Do you know how to meditate?

April 6th, 2012 by admin

“Meditation is the gateway, through which you arrive to the world of freedom.” ~ Remez Sasson

There are many different techniques of meditation. However they all have the same purpose and goals. The reason people meditate may differ and encompass only part of those goals. All however agree that the benefits of meditation are many.

We cannot cover all the techniques of meditation but with a little effort you will be able to find the one that suits you best. In this post I will cover a couple of techniques that are easy to learn.

The first is called Mindfulness Meditation. I personal like this method because it teaches that one would benefit from living their life in a continual state of mindfulness. Mindfulness meaning being fully aware of everything that is going on around you and in you.

To practice mindfulness meditation pick a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. If you want to enhance the mood you could light a candle, use appropriate aroma therapy, and or play some peaceful, soothing music.

You can sit on the floor cross legged or it that is not comfortable sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. The key to mindfulness meditation is to be aware of your breathing as you empty your mind of all thoughts. Simply notice your breath as you inhale and exhale.

Feel your breath as it goes in and out of your body. Feel it as it goes from your nostrils to you lungs and out . Just keep concentrating on breathing and if your mind interferes with that, notice what you are thinking about then refocus on your breathing.

That is all there is to it. If you are just starting out do this for 5 or 10 minutes and add time as it becomes comfortable to 20 t0 30 minutes.

Another way of meditating is to use a mantra, a word or a group of words. You can use any word you chose. A good mantra or word is OM. Follow the direction for the mindfulness meditation but instead of following your breath repeat the word you have chosen.

As you exhale say the word or words. If you are choosing a group of words you do not want to use a sentence that you cannot repeat in one exhale. Then inhale and repeat the words on exhale. That is all there is. Simple isn’t it?

In both types of meditation you want to measure you breathing so the time of your inhale is the same as the time of your exhale.

If there is anyone out there that would like to experience meditation in a retreat setting let me know. I will give you the name of a program that holds 10 day meditation retreats. They do not charge a set fee for these retreats but ask for donations. I have done the retreat and can tell you it is an amazing experience.

TODAY’S TIP: Periodically during your day stop and try to notice everything that is going on around you. Each time you practice this you will notice more. This is mindful living.

Will you practice.