Meditation

The glow of Self Awareness: Meditation techniques Our world has many different schools of medicine, and many beliefs. But the fundamental basis of these beliefs is that all the energy around us belongs to one system. When a person seeks peace and tranquillity, the first process he must consider is meditation. Meditation is the process of focusing on one thought, or focusing on the nothingness of the mind. Both methods involve getting rid of the mind’s clutter. No personal growth process is complete without meditation. Even ten minutes of meditation every day can significantly improve all spheres of well being. A timeless concept Meditation is said to have been first mentioned in the Vedas in 1500 BCE. It has been mentioned numerous times in great detail in all schools of philosophy- from Tao to African culture. Why is this idea so important? Think of meditation as a cleaning process. By focusing and getting rid of mind clutter, you’re smoothening out your life force and creating a strong balance between all the energies. Alertness and self awareness will cause your body to grow without being stunted by external hurdles. Refined mental peace is the fundamental reason why positive, calm people are more likely to be healthy and successful than distressed people. Of course, every mind is different and while everyone is capable of self alertness, a person should look for a technique that best suits their state of mind. Point source meditation This method involves focusing on a single point, single mantra, your own breath or single image. You must not allow your mind to think about anything except that point. If you’re focusing on a flame, you must reflect on the appearance of the flame and be aware of it, and avoid any unnecessary thoughts. It is effective if a person does this ten minutes every day, but for better results, you must try to increase your concentration span periodically. Wandering meditation This method is for the abstract minded. Instead of an external source or word, simply watch the thoughts that pass through your head. The key is to not think too deeply about these thoughts or shift to memories. Do not judge these thoughts. Simply watch them. Having a detached view of your own thoughts is a remarkably effective way to develop self alertness. Void meditation This is a rather challenging form of meditation, but once you’ve mastered point source meditation, it is a good idea to advance to void meditation. Void meditation requires you to keep your mind blank- create a vast nothingness in your mind. The only thought you must have is the awareness that your mind is empty. This prominently reduces the clutter of the mind and is super effective for the anxious. Action meditation For the fitness freaks, focusing on your body movements is also a meditation technique (this is essentially yoga!). Action meditation also includes focusing on music or beats, or any complex dynamic in your environment. But wait! We’re missing one vital step in meditation, a step that could make our regular meditation sessions even better. What is one crucial belief that our ancestors had and we don’t? The concept of a Guru. The ideal of a Guru is not, as many believe, regarding a randomly chosen spiritual master as a god. The reason yoga techniques from the past have lost their lustre today, is because we have lost faith in our yoga gurus. Similarly, meditation needs the guidance of an expert. Looking for the right “meditation model” is no longer a task as it once was, now that technology helps us connect with so many passionate people who are willing to teach their ideas and share their experienc of so many years. While meditation is a self development technique, the experience becomes enriching only when we choose to learn from the examples of meditation masters. Meditation masters are people who have already reached the “real” higher quality of life; gaining their help will only serve to help you achieve your spiritual goals one day. Why should meditation be a regular practice? How does it help reach your spiritual goals? Health. Mind and body are fiercely interrelated. Besides the fact that a healthy mind is by itself a necessary thing, the power of the mind over the physical organs is a scientifically tested parameter of health. Meditation takes off the veil that covers your mind. By having a strong, balanced mind, you will have a strong, balanced body. Happiness, always. There are so many difficult circumstances in our lives that stop us from being who we’re truly meant to be. We can’t change the circumstances that seem to chain our spirit down; what we can do is to transform our spirit into something fluid, so that it can escape the chains. Meditation primarily promotes excellent emotional stability and a refreshing positive attitude. A regular meditation practitioner possesses a soul that refuses to be wavered by external problems. A Soul that knows Itself to learn to be always Happy and Pure. Meditation is a necessity in today’s age. We’re letting humanity lose values with every atrocity that happens around us. Meditation can shape lives in such a profound way, and is one of the few methods we can ever hope to add peace to this world. Meditation is both a personally gratifying technique, and a process that should be spread to others. It is a note of peace that could change many lives.