Practical Meditation for Beginners

Definition of Meditation:

1 :To engage in contemplation or reflection.
2 :To engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra).
3 :To focus one's thoughts on :reflect on or ponder over.
4 :To plan or project in the mind :intend, purpose.

The belief according to the Eastern philosophers, is that meditation is to be in the present and to be aware of ones surroundings, but yet separate. It is thought that through regulated or guided breathing an individual can leave the external world and enter the inner sanctum of of the universal consciousness of our species. The Buddhist philosophy, further believes that meditation liberates the mind from those things it cannot control, both externally or internally, thus freeing itself of all those things that would seem to distract, from the true value and meaning of life and enlightenment. Thus through meditation, individuals can relieve themselves of worldly desires and experiences that often serve to distract, while focusing on those things that provide and inner peace and balance with the external world. Through meditation, some individuals have reported that they begin to feel a sense of oneness and clarity about the innate good in humanity. Many people talk about the positive affects of meditation, however according to Eastern Philosophers that is just a by product of the journey within.

The journey within begins with either sitting in a comfortable position on the floor or in a chair or lying on a comfortable surface. The next thing is to close your eyes, then take notice of your breathing and finally slowing your breathing in a slow and methodical way, to the point that you can feel the breath going in and out.

There are different forms of meditation some of which include: mindfulness meditation and concentration meditation, there are also movement meditations such as Tai chi and even yoga, which involves the use of meditation as part of its process. .

Mindfulness Meditation is said to be a way of being an observer of ones own thoughts. Being in the present and aware of ones thought as they come and go, not attaching to the thought rightness or wrongness, good or bad, but just being aware of the thought.

Concentration Meditation on the other hand is a way of focusing on a specific thing to the point that all things outside the object of concentration are lost in the background of the object of focus.

Both Tai CHi and Yoga serve to incorporate movement with focus to produce harmony with the inner world and external world, providing a state of calm tranquility and well being within the individual.

May you all the days of your life be blessed in balance and harmony!

Greg