you sit in darkened room while focusing on the flame of a burning candle.
this is also used in yoga. To do this, you may want to use a pillow, or sit on the floor. Cross your right foot over your left thigh and your left foot over your right thigh. Your knees should touch the floor. Rest your hands on your thighs as your palms face upward. This position is difficult to attain because you need to be very flexible. If you are just starting out, sit "Indian style", with your knees bent and feet crossed at your ankles. With practice you will eventually be able to achieve the lotus position. It really doesn't matter how you sit, as long as you are fully relaxed.Now I am going to tell you about a special type of meditation where you sit in darkened room while focusing on the flame of a burning candle.
- Sit in a comfortable and relaxing position. Focus deeply and concentrate on the flame.
- Relax and breath quietly and slowly through your nose. For a few minutes, don't think about anything. Watch as your abdomen rises slowly and falls with each breath and notice how the air moves through your whole body. You may want to place one hand on your stomach.
- Allow your thoughts to wander quietly. Welcome each thought like a good friend, but don't dwell on it. The relaxing light produced from the candle will help you to forget about your daily problems. Any tension that you are feeling will abate as you relax and ease your mind.
A guided meditation with Bridget Woods Kramer, a leading Anusara yoga teacher, filmed on the clifftops of Cornwall, England. 'Be Still' Music by kind permission of Rafael Szaban at Indigo Sea Music.
