MEDITATION

More and more people are becoming interested in meditation.

What is it? How do you do it? 

Our busy lifestyles may seem to prohibit this peaceful practice, or provide a convenient "excuse" not to begin, or continue, to meditate...but, the happy news is, you CAN successfully benefit even if you practice for short periods. With the simple technique described below, you will begin and incredible journey. If it is your desire, it will connect you to your own spirituality and to source. There are 100's of styles, traditions and forms of meditation, but this simple practice has always been highly recommended.

There is a saying: "Here is where the beginner begins and the Master ends". 

Sit comfortably, preferably upright and alert. If you are unable to sit upright, lie down. When sitting, allow your spine and back muscles to support you, if you're able, otherwise use the back of the chair. If you're uncomfortable, your mind will be distracted and you will not benefit fully --- it will distract you from your process. You may alter things for your needs. If sitting in a chair, feet flat to the floor, thighs parallel to floor, feet aligned with knees, knees aligned with hips and shoulders, back straight (but not rigid), hands resting in lap. 

Do not slump or slouch --- imagine your head suspended by a golden thread from above. The suspension point is the crown of your head, so your chin is slightly tucked inward. If you slump or tire, just pull your string upward! You'll feel weightless and relaxed. Remember, you can change your position a little if you need to.
To sit on a mat, cushion or pillow, sit cross-legged, half or full lotus, depending on your ability. Do not force this, or any other posture; move gradually into it. Whether practicing indoors or outdoors, the air should be fresh and well-ventilated, without draft or high wind and clothes should be loose and comfortable. 

You may close your eyes (unless this causes you to fall asleep) or gaze with almost-closed eyes as if looking downward and inward. If you wish, rest the tip of your tongue on your upper hard palate behind your teeth. Unless there is a physical restriction, breathe through your nose. 

Traditionally, the best times to practice are upon arising and in the evening or before bedtime. With busy schedules, any time is fine. Don't allow a "lack of time" to stop you. You can still benefit even if you practice for "a few odd moments" throughout your day --- you will be surprised how a few minutes here-and-there add up for your peace of mind. Recommended practice time is 20 minutes, twice per day --- IF YOU CAN ... some people practice more often and for more than 20 minutes. Remember, this is personal; just do your best and enjoy. Do not practice when exhausted; try to avoid eating 30 minutes before or after. Practice for a few minutes at first in a quiet environment. The time will lengthen as you become more comfortable...you will surprise yourself! You may use soothing music as a pleasant background. 

PRACTICE

Sit comfortably...allow yourself to become aware of your environment as you gently and slowly close your eyes...become aware of your body...feel yourself sitting...feel the contact your body makes with each surface...feel body parts touching other body parts (hands resting in lap, legs crossed)...feel your body resting comfortably and safely in the surrounding air...draw your awareness inward as you feel your body relaxing into the surfaces...calmly be aware of your breathing, without altering your breath...rest your attention either at your navel or your nostrils...calmly feel and be aware of the rhythm of your breathing...if thoughts come into your mind, don't try to stop or avoid them; just be aware of them and let them drift away --- don't follow them and don't try to solve problems...thoughts will always come; just smile as you notice them...observe them and let them go as you return to awareness of the soothing flow of your breath...always, as your mind wanders, bring it back to your breathing.

You may wish to imagine or think of your breath as a colour or a light or a pleasant thought moving in and out of your body in a smooth flow --- words like "peace", "calm", "love", "light", "safe", "tranquil", etc are fine...use whatever you wish...you may repeat such words in your mind in rhythm with the flow of your breathing...smile inwardly as you meditate...just sit and listen to your breath and the calming thoughts...be aware...rest in the stillness and silence of this peaceful, powerful moment...and for just this moment, you can release all thoughts, worries and concerns and just be tranquil and serene. 

When you feel ready, slowly return to awareness of your body...awareness of being in your environment...turn your attention outward and slowly, gradually open your eyes. You may stretch and/or rub your palms together, place them over your eyes, then rub gently down your face and back of head and neck several times. Then simply proceed with your normal activities.

Meditation is a cultivation process --- be patient and natural, enjoy each moment, do not "try hard"...just allow and everything will naturally fall-into-place. The biggest blocks to meditation are impatience and expectations. Just continue to repeat the simple process and you will benefit. Don't wait for or desire "spectacular" results; that is a distracting disturbance.  Don't be impatient with yourself or disappointed if today's practice wasn't as good as yesterday's practice...that happens! Just rest for a moment...breath...rest in the stillness and silence, and enjoy! 

MEDITATION IS...

• Allowing your mind to be alert and attentive 
• Allowing your mind to be calm, concentrated without strain and focused
• Increased awareness of the world around you
• Being in the moment - not worrying about the past or future
• Pleasant
• A process more than a goal...a beautiful, inspiring journey rather than just a destination

BENEFITS

• Decreased stress, tension, depression, anxiety - more balanced emotions
• Strengthened immune system, improved health
• Sense of identity and connection, Improved confidence and concentration
• Peace of mind, optimism and self-worth
• A sense of greater spiritual connection

MEDITATION IS NOT...

• Falling asleep
• Going into a trance
• Shutting yourself off from reality
• Becoming lost in thought and/or forgetting who and where you are

Some information edited from an article by Joi Eden