subject: Meditation Essay 1 [print this page] Meditation is more than a method for relaxing the body and mind. It is a way for gaining freedom from persistent thoughts and concerns, quieting the mind, strengthening intuition, and finding inner peace and happiness. Meditation calms down the body and the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and has a healing effect on the body.It is a spiritual practice that is free from all religious connotations, and has always been practiced everywhere, from ancient times until the present day. There has always been the desire to go within and to find the relation between mankind, the world and the creator.
There are many forms and traditions of meditation, which are practiced and followed for various reasons, for relaxation and health, for mental mastery and inner peace, and of course for attaining spiritual awakening, and for discovering who you really are. In order to obtain results it has to be practiced every day. A beginner may start with only 5 minutes and gradually increase the time. Essentially, there are two forms of meditation. One that requires focusing the mind on a certain activity, such as on the breathing process, or choosing an inspiring quote from any spiritual teacher, and repeating it in your mind, trying to find its deeper meaning. The other form requires that you empty the mind of thoughts, and merge into the inner silence within you, into your Real Self.
Below you will find several things you can do to improve your ability to meditate,
It is important to meditate every day.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Do not meditate when you are tired.
Meditate in a place where you can be alone and undisturbed.
Sit in a comfortable position with your spine erect.
Relax your body.
Take a few slow deep breaths.
To relax even more, focus on a pleasant memory
Before you start to meditate, tell yourself that all thoughts, ideas and plans will have now to wait until you finish, and that nothing is going to distract your mind.
Start meditating calmly, yet with focused attention. The more focused the attention is, the easier it is to ignore thoughts and other distractions.
Keep calm both mentally and physically, and do not tense your body.
Start with a simple meditation technique: For a few minutes, focus your attention on your breath. Breathe normally, while focusing on the act of breathing in and breathing out.
