Meditation - Calming of the Mind, Body & Spirit

Did you know that meditation has been around for thousands of years and is said to have started in India. It is believed that even Buddha practiced meditating telling his followers that meditation led to "Nirvana" - a complete sense of serenity.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) one of today's more popular methods was founded in 1956 by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Meditation can be described as a solitary exercise, in which one focuses attention within. Meditation is relatively new to Western culture although it has been practiced throughout the world during the last 5000 years. Many different meditative traditions have come into being throughout the world and in spite of their differences, all meditative practices have one common goal -- to develop and promote a sense of well-being. Its current rise in popularity no doubt stems from the urgent need to learn how to cope with "modern" day stresses and to discover and explore one's own inner world.

Meditation provides numerous benefits for our bodies..releasing tension, reducing stress, and restoring calmness to improve our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health. While many religions have a history of using meditation, the practice, as it relates to our health and well being, is non-denominational and in fact, it does not have to be associated with any particular faith or religion. However, meditation does embody the best principles of most religions since it enhances our lives and puts us in a more relaxed state of mind, allowing us to be more receptive and open to the "Divine."

Over the past 5 years, as the medical profession began examining the benefits of meditation, it has taken its rightful place. Many corporations across the world, realizing the benefits, have also begun using meditation as a way to reduce stress and keep employees healthy.

Dr. Andrew Weil, the Harvard trained author of Natural Health Natural Medicine, states "Economic pressures are forcing us to look at how we deal with sick people. Part of that reassessment will be looking at ways of incorporating mind/body medicine like meditation into broader use." "One of the most dramatic benefits is a feeling of deep rest, like you've had a good night's sleep,"says Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Bernie Seigel says, "I think it is important to interrupt your day every few hours for meditation, prayer or imagery - a healing interval."

Many health-care professionals now recommend meditation to patients recovering from injury and coping with pain. Emotional responses to sickness and injury; fear, stress, anger, and worry can often interfere with recovery. Meditation has been found to help patients relax so that the body can start to repair itself.

The power of meditation as a treatment for stress related disorders has also been making its way into psychiatry where it has been reported that "mindfulness" meditation seems to help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Meditation, of course, is not a miracle cure nor a substitute for a physician or a psychotherapist.

Nevertheless, meditation is harmless, it doesn't cost anything, there aren't any drugs involved and it has no side effects. It requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. You can beat those odds! Finally you can choose a method that won't conflict with your religious views.

Types of Meditation
Transcendental Meditation, Mindfulness - Vispassana Meditation, Walking Meditation and Visualization, are some of the more familiar methods of meditation. There are infinite varieties of the techniques of meditation and it is difficult to compare one to another. Different methods affect people in different ways and the emphasis should not be on the method chosen but rather on how well one is able to use it. While traditional meditation involves sitting in silence, any activity that stills the mind... listening to music, walking, jogging, swimming, hiking, gardening - can also be meditative.

No matter which method is chosen be prepared for your mind to wander, the number one reason people give up. Meditation does not necessarily mean keeping your mind perfectly still, try not to worry or get discouraged when your mind wanders, simply notice what comes up and then bring your attention back to your focus.

Think of meditation as a practice of peace, a skill that can be learned and developed with continued practice. Meditation should be enjoyable -- something to look forward to, an escape from all stress and anxiety, your own personal journey to tranquility.

Breathing - Calming of the Mind
Breathing seems like such a simple thing, after all every day we breathe in and breathe out some 17,000 times. So automatic that we probably pay little attention to it. Breathing isn't completely automatic. Our body takes care of its need for oxygen by making us breathe -- like when we sleep or we are busy. However, we can voluntarily affect the rate, depth and rhythm of our breathing whenever we choose. By controlling our breath, we can effectively alter the workings of our lungs, our circulatory system, our organs, and every cell in our body. Improper breathing can affect our mind and body in a negative manner leaving us feeling anxious and even distressed. The good news is that proper breathing techniques can have profound medical benefits for us all.

Breathing is really the major link between our minds and our bodies, a connection that for centuries people all over the world used to deepen their spiritual lives. Zen Buddhists use breathe as a focus for meditation, as did Taoist who used breathe to help them connect with their energies.

The physical and psychological benefits of breath work often go hand in hand with a deepening sense of spirituality. Breath connects the conscious and the unconscious. Learning a very simple meditation technique is the first step in restoring this link. As we achieve "mindfulness" or "stilling the mind," an awareness of our thoughts and feelings help us to remain grounded even in the midst of chaos.

Diaphragmatic or "belly breathing" experts say is the healthiest way to breathe. As you breathe in deeply, your diaphragm drops down and your belly swells outward, as you exhale, your diaphragm relaxes as you release the air. Deep breathing allows your lower ribs to expand as do the muscles in your lower back allowing more oxygen to enter the body and helping to slow the heart rate bringing about a sense of peace and calmness.

Indeed the simple act of breathing can help us discover and nourish our inner selves.

Getting Started - On Your Way To Achieving Nirvana
The following can be applied to all meditative methods:

It is important to find a quiet, comfortable environment, a place where you will not be disturbed. Dim lighting sometimes helps. Distracting noises should be kept to a minimum. Wear comfortable clothing, loose and non-restrictive so that you can breath easily. If you choose to you can add a little atmosphere; light a candle, burn incense, play soft music.

Most meditations are done while sitting comfortably with spine straight but not tense. Sitting on the floor, cross legged in either the full or half lotus position or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that the next 20 minutes or so belong to you. Totally relax, and let go.

While in this position, you can do a number of things:

You can concentrate on your breathing, the rhythm of breathing in and breathing out.

You can gaze at a mandala, a flame, or some other appropriate visual stimulus.

You can utter a special word called a "mantra" selected not for its meaning but strictly for its sound. Affirmations, or visualizations may be used.

As you continue on, you may feel the urge to move, wait and see if the urge diminishes. If it doesn't and you must move, do so slowly and then refocus. Staying focused takes time and practice -- each time you find your mind wandering, refocus. As you conclude your session, you should feel relaxed, relatively mellow and at peace.

Transforming the patterns of our life is not always an easy thing to do. Silence is such a precious commodity in our world and a great teacher! Available to all of us. Meditation is a time to simply be, allowing your mind to replenish itself. Expand your efforts, in your daily inventory resolve to take one small step towards a healthier you. Through regular meditation, we can achieve peace and a sense of calmness which translates into healthier minds, bodies and spirits. With continued dedication and practice, you too, can begin to reap the benefits of meditation and experience the transformation that will enhance your life.

  Christian Meditation Online
(This site is dedicated to the practice of Christian Meditation as taught by John Main OSB -- 1926-1982 and in serving the unity of all.)

  Erowid Spirit Vaults: Meditation
(This is a fabulous site offering mediation information, great links, services, bibliographys and methods of meditation.)

  Meditation Techniques
(A super place to visit, great music, lots of interesting information about meditation as well as many interesting links.)