What is Meditation?-CBM
by Christine B.
We have heard a great deal about the benefits of meditation when used on a regular basis. But not all of us might understand exactly what it is and how it works. Basically, mediation is a form of self-hypnosis that opens our awareness to our subconscious. It is a personally inwardly oriented practice that is used to heighten our self- and Universal knowledge.
Meditation has been practiced for centuries and is a component of many religious practices. However, it is not always used by religious people. Meditation can be used to relieve stress, unlock memories to help find missing objects, recall past lives, improve health, relieve pain and to see into the future. There have been over 1,000 published research studies on the benefits of meditation since 1960. Through all these analyses no one has ever offered a negative aspect to the practice.
In 2007 the US government did a study as to how popular the practice of meditation was for its residents. The findings showed that 9.4% of American adults had practiced meditation in that year. That equates to over 15 million people. The routine of meditation has become even more popular since then.
How Do I Meditate?
1. Find a quiet place where you know you won’t be interrupted or distracted. Attempt to clear your mind of outside thoughts and influences.
2. Sit comfortably, but not so comfortably that you might fall asleep. You will be in a relaxed state, but not asleep when meditating.
3. Concentrate on your breathing. Focus on breathing in deeply and then slowly letting out the air in your lungs. Think only about your breathing, and not about any daily distractions. If your mind begins to wonder, bring it back to thinking only about your breathing. Some people find it useful to chant a phrase or syllable while beginning to meditate. If this works for you, use this technique as you exhale.
4.. In your mind, begin with your toes and think that they are totally relaxed. Continue doing this to all your body sections, working slowly up your body until you reach the top of your head. Once your entire body is in a relaxed state, allow your mind to wander.
5. Think about a beautiful place. Watch yourself slowly walking in this place and pay attention to what you see there. All your senses will be heightened and you will be able to see things with intense clarity.
It would be a good idea to keep a notebook close by so if you think of anything important while you are meditating you can write it down right away. There is no set duration of your meditation, and it can be done for ten minutes or for over an hour, whatever works best for you. Daily meditation is the best, but doing it a couple times of week would also be beneficial.
