Sunday, January 25, 2009

Meditation - Guides and Advantages

By Kathy Page

Meditation is a discipline of the mind, during which one works to get beyond conscious thoughts into a state of relaxation. There are many different meditation techniques and methods practiced around the world. Often it is for religious reasons, and then there are those that use it just to clear the mind and the stresses of the day.

There are many benefits of meditation one is that it calms the mind and reduces tension and stress. It also increases self confidence because meditation increases serotonin levels, which are the feel-good hormones. It has been shown to stabilize blood pressure, which decreases your risk for heart disease.

Studies have shown that increased levels of serotonin are released; which improves mood and emotional stability, increases energy and vitality, and a feeling of well-being occurs. All of this in-turn helps to boost self-confidence. It also increases concentration and clear thinking.

There are different types of meditation each has their individual techniques. These include Mantra which involves the repetition of particular sounds, to achieve the meditative state. Trataka is a steady gaze is directed at a particular object. Chakra is more in-depth as each chakra represents a main nerve branching off the spinal cord to serve the major organs of the body. This meditation is to explore the seven chakras. Transcendental gives a unique depth of rest to the body and mind and releases tiredness and stress.

Trataka is used to quiet the mind in this the mediator steadily gazes at a particular object such as a photo. The point is to clear the mind and relax the body. All of these meditations may have a different aspect to them, but the general goals are the same in each.

The basics of how to meditate are; to form a habit of regular meditation it will be necessary to allocate time each day. Choose a time that you know you will keep to, that fits into your schedule. Once you start to see positive results, you will find it easier to put the time aside. You can set your own time-frame - some people like 5 or 10 minutes, some prefer 15 to 20 minutes.

Create the environment. Turn off the TV and phone. Music must be gentle and repetitive, if you use it. Meditating outdoors is good if there is no distracting noise. Sit or lie comfortably. You don't need to adopt any unusual postures. Close or half-close your eyes or focus on something like a candle flame.

Now that you are positioned then you can shut your eyes, and start listening to your breathing. Try to breathe more in your abdomen than your chest; the belly should rise and fall and your chest should be almost still. To assist in clearing your mind, try counting your breaths. A healthy breathing pattern is to breathe in for 3 and breathe out for 6. Relax every muscle in your body, concentrating from your head to your toes. - 15266

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