Meditation takes on many forms, often people think of someone sitting in lotus pose(cross legged) hands facing skyward and chanting OMmmmm.
While this is a popular form of meditation there are many other ways including prayer, transcendental, zen, Taoist, guided, walking, mindful and a host of others. There is no single right way. Meditation is about quieting the mind and achieving a state of serenity. There are many health benefits as well as emotional and spiritual benefits.
There are many benefits of meditation including:
- decreasing stress and anxiety
- decreased blood pressure
- decreased heart rate
- decreased cholesterol levels
- decreased cortisol (a stress hormone) levels
- decreased muscle tension
- decreased respiratory rate
- decrease in free radicals
- increased alpha brain wave – the feel good sensation
- increased clarity
- increased focus
- increased peacefulness
- increase in life expectancy
- improved memory
With the vast benefits and relative simplicity of meditation it’s a winning practice all the way around.
Guided Meditation
One of the more popular and effective techniques is guided meditation. Where a recorded mantra or visualization is listened to. This is often the easiest way to get started with meditation. The advantages of this method are many. If you have mental chatter, where random thoughts keep running through your mind, listening and focusing on a guided meditation can help to quiet your mind and set the stage for traditional meditation if you wish.
Guided meditation is also particularly helpful for dealing with ongoing problems such as weight, smoking, bad habits, repeating life patterns, Also setting affirmations, or reaching goals, this is especially true with personalized guided meditation. The words are focused on your particular affirmation, goal or problem.
Meditation
The simplest way to start is with the basic technique, it's simple and no equipment is needed. Simply sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and focus on the inhale and exhale of your breath. If your mind wanders, and it very likely will, simply redirect your attention back to your breath. As simple as this seems it does take practice, so be gentle with yourself.
