Understanding Meditation?
Author: Michael Molloy
Author: Michael Molloy
The word meditation is used by a lot of people in numerous ways. Everyone seems to be meditating on something. Various religions teach some form of meditation, teachers tell students to meditate on their lessons, hypnotists teach people to meditate to attain specific goals, and there are also New Age forms of mediation. So when people discuss about meditating, exactly what do they mean?
Meaning of Meditation
One definition of meditation is constant thought, reflection or contemplation. This definition gives you a pretty wide open boundary as to what is essentially considered meditation. There seems to be no restrictions as to what you are allowed to reflect on, think about, or contemplate for it to be labeled as meditation.
Another definition of meditation is "devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection." This definition seems to limit your contemplation and internal thought to that of spiritual matters.
Still one pastor defined meditation as continuous pondering over of a particular scripture, verse, or idea in much the same manner that a cow chews its cud over and over again. While the analogy is less than tasteful, the point is understood.
Some people believe that day dreaming is a form of meditation. However, most experts consider this to be incorrect for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, day dreaming does not seem to achieve the same benefits as meditation. In addition, day dreaming is usually not done consciously.
The general connotation people have of meditation is that the activity should produce relaxation and reduce stress. This ideal appears to put more restrictions on what thoughts can be concentrated on than any of the official definitions.
Methods of Meditation
Methods of meditation seem to vary as much as the definition for that topic. What people [refer to do when they meditate varies from subtle and almost unnoticeable to radical and bizarre. Some of those methods include:
* Quiet - Some people just sit calmly to think about a certain topic which they choose to make them feel relaxed. This is one of those subtle methods such that a stranger passing by will be completely unaware of the meditation taking place.
* Humming - Some people select humming while they meditate. This is believed by some to help clear the mind.
* Mantra - Other people choose to practice mantra, a form of chanting a particular word or phrase, as a means of focusing their thoughts into a beneficial direction.
* Visual Focusing - Another common practice is to focus on an object such as a candle. This has been considered by some as a form of hypnotism.
Although some people consider meditation as a way to clear the mind, it is just the first step. This is because by every form of the definition meditation appears to require thought or reflection. In fact, it is even assumed that it involves deep thought. So, clearing all other thoughts from your mind before focusing your thoughts on the predetermined subject matter will allow better focus.
Benefits of Meditation
There are a number of benefits that come with meditation. One of the main goals is to reduce stress. This reduction impacts the person's heath in many positive ways. Benefits of lower stress include control on blood pressure, improved hearth health, better sleep and mental clarity. Most health problems can be linked to stress on some level. Therefore, reducing stress through meditation can improve your overall well-being.
Determining the methods of meditation that are most beneficial to you may take some trial and error. Deciding what works, what you are comfortable with and what your focus should be will be the steps that determines your personal meditation style. Your style may change over time just as your lifestyle does. Whatever technique you select, the long term benefits to your physical and mental health are definitely going to be positive and well-worth the time it takes to develop your meditation style.About the Author:
Michael Molloy is a qualified fitness and weight loss instructor who understands why concentration and balance are vital for a successful life! Visit:
http://www.onesteptofitness.com/meditation/">Meditation Techniques and discover what meditation can do for you!
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