Meditation Basics

Meditation: Mindfulness Meditation Leads to Greater Wellbeing and Happiness

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Article by Leon Potgieter

Meditation: Mindfulness Meditation Leads to Greater Wellbeing and Happiness

Meditation is not another extra activity to be occasionally practised when you have the time for it. Nor is it a specialized activity that can only be performed by the few and under unusual circumstances. It is essential for your wellbeing and can be done by everybody throughout the day. Without abandoning your ordinary life, you can learn to meet its demands with a calm, level-headed approach. This allows you to deal with your life in a competent, satisfying way and reduces levels of frustration, anger and anxiety. Mindfulness meditation is specifically designed for ordinary people and provides a straightforward, systematic method of coping with mental turbulence. This is backed up with a penetrating analysis of the human condition which uncovers unnecessary mistakes and hidden wrong assumptions so these can be avoided in the future. For those who have realized that the usual, unexamined expectations commonly held about life can never be met, meditation’s extra dimension and meaning gives new vision and hope that it is possible to find the freedom from disappointment they have been looking for.

Meditation is the attempt to understand reality and our place in it so that we can get the best out of life.

Meditation starts off with a gentle investigation into where you are at the present moment, what views you hold, if there are any inconsistencies in your viewpoint and what the results of having these inconsistencies could be.

As this is a practical, human problem and not an intellectual or philosophical problem, it can only be solved by practical means, in this case, the practical skills developed by meditation. the issues of life are always fundamentally emotional in their nature. They are based on unrealistic expectations the truth and reliability of which is considered self-evident and therefore beyond examination. Due to familiarity, a person develops a set of likes and dislikes. The likes are taken as proof that the situation giving rise to the like is right while dislikes are taken as proof that their corresponding situations are wrong. First comes the emotion and then the self-serving thoughts that justify the emotion. Whatever fits the dislikes is right, everything else is wrong. As reality does not obey this simplistic, unexamined belief, conflict and disappointment is inevitable.

These issues are emotional and prejudged. They are utterly impervious to reason or any form of intellectual effort or study. In fact, extensive intellectual development is one of the biggest obstacles to resolving them. This is especially true when the person has become proud of their large investment in some intellectual system or philosophy as then they will try to show their superior understanding by forcing the issue to fit their philosophy. Rational problems, such as building bridges or discovering how physical or chemical laws make the outer world of experience work, are susceptible to being solved by intellectual means, human problems are not.

Due to human problems being emotional by nature, when we make the futile effort to understand or solve them, we immediately react emotionally and all attempts at reason are subverted to justify the emotion or abandoned completely. This emotionality walls us off from each other as well as from an understanding of the problem and what can realistically be done about it. This emotional walling must first come down before we can vaguely attempt to do anything useful and kind.

Since the function of emotion is to agitate the mind, it stirs the mind up which prevents it from seeing clearly and acting constructively. Any attempt to intervene and deal with the emotion is again directed effort and essentially emotionally driven. Thus it will only aggravate the mental agitation and the situation will deteriorate.

The only way out is to calm this agitation down and the only workable method is to wait for the agitation to die down by itself. This peace and the insights it delivers is essentially what meditation really is. To prevent the mind from forgetting to do this effortless effort and wander into more distraction and agitation, it is anchored to a focal point, its meditation object. As this effort of meditation is not driven by the usual ambition and the wish to succeed, it is basically a non-activity: meditation is purely experiential and non intellectual. However, it still retains intelligence and understanding but now this is the understanding arising from direct (i.e. non-rational) experience. It is not the intellectual understanding which is arrived at as the conclusion of a laborious line of rational enquiry. It is a spontaneous mental event which occurs due to the fact that the mind is intensely involved in the experience of its meditation object. The intensity of this untrammelled experience delivers a brilliantly clear consciousness and profound depth of understanding.

Meditation is not an attempt to understand your life on a personal level or devise a tailor-made solution for your problems as though these are external obstacles which can be removed once you know how this can be done. This is an inappropriate approach based on the delusion that your unique demands exist and are important so that there must be a special happiness waiting somewhere out there just for you to satisfy these demands, if only you knew how to find it. This is like saying you are in love with the most beautiful person in the world but without knowing what they look like, what their name is or where they live. These are half-baked ideas that everything should be magical and easy so that if it is not then someone else must be to blame. As there is no evidence to verify this mistaken belief, it is wishful thinking. There is no method of solving this problem as it does not exist. It arises from incorrect thinking and the only realistic solution is to let go of involvement with solving this imaginary problem and correct your thinking so that it is in alignment with reality. The peace and happiness that comes with regular practice of meditation makes it possible to do this.

Meditation is an experiential investigation into the laws governing life and how they can be applied to show firstly what is realistic and possible and secondly that veering away from them into wishful thinking inevitably leads to unnecessary suffering.

About the Author

About Leon Potgieter
Leon became involved in meditation a few years after completing his Honours degree in mathematics. His first introduction to meditation was in 1981 when he completed a 12 day intensive silent retreat, each day starting at 4 am and ending at 10 pm. Over the next seven years he did numerous intensive retreats lasting from a weekend up to three or more weeks. He also spent the greater part of three years at Samyeling, a Tibetan meditation centre in Scotland. In 1988 he did a 9 month isolated retreat, living in a tent on the Wolkberg, a mountainous area near Tzaneen. In 2008 he completed a further six and a half year isolated retreat, also in the Wolkberg. Currently Leon has a Shiatsu massage practice in Johannesburg. He specialises in treating injuries and chronic back and neck pain and stress. He also treats cancer patients to alleviate stress, pain and the side effects of medical treatment and provides support during pregnancy and labour.

For more information on massage, shiatsu, pregnancy massage, cancer massage and How to Meditate, visit Massage Wisdom

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As Seen On Tv – Breathing Meditation – Energy Healing

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Article by Bertha Baker

As seen on tv breathing meditation is the most simple and basic form of meditation you can learn. When you meditate, you tend to start a short breathing meditation to relax your muscles and let your head. But breathing meditation is not a meditative warm. But can also be practiced alone as an easy way to relax and calm your mind and body. You decide how long you want to do meditation. As seen on tv so if you just want a quick stress release exercise can only take 5 minutes. But if you want a longer and deeper meditation. You can do it in 30 or 40 minutes or more if you can stay focused. So try it, maybe in the morning before start your day.

Exercise: find a time and place where you will not be disturbed by any. As seen on tv make sure that the mobile tv and computer off and then find a comfortable meditation posture. Close your eyes and take a moment to calm your mind and body. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Imagine the air like a strong wind and a blue healer. This air will energize your body and give you a renewed sense of power and liveliness. As seen on tv see how every part of your body into the air to breathe. And the air you exhale. All the negative energy and are harmful to your body. It is important that you try to really feel the energy in the air and feel how it heals you.

Believe that you can and cures that are getting stronger and filled with love. As seen on tv enjoy all the love in the universe when you inhale and let the wind lighten your whole body blue. as seen on tv for each inhalation your body becomes lighter. As the blue light energy is in your body and fills it. Continue to breathe, now expanded to visualize the energy of your aura. Feel the intense and powerful energy feels. As seen on tv and how it leaves your body and fill your aura and its powerful healing energy. If possible, try and feel the vibration of the energy. Make it as real as possible. When you want to stop this breathing meditation take a moment to wake up from the movement of your arms and hands. Legs and feet and finally open your eyes. As seen on tv do not feel complete balance throughout your entire day. There are many different types of meditation on the breath. And you can experiment a little with different ones and find something that you feel gives the best results. Through the entire meditation and peace be to focus your mind on your breath. At some point, your mind starts to wander and start the internal chatter. Which you’ll just stop. Turning his attention back to the breath. It takes time and practice to get used to sit still for long periods of time. So in the beginning you may not get frustrated after only a few minutes. If so, then stop for the day and do it again the next day.

About the Author

as seen on tv jessica tanner. My interest in meditation and spiritual work is something that i’ve had for a long time. I have no expertise in the field what so ever, even though i believe i have some knowledge to share, and hope it will help you. I provide information and different meditations that will help you through meditation in a simple step-by-step practice.

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Learning Meditation Can Bring you A Healthly Life

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Article by Sal Pou

Meditation can either be on an object, or otherwise, can be objectless. In the initial stages, it is easier if you start by concentrating your mind on a selected object. Meditation is a three step process that leads to a state of consciousness that brings serenity, clarity, and bliss. As depicted in the first illustration, our “normal” state of mind is actually quite abnormal. Meditation can also give many other benefits.

Meditation, however, seems to be able to increase our minds’ attentional bandwidth. In other words people were capable of processing information more quickly and accurately. Meditation is integral to Buddhism but it can be practiced religion-free for relaxation, stress relief, to regulate sleep, emotional balance, and overal grooviness. I truly believe that if more of us meditated the world would be better place. Meditation helps us reach a state of balance.

Meditation is one of the best methods to bring about transformation and nurture the natural qualities within. Meditation, however, differs from deep sleep, for it works profound changes in the psyche. By curbing and stilling the oscillations of the mind, meditation brings mental peace. Meditation of one style or another can be found in most of the major religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam. Generally, Eastern religions have tended to concentrate on meditation as a means of realising spiritual enlightenment.

Meditation is frequently confused with various forms of concentration. The purpose of concentration exercises is to focus our full undivided attention on a specific aspect of functioning of our mind and/or the body in order to accomplish a certain goal or develop a certain skill. Meditation for Health, however, is a secular medical program. We teach mindfulness as a basic awareness practice, a way of looking at things, to be shared by people of all faiths and philosophies. Meditation is one of several relaxation methods evaluated and found to be of possible benefit by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The panel found that it might be a useful complementary therapy for treating chronic pain and sleeping problems such as insomnia.

Meditation itself is not about concentration, effort, or endurance. It is effortless, refreshing and renewing. Meditation is a journey to the center of our very being; a journey to emotional freedom; and a journey to the reawakening of our unconditioned self. Meditation is a practical matter: increased awareness brings an ability to make the most of ourselves in our daily lives.

Meditation can also be objectless, for example consisting of just sitting. Experiences during meditation probably vary significantly from one individual to another, or at least if different techniques are involved. Meditation, of course, has been practiced in India for centuries. Many know of TM because of the Beatles and other celebrities like Mia Farrow and Donovan, who hung out at Mahesh’s ashram in the 1960s and ’70s. Meditation can do that for you, and much more. The benefits were there, of course, before science proved them, and now you can keep up on the science and the experience with the Meditation Newsletter.

About the Author

Sal Pou currently live in NJ and attends meditation classes 3 times a week. For more information on how meditation can change you life and start living a healthy life visit https://secrets2meditation.com/goto/?url=http://www.learningmeditationguide.com

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Practice of Meditation Using Proper Meditation Techniques

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Article by Lily Candice

For those wishing to embrace meditation as a means of experiencing freedom of the mind, leading to overall healthy living and the ability to function optimally, practicing correct and appropriate meditation techniques is absolutely essential. To achieve inner peace within or selves and our environment will allow us to be freed from the tension and stress which characterizes living in the modern day world. The world is essentially not a peaceful place but we may be able to perform at high levels if we can bring about a transformation of our minds and allow the natural qualities we all have within to grow. This is done through the practice of meditation using proper meditation techniques. There are different meditation techniques ascribed to most cultures, meditation being basically a universal practice. However, in India, meditation techniques have taken a significant place in societal development such that the meditation techniques practiced their have been refined and documented, becoming a national heritage recognized all over the world.

In India where there are several schools of meditation, Z Meditation stands out and apart in offering to the student of meditation, meditation techniques which are easily adopted and can be practiced on a daily basis without difficulty. These meditation techniques of Deep Deconditioning Inquiry an Radiant Mantras have been developed and refined by the experienced and established teachers at the Z Meditation center into a well documented program which can be learnt at the center through meditation retreats and courses as well as remotely through online courses and with the use of meditation books.

An overall holistic health status is indeed possible, and it begins in the mind of the individual. We find that when the mind is free from clutter, unwanted baggage and other inhibitors to well being, the mind is able to function optimally to address and deal with the issues of life. When the mind is in such a state, it transcends to the body and soul as well. The body will be free from common ailments, flexible and responsive; while the soul will be in tune with the Creator of all things. To achieve this state of mind through meditation, correct meditation techniques need to be applied on a consistent basis. Peace and serenity are achievable when the committed student applies herself to effective and proper meditation techniques.

It is of the highest importance and also a basic requirement that the seeker of genuine freedom, peace and serenity – the individual who wishes to rise above the mundane cares of living, – needs to make the approach with an inner conviction that he has found the right path to reach his goals. Without this inner conviction, it is likely that the individual will merely be going through the motions and not correctly imbibing the fundamentals of correct meditation techniques. This should be avoided at all costs as it is a waste of the seekers’ time and that of dedicated teachers whose aim it is to impart usable knowledge.

Z Meditation offers short and long courses in meditation at their meditation center in the Himalayas of India at an affordable cost to just about anyone. Here you are assured that you will get to learn how to practice one of the best meditation techniques available.

About the Author

Lily Candice is regular article writer for Meditation in India at Z Meditation in India

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Modern Meditation for Your Life

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Article by editor123

Modern meditation can be better defined as the art of realizing the inner capabilities and strength of a person to deal with the day-to-day difficulties and problems. The easiest way of realizing the power of meditation is to focus on any given subject with total concentration.

To realize the great healing powers of meditation, you can follow different systems and styles, approached with varying degrees of formality. Normally, all styles and systems can be useful for various reasons, and it would be a fun to discover which one is right for you.

The origin of Meditation
Today, modern meditation has been practiced throughout the world by millions of dedicated followers. It is believed that the concept of modern meditation was originated within the Eastern religions, more particularly within Vedic Hinduism. The main purpose behind the meditation is to allow the individual to discover a place of inner peace and calmness. The basic idea behind the meditation is to develop internal consciousness in order to free a person’s mind from the pains and sufferings of the physical plain of existence.

Benefits of meditation exercises
As stated earlier, meditation is the undoubtedly an effective method to give you inner calm and peace. The benefits of meditation reduce all these aspects of a busy, dynamic and active lifestyle to give you complete peace and just satisfaction.

To know the positive energies of meditation, it is better to experience yourself. You can experience your truth of existence and feel on the top of the world.

Online Modern Meditation
Internet provides a great source to provide relevant information about the meditation process of healing. You can find useful meditation products to help yourself and stay happy. So, why wait? Surf the internet and look for the ultimate way to change your lifestyle to minimize your pains and suffering and bring back the smile on your face.

About the Author

Visit Modern Meditation, for further information on meditation online, meditation community, meditation workshops, meditation news, meditation exercises etc please visit at https://secrets2meditation.com/goto/?url=http://www.modernmeditation.net

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Meditation Shawls – Experience The Beautiful Aura Of Warmth And Kindness

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Article by Bruce Channers

Meditation shawls are good support items for meditation. They can help in achieving a deeper sense of relaxation. The warmth that they provide has been found to have a magical healing effect while you are meditating. No matter which form of meditation you are practicing, you can use these shawls to speed up the healing process. However, it is very important for you to understand that it is not just the physical warmth that these shawls provide. You are also benefited with a unique sense of spiritual warmth because of their specific design. Following are some of the most popular meditation shawls available in the market.

Fabrics:

These types of shawls are specifically designed. They are basically made of fabric. Because of their distinctive design, they are lovely to wear. The great thing about these fabrics is that they are a great reflection of calmness, tranquility, serenity and peace. Some of the best fabrics that are used in the making of these meditation shawls may include jacquard, velvet, satin, cotton, knit, chiffon, crochet, cashmere, wool, pashmina, and silk. The most popular ones are those made of 100% cotton, or 100% silk. However, shawls made of other fabrics are also very popular among those who practice meditation.

Cotton Om Shawl:

The cotton Om shawl is a versatile shawl. As the name suggests, this is made of hundred-percent cotton. These shawls are available in a large variety of colors, which may include turquoise with medium blue, sage green with green, orange with black, lilac with purple, white with black, red with black etc. Since these meditation shawls are made of cotton, they are very soft, which eventually bring a deeper sense of healing effect for you.

Silk Om Shawl:

As the name suggests, these are made of hundred-percent silk. You can wear these shawls in a variety of ways. Some of the best colors for these types of shawls are tangerine, silver gray, lilac, turquoise, gold etc.

Om Mantra Shawl:

The Om mantra shawl is another popular kind of meditation shawl. The Om-mantra pattern is printed all over these shawls. This way, when you meditate by wearing these shawls, it helps you achieve a deeper sense of relaxation and inner peace.

Rayon Shawls:

The rayon shawls also make a great choice. Meditation is a spiritual practice and it is always worth using the supply items, like these shawls in order to achieve the best out of the healing effects of meditation. They are also available in a variety of looks. Some of the most popular colors for rayon shawls are purple, blue, black, and orange.

Overall, there is an endless range of meditation shawls and you can choose the one that best suits your taste. The best among these shawls are those in which the various meditation mantras are printed all over. It is because of the simplicity of the design and pattern of these shawls that they are able to reflect a unique sense of joy, peace, warmth and kindness in you. Meditation shawls are very simple in their approach, but have magical healing effects.

About the Author

To discover unusual secrets about the art of chakra meditation and guided meditation, be sure to check out: www.OnlineMeditationGuru.com

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Back Pain and Meditation Part 4

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Article by Glen Wood – The Yoga Teacher

Back Pain and Meditation Part 4

Out of the Hindu tradition comes Yogic meditation, which is also purely concentrative. The traditional basic exercises consist of focusing the mind on a single object: a stone, a candle flame, a syllable or whatever, and not allowing it to wander. Having acquired the basic skill, the Yogi proceeds to expand his practice by taking on more complex objects of meditation: chants, colourful religious images, energy channels in the body and so forth. Still, no matter how complex the object of meditation, the meditation itself remains purely an exercise in concentration.

Given the large number and diversity of traditional Buddhist meditation practices, this article primarily identifies authoritative contextual frameworks.

An example of this would be if you decided to focus on love. To start, you would relax your body, sit in a comfortable position, calm your emotions and begin repeating the word “love” over and over. The problem is that your mind has been your master your whole life and won’t easily relinquish its position. To trick you back into obedient slavery, your mind will divert your attention, often by giving you a tantalizingly interesting distraction. What you are supposed to do is to witness your being distracted and return to concentrating on the object of your meditation. Concentration is well worth persevering in and ultimately liberating, spectacular and a blessing.

For a long time people considered meditation as an esoteric subject of elderly which deserved a try only after retirement. Thankfully, the situation is changing fast. Now there are management schools where meditation is taught as a compulsory subject. The classes of meditation are being conducted in every part of the world. The most modern doctors of world’s best health institutions are recommending the daily practice of meditation to their patients.

Now meditation is globally recognized as an essential tool for stress reduction and mental peace. As more and more people recognize their true identity through meditation, there will be an increase in the awareness to recognize the presence of same supreme consciousness in everybody.

The Vajrayana tradition has developed a practice that makes it possible to go through this process much more quickly than other meditation practices. In this practice one prays to one’s guru and to all the gurus that have come before and develops a very strong devotion–an openness to receive their blessings. If one prays to the gurus, one receives the blessing, and through this blessing one’s meditation progresses rapidly and naturally.

About the Author

Glen Wood – The Yoga Teacher, dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain.

To help you further with your back, neck and shoulder pain you need to sign up for your FREE “Yoga and You” report at https://secrets2meditation.com/goto/?url=http://www.YogaTeachingwithGlen.com

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Meditation – An Amazing Stress Reduction Technique That Is Easy To Do

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Article by Cucan Pemo

Meditation has a reputation as an activity related to religious practices and hippy-dippy pseudo-science. This is unfortunate, because meditation is a simple, effective stress management tool that can be used by a anyone – and solid medical research has shown that meditation is highly effective as a way to lower stress and even manage pain.

It’s particularly effective at the end of a long, stressful day – you can set aside a short period when you get home from work, meditate, and then enjoy your evening with a clear mind and more relaxed body.

Why meditation is great for stress

One of the pioneers of serious meditation research was Harvard’s Dr. Herbert Benson, who’s 1968 book “The Relaxation Response” showed that meditation had a measurable affect on stress, slowing breathing and heartbeat and lessening the body’s natural fight-or-flight response. Meditation will allow you to relax your body and focus your thoughts, thus focusing your mind and allowing you to let go of the day’s troubles. It allows your body to refresh its resources, which is good for your immune system, your blood pressure and your mental outlook.

When you meditate, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, and you use oxygen more efficiently. Your adrenal glands produce less cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline and you produce good, healing. Your mind clears, allowing you harper thought and greater creativity. Meditation has proved beneficial for people trying to give up smoking, drinking and drugs.

Simple meditation for anyone

Meditation isn’t a mystical, mysterious practice. It’s easy to do, and doesn’t take any special equipment or training. Meditation involves sitting in a relaxed position and clearing your mind. There are a number of methods for meditation – you can focus on a sound (like “om”), or on your own breathing, or on an object, or on nothing at all. You just need at least 10 minutes of quiet, free of distraction, although some people find that, with practice, they can meditate anywhere.

Here’s a couple of basic techniques:

1) Simple Breathing Meditation

Find a quiet room, and sit in a comfortable position, either on the floor or in a chair. Close your eyes.

Consciously relax the muscles in your feet, then your calves, and work way up your body until everything is loose.

Now focus your attention on your breathing. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and then let your breath out through your mouth. Count your breaths, and say the number of the breath as you let it out, which helps you to focus your mind and avoid distraction.

Do this for 10 or 20 minutes, then allow yourself to slowly come back up to full speed.

2) Focused Object Meditation

Choose an object, any object – a vase of flowers, a burning candle, a beautiful piece of fabric with a complex design. It can even be a coffee mug or a lamp.

Examine the shape, colors, shadow and light, texture movement of the object. Breathe deeply and rhythmically, and let your mind go wherever it wants, but stay focused on the object. Allow yourself at least 10 minutes to examine every detail.

3) Focused Sound Meditation.

Make a sound, over and over, focusing entirely on the vibration and tone. The classic meditation sound is “Om,” the Sanskrit word for perfection. Use the same rhythmic breathing to help slow your heartbeat and focus your mind.

4) Focused Imagery Meditation

Here, you create a mental image in your mind of a happy, relaxing place. You could be on a tropical beach, or floating on a raft in a mountain lake, or even lying in a king-sized bed in a luxury hotel – whatever you find the most calm and restful to think about. Breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically. As thoughts enter your mind, let them drift back out – focus entirely on your “happy place as you breathe.

Unlike the use of prescription medication and herbal therapies, there are no potential side effects to meditation, and it doesn’t cost anything. No special equipment is required, and you can meditate no matter what your physical limitations. It does take some commitment and patience, but after a few sessions, you’ll find that meditation is a wonderful method for relieving stress – and you can do it anywhere!

About the Author

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