Meditation Tips
Meditation is the art of silencing the mind and connecting with your higher self. The practice of meditation provides a ton of health benefits including increased concentration, less stress and a general feeling of happiness.
Meditation positively influences the body in many unexpected ways. Those who have meditated regularly for a long period of time have the ability to speed up or slow down their metabolism as much as 60% and also raise their body temperature by as much as 8°C. Even a few minutes in meditation every day can make people calmer and more relaxed. As little as 20 minutes per day brings about physical changes, such as reduced blood pressure, lower heart rate, as well as deeper and calmer breathing. Positive changes in blood pressure as a result of meditation lower one's risk of having a heart attack.
Meditation is also an effective treatment for chronic pain. Meditation increases left-sided, frontal brain activity. This area of the brain is associated with positive mood and immune system function. Even a limited amount of meditation has the potential to change the structure of the brain. Meditation also significantly increases positive emotions and mood. Those who meditate are less vulnerable to the stresses and upsets of daily life.
Below are 11 practical recommendations to assist beginners in getting started:
- Make meditation part of your daily routine. Meditation should be done in the morning as well as in the evening. It must become an integral part of your day in order to produce positive results. It is a practice, not an occasional experience.
- Breathe deeply. Breathing deep slows the heart rate, relaxes the muscles and quiets the mind. Inhale through your nose, hold the breath for as long as you comfortably can and exhale.
- Stretch before you sit. Stretching loosens your muscles, allowing you to sit in meditation more comfortably. Stretching also increases blood flow and oxygen flow in the body.
- Stay focused. Meditation is an ACTIVE process. If your mind wanders, come back to being aware of your breath. The art of focusing your attention to a single point is difficult, and you must be purposefully engaged!
- Let go of feelings of frustration. It is very common for beginners to become frustrated and impatient when they can't quiet their mind. Meditation is a practice, not a quick fix. It requires time, devotion and patience.
- Experiment. Many of us visualize a Yogi sitting in full lotus position beneath a Bonzi tree, however, we should be more experimental and try different types of meditation. Try sitting, lying down, eyes open, eyes closed, walking meditation and so on.
- Feel your body. A great practice is to become aware of the body when in a meditative state. Once the mind begins to settle down, put all of your attention on your feet and then slowly move your way up the body, including your internal organs.
- Pick a specific room in your home to meditate. Make sure not to choose a room where you work, exercise or sleep. Light candles and incense in the room to create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Commit for the long haul. Meditation is an everyday practice and you will benefit most by NOT focusing on the results of your daily practice. Just commit to it every day and let it be.
- Experience moments of awareness throughout the day. Becoming aware of your breath and “being present” while not in formal meditation is a great way to improve your meditation habits. Awareness is like a muscle and the more you use it the stronger it becomes.
- Relax... This may be the hardest part of meditation; to relax. Regardless of what occurs during your meditation practice, do not stress about it. Just go with it and don't judge your experience. Meditation is what it is. Your job is to simply do the best you can at the time.
The benefits of meditation are seemingly endless. Meditation relaxes the body, purifies the mind and transforms the soul. It allows you to access higher consciousness and increases your awareness. Commit to making meditation part of your everyday life and experience the difference.
Happy Meditating!
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The 'Break The Norms Movement' is an initiative to break taboos in spirituality and provide a transparent picture of the pure potentiality that is seeking manifestation in each one of us. With sacred meditations and workshops, we aim to prepare you with road-maps to truth in a way that is amoral and independent in its soul. Visit us atwww.BreakTheNorms.com.
