Meditation: The Power Within

Meditation describes a state of concentrated attention on some object of thought or awareness. It usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference. Meditation is a method of relaxation and improving one's concentration in daily life. An essential part of yoga for beginners meditation helps one become aware of one's surroundings and gives a heightened awareness of one's senses.

What is meditation all about?

Many forms of meditation result in the clearing of one's mind and this promotes a sense of calm and heightened awareness. During meditation, the brain's activity alters significantly, as mapped by a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG). The most well-known brain waves evident during many kinds of meditation are called alpha waves. Scientific studies show that the regular practice of meditation can be a powerful healing tool.

When we meditate at a certain place, the place becomes more alive by our regular meditation. It contains our energy - the energy of meditation - and inherits the vibrations from our calmness and silence. And each time we meditate there, the preserved energy becomes available to us.

How to meditate?

Meditation has evolved out of many different religions and philosophies, which means there are many different techniques to choose from.

Some examples include:

• Concentrating on the breath - consciously noticing the movement of air in and out of your nostrils, or counting the breath in variety of ways.

• Emptying the mind - allowing the mind to clear and 'float', gently pushing aside any stray thoughts, or allowing thoughts to float in and out of awareness.

• Looking at an object - focusing your attention, but not necessarily your thoughts, on the shape, sound and texture of an object, such as a tree or a candle flame.

• Movement - using a physical technique like yoga, Qi Gong or Tai Chi to still the mind by coordinating the breath and the body with gentle movement.

• Using a mantra - repeating a word or phrase over and over, either out loud or silently, to focus the attention, perhaps timed with the breath.

Practising meditation

Whatever your preferred technique, it helps in the beginning to have a quiet place, a comfortable sitting position and around five minutes to half an hour without outside distractions. Meditating every day at around the same time can help to develop a regular habit and make it easier and quicker to slip into deeply meditative states. Although you can master meditation by yourself, some people prefer to attend classes and learn in a group from an experienced teacher.

Special considerations

• In the instance of serious mental illness, meditation should be used with caution, if at all.

• If you have faced any kind of illness related to breath or heart problems please consult your doctor before starting meditation.

• It is advised that you take help form your family doctor or a qualified yoga teacher before venturing into meditation by yourself.
  
  
   

Things to remember

• Meditation is the deliberate focusing of attention to bring about feelings of calm, and heightened energy and awareness.

• Regular meditation offers many health benefits, such as reduced stress and reduced blood pressure.

• There are many different ways to meditate, such as using a mantra, looking at an object, or focusing on the breath.