Meditation
What is it and how is it achieved? Is it making your mind temporarily blank? Is it focusing your mind on a single thought or vision? It it imagining you are somewhere else? Yes. It can be achieved in these ways and more. Meditation is a process that can lead the meditator to a relaxed state of consciousness that brings serenity, calmness and clarity. There are many types of meditation. Meditation classes, audio recordings, videos and articles are becoming very popular and very easy to find online, in a bookstore and at the library. Practicing meditation is becoming quite popular in Western cultures. This is because of the increrased awareness about the healthy benefits of meditation. It starts in your mind, and then it's benefits are shared with your whole body. There is no specific amount of time, or time of day that is set for meditation. Some say that early in the morning is the very best time to meditate. Others find it more practical to do so in the evening. If you are interested in enjoying the benefits of meditation, including relaxation, stress reduction, and improved sleep, then you are ready to start meditating. Your body may need some time to get used to sitting in a still meditative position. So it might be good to start slow. 5, 10, or 15 minutes is a great start. You can add a few minutes at a time to work your way up to a longer meditation if that is what you would like. Try it in a quiet space, or play soft music, or listen to the sounds of nature if you are lucky enough to be near the woods, the ocean, a meadow, a lake or stream, a farm, a park, etc. For more information about types of meditation and instruction, click here.
