What does meditation mean to you?
To me is means sitting in a comfortable position and just BEing.
Try to remember we are Beings, not Doings.
There is no right or wrong way to meditate.
Taking a few moments or as long as you have to sit in stillness ~ is meditating.
There are a variety of styles of meditation ~ each with different strengths and benefits.
Here are a couple of examples:
Metta, is a type of meditation also known as loving-kindness meditation, which begins with
developing kind thoughts and feelings toward yourself.
Through practice, people learn to extend this kindness and forgiveness externally, first to friends,
then acquaintances and ultimately enemies.
Kirtan Kriya is a method of meditation that combines a mantra or chant with repetitive motion
of the fingers to focus thoughts. It improves the ability to perform memory tasks.
There are many great health benefits of meditation:
- Reduces Stress
- Reduces Anxiety
- Promotes Emotional Health – improves self-image, creates a positive outlook on life
- Enhances self- awareness – helps to develop a stronger understanding of ourselves
- Assists us to grow into our best self
- Improves Sleep
Meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health.
And remember ~ there is no right or wrong way to meditate.
Here is a simple meditation:
If you are just learning how to meditate ~ here is a very simple and easy meditation exercise:
- Sit comfortably in an upright position with a straight back.
- Close your eyes.
- Breathe in for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts and hold for 4 counts. Repeat.
- Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage, and belly.
- If your mind wanders, return your focus back to your breath.
Maintain this meditation practice for two to three minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods. Slowly work up to 5 counts and then 6 counts.
EnJOY your meditation time!