Looking Inward for Balance and Harmony

In this day and age wherein stress is an inherent aspect of daily living, a majority of individuals consider that grueling physical, mental and emotional exhaustion as a way of life. With a barrage of social and personal melodramas that serve to alienate the individual not only from his fellow but to himself as well, a large proportion of the distressed are frantically searching for inner harmony and serenity. As this is a struggle within himself, the resolution must be internal as well. Meditation is one of the best means to achieve inner harmony. Through meditation, a person deliberately but serenely looks inward into himself to integrate his inner self thereby producing harmony within and without. nnIn the book of Tantra, 112 meditative techniques are mentioned. It is not necessary that a person be proficient in all methods of meditation. It is within the prerogative of the individual to choose whichever meditative method he is most comfortable with. A meditator can opt to meditate on his own or he can seek the aid and counsel of a guide or teacher. A skillful guide or teacher can be instrumental for the meditator to achieve the ultimate benefit of meditation which is attunement with the Self or enlightenment. For beginners, guided meditation may be initially ideal as the expertise of a master is required for the meditator to initiate and condition his senses. nnAlthough there are other sources of meditative techniques such as books, tapes, videos and the Internet, personal guidance and attention from a teacher is recommended to attain the optimum benefits of a meditative technique. By choosing an appropriate and suitable technique for himself, a meditator can bring peace, balance and harmony into his life as he taps into his inner resources through meditation. Meditative techniques do not prove to only bring about spiritual, mental and emotional integration but studies have shown that meditative techniques can improve physical well-being as well. Much is to be said about the power of the mind to influence the total being and meditative techniques aim to do just that as they focus on tapping the mind or one’s inner self to achieve a desired purpose. nnIt is best that a meditator chooses to do meditation voluntarily and is not compelled. Willingness and commitment are basic elements for a meditative technique to be effective and beneficial. Much more so, a meditator must be open-minded and receptive to the energies from him and around him. It must be noted that meditation does not deliver results instantly. The state of inner harmony and enlightenment is attained through a gradual process thus a serene determination and persistence is essential when learning a meditative technique. It is in fact to be considered as a regimen as regularly setting aside a specific amount of time or place for the technique is a requirement. nnAs the meditator eventually becomes adept, meditation can then be incorporated as an inherent facet of his daily life. As much as moments of solitude and reflection are necessary in a hectic and confused life, meditation must be considered as a measure in obtaining holistic well-being. As there are those who seek medical attention for physical infirmities, it is likewise vital that we heed the inner voice within ourselves through meditation. A person is a total being and must be addressed in that manner, too. When the inner self is distressed, meditation could well be the means to soothe and comfort that fundamental essence of being human.