Do Yoda Proud: Meditation 101
Meditation refers to a state in which your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Practitioners of this art testify to an increased understanding, center, and concentration, not to mention a more positive outlook in life.
Meditation is typically thought of as being associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual controls. Never-the-less, you do not have to be a monk or medium to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t even have to be in a particular place to practice it. You may even attempt it in your own living room!
While there are many different methods to meditation, the essential principles never change. The most essential of these principles is that of doing away with obstructive, pessimistic, and drifting thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This empties the mind of debris and readies it for a higher level of activity.
The pessimistic thoughts you have - whether it be of noisy neighbors, bossy co-workers, that parking fine you got, and irritating junk mail- are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’|”Cluttering”| of the mind, and shutting them out allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it might center on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.
Some practitioners even block out all sensory input by disallowing - light, noises, and nothing to touch - and try to separate themselves from the chaos surrounding them. You may now focus on a deep, insightful thought if this is your goal. It may seem unbearable at first, since we are all too use to continuously hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this practice you will find yourself becoming more aware of all that is around you.
If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening - those with ridiculously arched backs, and agonizing-looking contortions - no worries. The point here is to be in a comfortable position favorable to concentration. This may consist of sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even strolling around.
If the position allows you to be at ease and focus, then that would be a positive starting point. While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.
Unrestrictive, breathable clothing makes a big difference in the process since ill- fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.
The location in which you practice your meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It may be in your front room, or bedroom, or any other area that you feel at ease in. You might want an exercise mat if you plan to attempt more difficult positions (if you feel more centered doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You may want to have the area arranged so that it is calming to your nerves.
Absolute quiet helps most people become at ease and meditate, so you might want a quiet, isolated location away from the jingling of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasant scents also help in that regard, so having on hand many aromatic candles is not such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on T.V. humming those repetitive sounds are in reality just performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a spiritual value.
You do not need to practice or do such exercises; however, it would pay to note that centering on repeated actions such as controlled breathing, and humming help the practitioner gain a higher state of awareness.
The principle here is focus. You may also try becoming centered on a particular object or thought, or even, eyes open focusing on a single sight.
One sample routine would be to - while in a meditative state - silently name every part of you body and centering your awareness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize letting go of this tension. It works wonders.
In summary, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its rewards are well worth the effort (or the lack of effort - don’t forget we’re relaxing).
Studies have found that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body. And there has been a increasing agreement in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So in the near future, who knows, that spiritual, obscure thing we call meditation may turn into a science itself!
