What is Meditation?
Meditation isn’t about becoming a new or different person. It isn’t about silencing your thoughts either. What it’s really about is observing your thoughts – good or bad – and gaining a healthy sense of perspective.
In this article, we’ll articulate what meditation is and how it can benefit your life when practiced regularly.
So what is meditation?
Meditation is essentially a set of techniques designed to heighten your state of awareness and focus your attention. It’s a mindfulness practice that grounds you in the present.
Meditation has been practiced around the world for thousands of years. Almost every religion or spiritual practice involves some kind of meditative techniques. There are a few different types of meditation, the most common being Mindfulness Meditation.
What are the benefits of meditation?
When practiced regularly, meditation can do wonders for your emotional well being and overall sense of health. It can provide a sense of calmness and serenity that carries you through your day. Meditation can also help to relieve symptoms of other health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Some other emotional benefits of meditation include;
- Decreasing feelings of stress and anxiety
- Increasing awareness around stressful situations
- Reducing negative emotions
- Increased creativity and problem solving
- Increased patience and tolerance of others
- More self-acceptance
Meditation may also be very useful if you suffer from a chronic health condition that worsens with stress.
How do you practice meditation?
There are lots of different ways to practice meditation and mindfulness and you can find a wealth of free guided meditations online. But if you’re just starting out with meditation, here’s a simple way to begin.
- Find a quiet spot to sit, free from all distractions. Turn off your mobile phone, switch off the TV and shut down your laptop. You can listen to music if you choose, but try to pick something soothing and calm.
- Set a timer for your practice. The length of your meditation is entirely up to you, but if you’re just starting out try short 5 or 10 minute sessions.
- Get comfortable. You can meditate seated, lying down or even standing up if you choose. The key is to feel comfortable and to be able to hold the position for the duration of your meditation.
- Focus on your breathing. Start by taking a few deep breaths and focus on your inhalations and exhalations.
- Your mind will naturally wander – you don’t need to try and switch off your thoughts. Instead, each time you notice your mind drifting away, acknowledge the thought and then bring your attention back to your breath.
