If you would rather be Meditating than reading, this site also has a vast collection of quality Guided Meditation MP3's you can download that have been created by professional therapists. Suitable for beginner and advanced.
When people first think of meditation, they usually visualize someone sitting cross-legged on the floor for hours - bolt upright and motionless, possibly chanting the eternal humming sound of... Ohhmmmmmmm.
And they say or think to themselves, "I could never do that, it's too uncomfortable!"
And rightly so! But rest assured, Meditation is not about the physical.
Meditation is 'A mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the thinking mind - into a deeper state of awareness and relaxation.'
If you are struggling to bare the pain of pins and needles, or wondering how on earth you are going to get up off the floor when the meditation os over, you are not likely going to float blissfully on a fluffy cloud of relaxation.
(Though if you do have hips and knees that work using a meditation cushion can make your practice more enjoyable.) |
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It's true, some forms of meditation pay more attention to body position, but even they welcome beginner's and are very understanding of physical restraints.
So eliminate any pre-conceived ideas that strict posture is needed for meditation.
Think of how you could be most relaxed... Sitting in a comfortable chair, or laying flat to meditate are both fine. It's best not to fall asleep, (though it often happens to beginner's, does you no harm, and leaves you refreshed and feeling great), but it doesn't really develop the 'mental discipline' component of the definition.
To again recap the goal of Meditation; It is a tool to tune your body, mind and spirit.
And there are a number of ways to achieve that.
Some techniques, such as
Vipassana, Buddhist, Zen and Taoist have been practiced throughout the Eastern world for thousands of years. Students of these forms can spend their lifetimes devoted to practice (which was a lot more common a thousand years ago than now). There are certain principles handed from master to student, but Meditation is an art form. Individuals can 'experience' the same practice in different ways.
The best ways to acquaint yourself with these meditation techniques is to find a meditation circle near you to join. In this situation, instruction will be given, and you can ask questions of your teacher. A simple google search for "Meditation + Your Suburb" is the best place to start. Drop into a class or sign up for a course.
Never hold fear that you don't know what will happen. Each and every person sitting in a meditation circle had to walk through the door for the first time at one stage. Meditation is not competitive. It is a collaborative experience. You will be welcomed as a beginner and made to feel comfortable.
Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta.
The frequency of the electrical impulses (called your brain-waves) change according to your current experience.
Driving, reading, running, sleeping... all require different function.
Your brain is in a Beta wave pattern for everyday activities. Communication, function, work...
The top end of this range is reached during periods of stress and anxiety.
Alpha brain wave patters are produced when you are relaxed and your brain activity has slowed. You are most likely in an Alpha state when watching television, reading a book, or just before falling asleep.
Theta brain waves are most associated with dreams, but are also related to moments of deep insight or revelation.
The Delta state is the slowest brain wave pattern. It occurs in deep, or dreamless sleep. It is only in this state when the brain releases many beneficial hormones (such as Human Growth Hormone) to help and heal the body.
Think of how we sleep during our life. When kids are asleep - they are out to the world. They spend more time than we do in this Delta state so their bodies can grow and develop with best effect.
As we age - we sleep less. Be it longer working days, ever-present stress or responsibilities, such as keeping on ear on a newborn. No matter what reason, we spend far less time in this Delta state. Without reaching the Delta state, the beneficial hormones are not released, and the aging process accelerates, as does the decline in our health or our inability to heal.
The good news for those of us with an interest in meditating is that scientists have recently proven that we also enter this Delta state while in meditation.
All people who have meditated throughout history have 'felt' these benefits. Those on a spiritual path have 'known' that meditation is good for us. It's just nice to know that our Scientific friends have evolved enough to agree with our views :)
So, Meditation is an amazing tool to tune your body. Independent of religion or belief, or even the method used to enter a meditative state; the benefits to the body are universal.
And reaching the Delta brainwave state, and being flushed with beneficial hormones, is only one physical benefit.
Meditation also provided opportunity to connect with your true self, spiritual purpose and universal knowledge. It calms erratic emotions and brings peace to a busy mind.
Meditation helps the Body, Mind, Emotion and Spirit.
Continue to explore this website to learn more about Meditating, and to try the
Guided Meditation MP3's.
And remember, Meditation is the act, or practice, of moving beyond conscious thought, into a greater state of relaxation. You can't just read about it - you have to do it too!
Guided Meditation is an excellent form of meditation for beginners. A Guide leads you through the entire process. As you listen to the recording, the guide will draw focus to your breath, relax your body, and then lead you on a journey. With your mind captivated by the words it removes conscious thought. You can receive all of the benefits of meditation with ease and convenience.
In essence, each form of meditation has the same goal - to provide an opportunity to
connect with your true self, spiritual purpose and universal knowledge.
Independent of religion or belief, or even the method used
to enter a meditative state; the benefits to the mind, body and spirit are universal.
It is a mental discipline, not a physical.
Don't expect to master the art on your first go. Never judge your meditation efforts against another - Meditation is for the self.
One of my first teachers set me the task of learning to Meditate while washing-up!
It opened my eyes to the true essence of meditation.
With practice, you will find your meaning too! |
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If you are yet to do so, please subscribe to my newsletter using the form at the top right of this page. I have created bite-size pieces of information about Meditation and Spiritual Growth to assist your learning.
Also, when you subscribe you will receive free download access to the Guided Meditation MP3, 'The Magical Color Shower'.
See what a ten minute meditation can do for you!
If you would like to look further into
Meditation Downloads, I have created a specific page for that reason.
