-Bhagavad Gita
 | Meditation is a bit of a buzzword these days. For some it is a requirement, a respite from life’s hectic pace. For others it may be misunderstood, overwhelming, too ‘new age,’ too difficult, or completely feared. Yet, meditation, if practiced with commitment, will inevitably lead to the successful quieting of the mind. Meditation is not a singular pursuit however, as it needs to be first nourished with concentration and focus. If someone is willing to make meditation a daily practice, clarity will unfold, creating a purpose aligned with the higher self. The common phrase “The answers are within” cannot be understood without clearing the mind of all daily clutter. Meditation leads the way to this understanding. |
If one wants to be successful in meditation, one must understand that it is an ongoing process. Like physical exercise, meditation is a discipline that reaps benefits only from concentrated and continual effort. Meditation needs to be cultivated, and a dedicated practice is essential. That being said, meditation is also similar to exercise in that some is better than none. Thus, a student may start with small increments and gradually increase his/her practice with time.
Particularly for the beginner, meditation may sound like a complex assignment. The mind is accustomed to wandering, and focus does not come easily for most. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras state that yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation all contribute to the creation of a mind space that is open to receive meditation. Meditation is a mind-body experience, so the body needs to also be strong for the prolonged periods of meditative sitting. There are several sitting postures the body can assume for meditation. The classic pose is seated comfortably on a mat or a pillow with spine erect and legs folded, hands resting on the knees.
The best time of day for meditative practice is in the early morning upon rising or in the evening just before bed. The unconscious mind is at its strongest at the edge of sleep and when waking up, and therefore, the meditation is more likely to work in harmony with the mind. It is recommended that one meditate for at least ten to twenty minutes one or two times per day, but five minutes is certainly a place to begin.
There are many different types of meditation. Every individual has a unique experience with each type. One example is that of a witness meditation. In a witness meditation, the individual will only observe how the mind/body is reacting in the silence, without judgments. The individual will allow the mind to lead in the meditation, as the individual quietly follows. Anytime the mind wanders off (and it will), the individual will recognize the mind wandering and gently bring it back to the moment and the silence. Other meditative practices include following the breath, repeating a mantra, or gazing at a candle. The important task is just sitting down to meditate, no matter what comes up or how the experience plays out. If one just keeps coming back to practice, results will begin to present themselves.
| There are both psychological and physiological benefits to meditation. Some psychological benefits include: focusing of the mind, remaining in the present, clarifying the purpose of self, developing a peaceful mind, and allowing clutter and worry to fade away. Physiologically, one of the biggest benefits of meditation is the calming of the nervous system and the resulting reduction of stress-induced physical ailments. Rarely is there a reason not to meditate. |  |
My own experience with meditation began in my early twenties. In my quest for personal peace, I picked up a few books about meditation that offered suggestions for getting started. I attempted many meditations, but my attention never lasted longer than a minute or so. I was not prepared to quiet my mind and my life was in utter chaos. I gave up on the concept then, figuring I just was not capable. I realize now that I was reluctant to experience silence, because I was afraid of what I might learn about myself. In the past few years, meditation has become extremely important in my life’s routine. Meditation is a time that I look forward to and embrace. It is “my time for me,” and it is usually after I meditate that my “answers from within” appear. My meditative journey brings me closer to living my life with clarity and keeps me present in my true authentic self.
Meditation is said to be a universal requirement for everyone, which is an idea that I subscribe to. The highest joys can be attained during the meditative process. I often wonder what our world would be like if everyone carved out some sacred time for meditation. If everyone had the courage and personal motivation to get quiet every day, would we still see a decline in lying, stealing, road rage, insensitivity, disregard for life, self-inflicted suffering, wars between nations, terrorism, etc.? I see meditation as a vital tool that enables me to experience the life that I was meant to live.
Have you got five minutes?
About the author:
Deborah Shipley is a registered yoga teacher, publisher of a free monthly e-zine on issues of self-esteem, and an e-book author.
http://www.TipsForInterpersonalSkills.com