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Meditation

Many are coming to realise the benefits of meditation for a healthy, happy life

Say Goodbye to Stress and Tension

Has meditation ever crossed your mind? Meditation is becoming one of the most common methods that people are using to alleviate some of the stresses that occur in life today.

If you’re like most people, your life is probably pretty hectic. What with working, the kids, looking after the home and trying to fit in a social life, it’s easy to get stressed. A little bit of stress isn’t bad for us, it’s your body’s way of telling you that things need to get done. But when stress levels get too high, it’s hard to cope because the stress takes over your life.

So, what is meditation? 

Mention meditation and some people have visions of Buddhist monks sitting together on cold stone floors and chanting. Meditation is in fact a practice that is becoming popular in the Western world among all sorts of people. If you are not really sure what meditation is, you will be wondering ‘What is meditation?’. Basically, the answer to the question is simple. Meditation is something that anyone can use to help them cope with stress or medical problems by way of quiet thought and contemplation.

Of course, the use of meditation for healing is not new. Meditation has been used by many different cultures and people around the world. It has been rooted in the traditions of the world's great religions. In fact, practically all religious groups practice meditation in one form or another. The value of meditation to alleviate suffering and promote healing has been known and practised for thousands of years.

There are various different types of meditation including include transcendental meditation, prayer, Zen meditation, Taoist meditation, mindfulness meditation and Buddhist meditation. All follow the basic principles of quiet contemplation and reflection resulting in a mind that is free from stress. However, each practice is somewhat different. Some methods may require the body to be still while other methods allow free movement of the body.

One of the most important benefits of meditation is the reduction of stress. Scientific research has proven that meditation can help to balance the physical, emotional and mental state. More and more doctors are now recommending the benefits of meditation to cure many stress related illnesses. Regular meditation can lead to a deeper level of relaxation and the benefits of meditation will promote a sense of calm and control, you’ll feel far more relaxed and happy. Your ability to concentrate will be greater. You won’t become stressed about things and you’ll feel more peaceful and relaxed about everything. One of the greatest benefits of meditation is learning to go with the flow and things that used to irritate you before simply become insignificant. Even ten minutes of meditation a day will help alleviate stress.

Benefits of Meditation include:

  Builds self confidence

 Increases serotonin which influences moods and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, headaches and insomnia

  Enhances energy, strength and vigour

  Helps keep blood pressure normal

  Reduces stress and tension

  Creates a state of deep relaxation and general feeling of well-being

  Helps with P.M.T.

  Increases concentration and strengthens the mind

  Helps reduce heart disease

  Helps with weight loss

How To Meditate

It isn’t difficult to meditate, but there are some basic things that you need to create the right atmosphere and help with your meditation. Here are a few tips that will help you to learn to meditate, and to do it the right way from the start:

Create a Peaceful Atmosphere

Creating a peaceful atmosphere is a essential if your meditation is to succeed. Do whatever it takes to create as calm an atmosphere as you can. Wait until the children are in bed or, if you’re an early riser, meditate when the rest of the household are still asleep. Make sure everyone knows you need some quiet time and ask them not to disturb you. Turn the ringer on the phone off - the caller can always leave a message.

Prepare Your Meditation Space

There might be certain things which help to create your peaceful atmosphere. Somewhere comfortable to sit is essential - you can’t relax if you’re uncomfortable. Yoga mats or cushions are great seating arenas for meditation or you may simply sit on a dining chair or easy chair. Other things that help you relax are also good idea such as the soothing sound of a small running water fountain; turn the lights down low or light a few candles; some incense can also be an effective way of ‘setting the mood’ for your meditation time. If you want, put on some relaxing music which makes you feel serene and peaceful.

Wear Comfortable And Easy Clothing

Wear something loose and comfortable. Strange as it seems, some people even choose to meditate au natural, as it provides less of a distraction by the every day world.

If you haven’t seriously given the considered idea of meditation you should soon, while you can still save your sanity!  If you'd like some more help and advice on how to meditate, why not visit the Mind Body Soul Matters Online Store and pick up a book or cd?