How to Meditate

In times long ago, students of meditation dedicated their lives to meditation in the pursuit of spiritual growth. They lived in monestary's and always had a teacher on hand teaching them how to meditate.

As times have changed, this is no longer common, and meditation practice now integrates into a busy schedule.

For beginners, or those new to meditation, I suggest starting with Guided Meditation.

In this form, you simply follow the words of the guide to achieve the result.

If you subscribe to my meditation and spiritual growth newsletter, you can access the free MP3 download of 'The Magical Color Shower'. It starts by drawing your attention to your breath, before systematically relaxing each part of your body. You then visualize in your mind stepping into your shower and feeling the positive effect of different colors washing over you.

In the bigger picture, asking how to mediate, is a simple enough question, but there are few things which must first be understood.

There are many different forms of meditation.

If using broad brush strokes, you could say there are two primary methods;

• 1: Focusing the mind
• 2: Directly transcending the mind (mindfulness)

You may have heard of these more specific Meditation Techniques.

• Guided Meditation
• Transcendental Meditation
• Vipassana Meditation
• Buddhist Meditation
• Taoist Meditation
• Zen Meditation
• Chakra Meditation

Each uses specific techniques to achieve their goal.

Clearing the mind of thought can be achieved by using a mantra. A Mantra is a sound, saying, or image which you hold in constant awareness. If random thoughts arise you return to the constant. This provides separation from your conscious mind and leaves you in a state of peace and clarity.

Candle flames are also used as a point of focus for the mind. Staring into the candle flame and loosing awareness of all else also allows this clarity to consume you.

Whichever form of Meditation you pursue, the goal is similar. To move away from conscious and reflexive thinking, into a deeper state of simultaneous awareness and relaxation.

The benefits of meditation are well documented. Of concern to most current practitioners is the desire to escape from stress and anxiety.

Nerves of the human brain continually produces electrical signals, the frequency of which is dependent on your current situation. These brain wave patterns are divided into 4 states; Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta.

Beta patterns are seen in periods of interaction, such as driving, working and stress. Chemicals are released in this state to heighten your awareness. Continual or prolonged exposure can have undesired side effects such as premature aging, a decline in general health and in the worst cases, meltdown.

Alpha patterns are common when you are relaxed.

Theta patterns are common when you sleep and dream.

Delta states are only achieved in deep, dreamless sleep, and in meditation. Specific chemicals are released when in this state which are very beneficial to the body. They help with internal maintenance and repair of the physical body. As we age, we naturally spend less time in deep sleep. Meditation can play an amazing role in vitality and function.

If looking at how to meditate, you must also be aware of the other benefits.

It is common to receive great insight during or after meditation. Solutions to problems present themselves naturally.

Increased clarity of your life's purpose and spiritual path become obvious, and energy levels of your physical body and zest for living improve.

If you have spiritual friends, they so often look radiant. Meditation is believed to increase your vibration, so you attract things from the highest and finest level, avoiding the pitfalls of matter and energy from the darker realms.

The practical component of how to meditate involves action.

Meditation is a practice and that is what you must do. Regular meditation is more productive than sporadic bursts. That being said, a little is better than none.

For those of you who desire structure, joining a regular meditation circle is a great motivator. It provides opportunities to ask specific how to meditate questions of those with more experience than you. You can also discuss your progress or discuss issues that may arise.

It is important to note that meditation is a personal journey. You should never compare your efforts or achievements to another. Whatever progress you make is perfect for you.

There are several things you can do to achieve your best results. If asking how to meditate I again suggest regular practice. Even a few minutes at the same time each day. Early mornings are best for many, as you can charge for your day, instead of being tempted to evaluate the day's happenings when you sit at night.

If meditating at home ask those you live with to respect your endeavors. A few minutes for yourself, without family or phone should not be considered a luxury. In this mindset you will find yourself doing without. Consider the time a necessity for you health and prosperity.

Meditation cushions and meditation timers allow for comfort and practicality. If you are not comfortable you mind will easily wander to thoughts of physical discomfort, and guessing how long you have been in meditation is counter productive when trying to escape.

So asking how to meditate is not as simple as it sounds. Explore all the options before you to find what works best. You will have periods of rapid advancement and times when you struggle. All is natural and needed.

Incorporating other Relaxation Techniques into your life takes the pressure off Meditation as your only savior from disaster or stress. Striving for a balanced life should be your goal.

More information on Meditation can be found here, and the Guided Meditation FAQ section addresses the most common questions I have been asked.

This website is a growing resource of theoretical information and practical experience.

Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter, and continue to Explore Meditation!

When I am asked by beginner's... 'How do you Meditate?'

You think there would be a simple answer to a simple question, but I first have to know, 'Why they want to Meditate?'

To relax, to unwind, and escape from stress - are the usual replies.

For these people, there is little point trying to sit for hours without thought in search of the doors to Nirvana and eternal enlightenment.

Although I believe there is great merit in joining meditation circles and sitting in the group energy - with experienced meditator's of whom you can direct your questions, often adding another event to an already busy social calendar makes the week more stressed - not less.

Let's face it, the responsibilities of work and family can be demanding.

There is no point rushing to a meditation class, squeezing in as much relaxation as humanly possible into the allotted time, then rushing home to continue amongst the chaos.

Meditation should not become another chore. And you shouldn't have to beat yourself up over missing a class, or not having the time or money to go to a retreat.

So for beginner's looking to experience the benefits of meditation, I suggest trying Guided Meditation.

And that is the reason I created this website.

I have an erratic schedule. There have been periods when it has been practical for me to attend a regular class, but other times it has not. I had several guided meditation CD's from Deepak Chopra and Brian Weiss, but I wanted - and needed more variety. When searching online, I could only find expensive meditations I couldn't preview, or free meditations that were created by inexperienced hobbyists.

There was a distinct lack of Quality Guided Meditations that had been created by trained professionals that were easily accessible and cheap.

Welcome to Explore Meditation! :)

With the technology of today, doesn't it make sense to listen to the meditations before they buy them? When you are going to listen to if from your computer or MP3 player anyway, why wait weeks for a CD to arrive in the post? Download them instantly, store them where you like, and listen to them whenever it suits you. Truth be told, there are many Meditation Techniques you can explore. Vipassana, Buddhist, Transcendental, Zen, Tao... I encourage you to explore them all and find the one best suited...

But primarily they have the same goal; To clear your mind and rid you of stress.

Try the free guided meditation, The Magical Color Shower, and you will no longer ask, 'How do you Meditate'. In this form, all you need to do is just follow the instructions! The guide talks to you the whole way through.

It is usual to start with an introduction to the meditation, before giving you time to make yourself comfortable. They draw your attention and awareness to your breath, systematically relax the muscles of your body, and then when you are in this relaxed state they take you thoughts on a journey.

"Imagine you are walking along a rainforest path... the sunlight is flickering through the leaves... the birds are singing praise to the blue sky above..."

A short guided meditation gives you an escape from your day. You return with greater perspective on problems or concerns. You feel refreshed and revitalized...

The benefits are many. The bonus is that you can use these guided meditations at any time you feel the need or have the desire. You can now fit regular meditation into your busy schedule without it being a burden.

As your progress you can move beyond just the breathe and relax style meditations into more advanced title such as Past Life Regressions and Meeting your Spirit Guide.

Once you have confidence in the beginner guided meditations the more experienced meditations are a natural and easy progression. Keep in mind, they are all easy and safe.

And that is my advice for those wanting to meditate. Start your journey here.

Please click this link to listen to the free previews of a variety of guided meditations. And subscribe to the newsletter fo bite size learning.

"Thank You Nigel! I resonate with your thinking and thoroughly enjoy these emails that arrive in my inbox. Many Thanks and Much love." Michelle

And don't just take my word for it. There is an excellent meditation resource called Better Health. This Better Health Meditation link gives information such as, "Meditation results can include feeling more 'alive', with enhanced feelings of calm and heightened awareness. The regular practice of meditation offers many long-term health benefits, such as reduced stress and reduced blood pressure."

Another site with an amazing amount of factual information is Contemplative Mind. It is the Center of Contemplative Mind in Society.

Guided Meditation is a simple form of meditation that everyone can do easily and effectively.

Just as an adult or a teacher reads a story to a child, the words of the guide entertain your logical mind and leads your imagination to a place that provides benefit. Each guided meditation assists your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects.

The guide starts the meditation by relaxing your state of being. This is usually achieved by focusing your thoughts on your breath and scanning your body for tense muscles and areas holding stress. With just a little practice you can very quickly achieve a very relaxed state of being. The guide then takes you on a journey in your imagination. This is the easiest form of meditation as the mind has less chance to wander onto real-world thoughts of chores, work and loved ones.

Indian Yogis and Tibetan Buddhists spend a lifetime training to sit in silence, but for the rest of us who have to schedule relaxation into our busy lives, Guided Meditation is the easiest and most practical way to reap the benefits. Reduced stress, clarity of mind, increased connection to your true self and with the spiritual world.

Listen to the Free Preview of any Guided Meditation on the Explore Meditation website and you will quickly understand the concept in practice.

Meditation is an ancient practice that has existed in many forms. It is not right to generalize and say any one form is better or worse than another. The best form of meditation is unique to the individual. It is fair to say most have a similar intent; to get the mind away from ‘thinking’ into a deeper state of simultaneous relaxation and awareness.

Guided Meditation uses words to control the proceedings. It is just like someone reading you a story. There is a beginning, middle and end and you can choose a topic that draws your interest. Other forms of meditation repeatedly chant a mantra or prayer, while others strive for the complete silence of thought. Some focus purely on the breath, or focus on objects such as a candle flame.

All list similar goals and benefits such as achievement of a higher state of consciousness, greater focus and perspective, developed creativity and self-awareness, and a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind. It is a recognized component of many religions, but also practiced for spiritual growth and practical purposes.

The words and story in a Guided Meditation entertains your mind, allowing you to imagine a reality different to the one that you live each and every day. While consumed by the imagery there is less need for logical and progressive thought. This allows the mind to relax - to let go of conscious control. In this state you can refresh your set of operating principals.

After the meditation you will be less stressed, without the high levels of thought and memory activity that cloud your judgment and perspective. Your thoughts and actions will have less attachment to the emotional rollercoaster of your average day, allowing you to hear your true inner voice, and live more intuitively as you become more spiritually aware.

Guided Meditation is great for those new to meditation because the benefits can be achieved without strict practice. Guided Meditation is easy. From the very beginning, you will start to evolve in an emotional way, in a personal way, and you will start to evolve as a spiritual being as well.

Countless medical studies have proven that meditation is very beneficial for stress and anxiety. Physically, it lowers blood pressure and heart rate and gives you an awareness of your body. Mentally, it gives respite from daunting concerns. Putting distance between you and your problems often allows you to view situations with greater perspective. This can provide solutions that weren’t previously apparent. Emotionally, meditation gives you a means to connect with your feelings and thoughts and recognize the truth through the confusion. It will not help everybody all of the time, but compared to or used in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications it is definitely an avenue worth exploring.

Speak with your health care practitioner to discuss your specific circumstances.

You could say, ‘Meditation is the Best way to develop Psychic Abilities and Spiritual Connection.’

With regular practice, meditation calms the busy mind and centers your energy in your heart throughout your day. It removes us from our logical lives and connects us with our intuition. When the needless chatter of your mind is quiet, it gives better opportunity to hear the guidance of your higher self.

If you fall asleep during a Guided Meditation your subconscious mind is still aware. It is always alert and listening for what is happening around you, and will automatically receive the information. If the meditation is encouraging you to be happier and healthier, your subconscious mind will start to generate the health and healing messages that were in the meditation to reduce your everyday stress, even though you are not conscious of it.

We have a conscious awareness that we are a in a 3-Dimensional being. We are looking out of our eyes, we are listening, we are aware of what is going on around us. We have peripheral vision and hearing to give us a perspective of the space around us. We use our physical senses to find our place. When we start to go deeply into meditation, our awareness is able to add another dimension to what we usually have - and that is looking down on our body. It’s as if we are projecting our awareness outside of our physical body. It is sometimes possible to clearly see yourself sitting in a chair or lying in bed. Some people say that it happens to them when they are dreaming, or even that they could see themselves on the operating table while under anesthetic. An Out of body experience, is having your awareness somewhere other than centered within your physical body.

It is common for psychics, healers and mystics for example, to use out of body experiences when trying to track someone who is lost. Out of body experiences are also frequently encountered during deep hypnosis, where one is released from the physical body and the now, and is able to move into another dimension of awareness.

When you are meditating, you are sitting with the intent to go on an inward journey. Relaxation is achieved as you witness, and then let go of or release the stresses and the strains of the day. Calming the mind allows the body to enter a refreshing and rejuvenating state of being. With this simple intent, you are not calling in energies that are strange; you are not trying to connect with beings that have passed into other realms of understanding. No other-worldly entities can affect you.

Meditation is a safe inward journey of peaceful discovery and relaxation.

"Dear Nigel Coates, You are doing a great service to the mankind. I am positive that with your efforts this world will become a better place to live." Warm Regards, Jagdish