Posts Tagged ‘Relaxation’

Let’s try something more Traditional, because Amazing things can happen on a personal level when practicing meditation in its simplest form.

No guide to walk you through the process… No music to keep you focused. This is how meditation was practiced in the early days. With focus on an object, mantra or breath… or no focus at all.

I do not believe any one form of meditation is superior to another. They are all beautiful in themselves. True, some people have a better experience with a specific method – but that choice is personal – not universal.  I do encourage the exploration of all forms, even if you have a favorite.

Imagine a child in a 40 flavors Ice-Cream shop trying to convince everyone that chocolate is better than the rest. When asked how many of the 40 flavors he had tried, he answered ‘one’.

The Universal Mantra Meditation

This meditation comes from an ancient Indian text called the Malini Vijaya Tantra, which dates back about 5000 years. It is a very easy meditation, yet very powerful in its capacity to quiet your mind and connect you with your Essence or Inner Spirit.

This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word or phrase that has the power to catalyze a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. The mantra most use for this meditation is: Aum. Aum does not have a literal translation. Rather, it is the essential vibration of the universe. If you were to tune into the actual sound of the cosmos, the perpetual sound of Aummm is what you would hear.

Although this mantra is sometimes chanted aloud, in this meditation, you will be repeating the mantra mentally… silently. Before we get to the actual steps, there are a few important points to be aware of.

• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or faintly in your mind.

• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing your attention to dive into the deeper realms of awareness. Therefore, even though you will be focusing on the mantra, staying focused on the mantra is not the aim of this meditation. Trying too hard to stay focused would keep your attention from descending into the deeper realms. Instead, you will be repeating the mantra with “minimal effort”, and giving your mind the space to wander a bit.

• Resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the mantra to do the work. This meditation easily produces a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. (The degree of this will vary from session to session.) It increases the flow of energy to the brain and clears away a good deal of physical and emotional toxins.

Because of this detoxification, it is best to keep this meditation to 10 or 15 minutes a day when first beginning. After a month or so, it can be increased to 20 minutes, but that should be the maximum for anyone who does not have quite a few years of meditation experience. Also, it is advisable to drink a lot of pure water.

Finally, mantra meditation accelerates spiritual growth as you achieve a state of relaxation and self-awareness.

The Practice

1. Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and your spine reasonably straight.

2. Begin repeating the mantra gently in your mind.

3. Repeat the mantra at whatever tempo feels most natural. There is no need to synchronize the mantra with your breathing, but if this occurs naturally, it’s ok.

4. Allow the mantra to arise more faintly in your mind… repeating it with minimal effort.

5. Continue repeating the mantra faintly, and allow for whatever happens.

6. If at any time, you feel that you are slipping into a sleep-like or dream-like state, allow it to happen.

7. If and when you notice that your attention has drifted completely off the mantra, gently begin repeating it again, and continue with minimal effort.

8. After 10 or 15 minutes, stop repeating the mantra, and come out of your meditation slowly.

Some people struggle without the music or guide to stay focused on the practice. It is important to be kind to yourself when you slip. Gently steer your focus back on track. If you curse yourself or your ability there will be no benefits for you to receive.

Some days will be better than others… and it takes practice.

Please share your experience with this meditation below,

In Love and Light, Nigel.

Just the other day I got in a Fight!

I was out near my Worm Farm, transplanting a few cherry tomato seedlings when it all began.
 
I had a bag of potting mix between my knees, both hands full of dirt and BAMMO!

One of the neighbor’s bees lined me up and took me down with one hit (but not before I squealed hysterically, ran in circles and threw dirt everywhere).
 
I was stung on the top of my cheek, just below my right eye. I was home alone and a little worried about the effects, as I had been stung on my foot a few years previous and my whole leg swelled. Luckily, this time, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation saved a disaster. My face did swell a little – but only enough to cut some vision and make me look a little chubby. But the worst thing of all – It hurt when I smiled.
 
I didn’t actually go to a doctor but I can imagine their advice. “If it hurts when you smile – don’t do it.” And that does seem simple, and logical I guess. Just don’t smile.
 
But let me tell you… Naturally, I’m a visually expressive person. I like to show my emotions physically. It’s generally very easy to tell what I’m thinking just by looking at my face.
 
So, imagine not being able to smile for 3 days! (Especially with the ‘Trigger / Response’ of Smile = Pain) It REALLY took it out of me!
 
By the third day I was flat… low in energy, enthusiasm, compassion, appetite and zest. I felt like Mr. Bland from Blandsville having an averagely bland day. My heart beat without passion!
 
Now apart from the fight with the bee – Life was wonderful. I had no other reason to complain, so I knew the connection was direct.
 
Being deprived of the ability to smile affected my mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health – and that got me thinking. 

The Smile Meditation

Smile!

Usually when I meditate I feel stress and muscle tension melt off me like ice in the sun. I try to ‘let go’ of everything and separate my awareness from its physical attachments. But as soon as the swelling subsided and associated pain gone, I lay to meditate and consciously held a gentle smile. (Not a big forced cheesy grin… Just an inner feeling of warmth and good humor.)
 
And quickly, thoughts of good things and fun times started to drift by. And they kept coming. Good times, funny situations, things people had said that made me laugh…
 
And although the rest of me was relaxed, my face slowly shaped into a full teeth grin – but it was a natural smile. I gave it no muscular assistance at all. I couldn’t help but smile!
 
The energy of my smile became a power source of its own. It drew from the links of all my smiles past – and this energy stared to radiate through my body. I was soon glowing, and rushing with the endorphins that are released when you laugh. My physical body still held no tension, so this smiley energy was free to zoom around my body and blast all blockages and pockets of dense negativity. I didn’t care what the bad bits were – but I could feel them wrapped in the energy of a warm loving smile and transformed into light!
 
And when my meditation was finished I felt great. Rosy cheeks – bright eyes – a spring in my step and a thankful smile (For I felt thankful to the little bee, who gave me the opportunity for this new experience).

In Practice

You can have fun with this one. Ensure you won’t be disturbed – so the universe knows ‘this time is yours’. I suggest laying or sitting to start with, (but if it works for you a few times, try it walking, gardening or washing the dishes).
 
Have some ambient relaxation music in the background. This meditation will work best without a guide, as the journey will be unique to you.
 
Take a few full breaths and then find a natural and relaxed rhythm, slow and deep. Scan your body from tip to toe to let go of muscle tension and physical stress.
 
Say something similar to, “I use this time to appreciate the joy in my life. I give thanks for the people, places and things that make me smile.” Then, if you haven’t already, gently turn up the corners of your mouth.
 
It should feel natural. If it feels forced, back off and wait for thoughts and joyful feelings to energize it before you continue.
 
Don’t ‘hunt down’ things you ‘think’ should make you happy, or that you ’should’ be thankful for. Relax, let go, sink into the intent you set, and see what comes. Let Go of needing to have control.
 
Think of your thoughts as clouds. In a massive sky full of clouds, gently let your gaze focus on one. Look at it, feel it, draw from it, but don’t connect so much that the other clouds in the sky disappear. Don’t crave attachment to it. Just know that as one cloud passes, another will arrive, and another.
 
The arrival and departure of your thoughts in meditation should be effortless. No expectation – or hanging on.
 
And as these clouds continue to pass by, connect to the Energy of your Smile. Feel it. Experience it. Be it. And then see what happens
 
I suggest that 10 to 20 minutes would be enough for this one… Unless you get really good – then All Day – Every Day! Ha-ha.

The Sign Off

Cheese!

At that is my Smile Meditation. Scientists have proven it’s chemically beneficial and I’m sure you can draw from experience of your own. Smiling is good for you. Why not try to connect with your smile while in a meditative state?
 
I hope you enjoy the practice and receive the many Smiley benefits.
 
Share your experience with other like minded souls below.

Did the Smile Meditation Brighten Your Day?
 
In Love and Light, We Explore! Nigel Coates

Treating clients with massage therapy is my day job. To keep it interesting, I include energy work, intuition, and where suitable… guidance.

I am not a trained counselor, so I must keep in check what I suggest, but it was only the other day I realized I do give out quite a bit of advice that falls into the category of commonsense.

I guess it was a natural progression as I always give my injured clients ‘homework’. I suggest specific stretches for those with localized dysfunction. There are good stretches that can be done safely to help, or other things that can trigger spasm or pain. I know the difference and people take my advice on board.

I also use other keys to better health, such as for my salesman with bad posture. Every time he hears his cell phone ring (which is nearly continuous) he tightens his abs, rolls back his pelvis and pulls in his chin. For a week he had to ‘try’, but now it is now an automated trigger that is making him a better person.

But a lot of the clients I see carry stress and burdon with them continuously. The muscles of their shoulders and neck are constantly tight under the pressure. This usually leads to reduced range of movement, tension headaches, and more stress. I often suggest yoga and meditation to create balance in their life, but it’s not practical for everyone – especially those who use the “There isn’t enough time in the day,” excuse.

For these people, I introduce them to the “10 Breaths of Freedom”. 

Once a day, each and every day, with no excuses… Give yourself 10 Breaths of Freedom.

You might be thinking, ‘10 breaths… What could that possibly do?’ But let me tell you… A Lot!

Make it the same time each day. On first waking, on your lunch break, after your evening shower or as you lay for bed. Find the time it works best for you and stick it in your schedule.

The first benefit of this technique is that it gets you in the habit of regular practice. No matter what time-restraint excuse you give me, You Do Have Time for 10 Breaths! You brush your teeth every day. You don’t think, ‘Maybe I will today, maybe I wont – because I did it yesterday and ill try to do it tomorrow – so it doesn’t matter if I miss today…’ Because your parents got you in the habit, you do it without question. It is a part of your routine. And that is the goal for the 10 Breaths of Freedom.

Why do you brush your teeth? Because there is benefit. Why take the time to be conscious of 10 breaths? Because there is benefit.

I could list, mental clarity, increased energy, reduced muscle tension and physical stress just for starters; But the benefits you receive may well be unique to you and you will only experience them when if you make this a routine part of your life.

Now keep in mind, the ‘10 breaths’ is just the minimum. If you have alternate meditative activities, then good for you. Use this on the days you don’t do that. If you want to expand the number of breaths you take, go for it. I’ve just called it the “10 Breaths of Freedom” to remove every excuse of time pressures or difficulty.

For the 10 Breaths of Freedom, it is important you are laying flat. (Only if you can do so easily) Use cushions for comfort or support, but it is important to feel solid support beneath you. The breathing itself follows the traditional yogic breath. A constant and steady in-breath, a pause, and constant out-breath of similar time to the in, and pause.

Counting is a common technique to get you going. First Breath In – 2 – 3 – 4, pause… First Breath Out – 2 – 3 – 4, pause… Second Breath In…. etc. (Don’t count the pause to be the same length as the breath, as when your breathing slows this will make the pause to long) It should be a natural breath; Deep, relaxed, and easy…

With the In-Breath, fill your lower abdomen first, then your chest, then your throat. You can reverse that order on the out breath, or just let your whole body deflate without any conscious effort at all. Gravity will do this for you. Both in and out breaths can be through the nose. Some people suggest breathing out of the mouth, but it is not necessary for this exercise. (Try both… It’s up to you)

There are several things to do during these 10 breaths. The first is letting ALL physical tension leave your body. Your diaphragm needs to work, but the rest of you should be a Rag-Doll. Feel tension leave your body with each out breath. Feel it melt off your bones like ice in the sun. Visualize it, imagine it, feel it. When you think you’ve done it… Then relax even more! If you get to 8 before you feel your neck really let go, take a few more breaths or consciously start with relaxing your neck the next time you do the exercise.

Before you get to 10, you should feel as though your whole body has sunk into the floor (bed / couch). Your entire being should feel connected, complete, and as one. Some people can feel or imagine their body as a container with an even flow of energy moving around within it. If you can do this, take note of any blocked areas, as they may need greater attention. Focus your intent on relaxing this area, and feeling the energy flow through it freely. If you can’t feel or experience any of this it doesn’t matter, you are receiving the many benefits anyway.

Now the ‘Freedom’ part of the ‘10 Breaths title’ refers to your mind. If you have a concern or burden, these 10 breaths will give you time apart from them. It’s only a moment, but you will gain respite and perspective.

When you start, focus your thoughts on counting your breath. Only be conscious of the single voice in your head that is counting. If other thoughts arise or interrupt, do not pay them any attention. Do not scold yourself from straying or loosing count – simply return to counting the breath and focus on the one true voice.

If that doesn’t work for you – or you move past it in ability, count quietly in the background on automatic, and be conscious of how the breath ‘feels’ in your body. Feel the expansion and retraction of your abdomen and ribs. Feel the air enter your nostrils and fill your whole body, and then feel it leave again. Or experience this as clean and new energy entering and old stale energy leaving…

Moving beyond that further, try the exercise with positive affirmations. On the in-breath, say in your mind ‘I enjoy complete health, happiness and abundance’, and on the out-breath, ‘I let go of all that no longer serves’. Adapt these words so they are suitable for you. Use the same mantra (in and out) for the whole session. Change it tomorrow if you want to, because if you are thinking of a new thing to say with each breath, your mind will be very active.

As you grow, try the practice without thought all together. Just remain present in the moment, and let all stress leave your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies.

With all the possible techniques above, don’t chop and change between then during the one session. Stay with one method for several days or weeks until you have learnt all from it that you can.

In conclusion, this technique is not designed for strict practice (except the regularity of it). Don’t use the options above as an excuse to be lazy. One method per session. Dabbling without mental discipline will not see you receive the many benefits as effectively as you could. The main reason it is flexible comes from the desire to remove every excuse for not doing it daily.
I can’t sit still for long – its 10 breaths.
My mind wanders – its 10 breaths.
I don’t have time – its 10 breaths.
Blah Blah Blah – its 10 breaths!

But don’t take my word for it. If you believe you could benefit from the ‘concept’ of what is described above, make a promise to yourself now that you will do it. Don’t say, ‘you will try to do it…’ Just do it or don’t. If you want an out clause, say, “I will do it everyday for 1 month to see what benefits this gives me.” There is no point reading about the benefits – when you can experience them for yourself.

Daily is essential – you can do this technique more often or for more breaths each time if you like. It is a simple, easy and safe way that I suggest to my massage clients to rid themselves of the physical symptoms of mental stress.

It also doubles as a great introduction to the daily practice of a mental / spiritual discipline, breath-work, mind-work and the experience of the positive benefits you can receive if you just stop, and give yourself the chance to take 10 Breaths of Freedom.

Step away from your computer now, lay flat, and relax. Count your breath in, pause, out, pause, abdomen, chest, throat. Feel more tension leave your body with each breath. Concentrate only on the voice that is counting, or how the sensation feels.

Once you have experienced these 10 Breaths of Freedom, decide if you will give yourself this blessing each and every day.

Then share your experience with the Explore Meditation community in the blog space below.

All the best with your practice, Nigel

We live in a busy world. There is never enough time!

Our priority lists start with the necessities such as family, work, cleaning and eating, and only when we juggle or sacrifice do we find the time for hobbies, personal development and dare I say it, Relaxation. And by relaxation I don’t mean sitting on the couch mindlessly flicking the remote.

Physical and Mental relaxation is vital to a balanced and healthy life. Effective relaxation must be one of your priorities!

But you are busy, I know, I know. So lets focus on a solution. How to relax, in a busy world.

Let me introduce you to Guided Meditation. And don’t shy away on reading the word ‘meditation’ drawing from your pre-conceived ideas. You don’t need to sit still for hours, and you don’t need to completely silence your mind.

Guided meditation is easy, and the benefits are Instant!

Children love hearing stories before bed. They are all consumed by the words and enter the created world and leave all other concerns behind. And then they relax and fall into a deep sleep. And in principal, Guided Meditation for adults is the same.

The author (or guide) reads a story to you, and you just go along for the ride and reap the rewards.

Reduced stress, increased mental clarity, connection to your true life’s path, increased passion, joy and energy… The benefits are as diverse as the stories to choose from. And they are yours, Instantly!

There is no ‘learning process’. Everyone can follow a Guided Meditation on the first go. There is no waiting for the results. Everyone can receive the instant benefits.

So how does it actually work? Well the meditations usually start with an awareness of your breath. You consciously watch your breath as it becomes deeper and slower. You are then asked to scan your body for areas of tension. Your eyes, jaw, or shoulders are often held tight without your knowing. And this instruction is all given to you step by step. Anybody can do it. In just a few short minutes you will be feeling balanced, aware and complete. Forms of the breath awareness and body scan start most guided meditations.

But then the stories get more interesting. You are taken on a journey into your imagination. And as your conscious mind follows the words and creates the pictures, the ‘chatter’ of your mind naturally falls away. Concerns of the real world are not a priority. The ties and anchors are released, so that when you do return, you view your current situation with greater clarity and perspective.

What was a massive problem may seem smaller, and creative solutions often present themselves right away, so your concern may be nothing more than a hurdle, which you can now skip over with zest.

And just as a child can choose from a library of books, you too can choose from a variety of Guided Meditations. Skim the titles and see what grabs your interest.

It is best for beginners to start with meditations that ‘balance’ your energy, and reduce physical, mental, and emotional stress. If you are unsure of your abilities, be assured each Guided Mediation walks you through the process step by step.

When you are comfortable with the basics, you can choose titles that will introduce you to more complex themes, such as meeting your higher self, your inner child, your spirit guide or even regress to see who you were in a past life. It is all safe, it is all easy, and you are in complete control.

Most Guided Meditations go for 15 to 30 minutes. For the benefits you will receive it is worth making time in your busy life, for if you do, the rest of your life will flow better.

Regular meditation is an investment in you own happiness and prosperity.

The ’secret benefits’ of Guided Meditation are the subtle effects that happen quietly in the background without your conscious awareness.

The first term I will introduce is Homeostasis. (Just read it slowly and that is how it is meant to sound)

Homeostasis is when the different systems of the body work together to regulate the optimal conditions for you internal function. And to put that more simply… it’s the body striving for ‘balance’.

Now, the body is made up of 11 major organ systems. I will run through them here to give you a better idea of the complexities involved in this process. (1) integumentary – (skin), (2) skeletal, (3) muscular, (4) nervous, (5) endocrine – (hormones), (6) circulatory, (7) lymphatic – (disease defense), (8) respiratory, (9) digestive, (10) urinary, and (11) reproductive.

Every second of your existence is monitored and continual adjustments are made to each and every system.
Yes, the Human body is Amazing!

Practically… when you eat, your body must create specific enzymes and focus blood flow for digestion to occur. When you go for a run, your body must regulate your temperature or you will overheat. If you tread on a rusty nail, several body systems must work together to repair the injury site and protect you against infection. The practical examples are the easiest to imagine.

But let’s consider stress. Although stress is not a physical influence, think of a deadline, or financial concern, or relationship conflict… and you will know this definitely affects your function. The body must continually monitor and adjust to a variety of influencing conditions.

Homeostasis is in continual motion to keep you balanced.

The second terms I will introduce make up your autonomic nervous system. The two divisions are the sympathetic and parasympathetic. Too much of a mouthful? Well try this. You are either in ‘Fight or Flight’ mode… Or ‘Rest and Digest’ mode…

The easiest imagery to help with the explanation is from a time long ago. A caveman had to Fight to kill his dinner, or Flight from a predator so that he wasn’t dinner. Adrenalin was pumping through his body either way. That is operating in the sympathetic nervous system. Then, when all was quiet and he sat in his cave poking his fire with a stick for entertainment… he could really unwind. And with no job, no bills and no phone he could have really relaxed! The parasympathetic mode of operation.

But in the hectic world we live in today – many of us remain in ‘go-mode’. It is common to feel stressed out. How many times have you said, ‘I Need a Holiday!’ and for just half a second pictured yourself on a tropical beach before the real world smothered you again. You don’t have the time, you don’t have the money, and how could you get rid of the kids!

But if you function in Fight or Flight mode for too long the body starts to get worn out. It’s a proven fact. Placing too much continual stress on the body can lead to poor health – both physical and emotional. It’s easy to get trapped in a downward spiral. Even though you don’t feel good, you try to do just as much when you were 100%. But you don’t do it as good, it takes longer than before, you make silly mistakes and create more work for yourself… We have all been there. The further trap many of us fall into is to try even harder. We put in more effort, work longer hours, and sacrifice the few of life’s pleasures we have for what we call the necessities. It’s a slippery slope. Burn out and disease can be the body’s way of demanding rest. Unfortunate but true.

So back to Homeostasis… The balance of the body. The balance of the influences in your life. There will always be times when you need to Go-Go-Go. And they are often the most exciting and fun times of life. But how do you Rest and Digest? (And that’s not sitting on the couch after dinner rubbing your full belly.)

When do you dedicate yourself time – to escape from the stresses of the day?

Well taking time to balance is best in frequent doses. They can be short – but frequent respite from stress is very important. Committing to regular practice is giving yourself the opportunity to life your life to the best of your ability.

Meditation is a great way to assist homeostasis. In a short Guided Meditation you mind follows the words of the story so you are given time away from your regular day. While your mind is entertained and your body relaxed, the 11 systems can focus on keeping you happy and healthy. With practice, it only takes a minute to relax into your healing parasympathetic nervous division.

Some results of meditation are obvious and immediate. Your breathing is deeper, you feel lighter and refreshed… But the many deeper benefits of meditation work secretly in the background; Longevity and good health.

Either way, Guided Meditation is good for you. Don’t just ‘remember’ that balance in your life is important… Practice It. Take 10 minutes now to improve your life.

To download a free Guided Meditation for body balance, visit www.ExploreMeditation.com