A Guide to Meditation – An Introduction
Meditation viewed on the outside can just seem like breathing or repeating sounds over and over, but inside the brain there is an entirely different story happening. Whether you are familiar with meditation or you are a beginner, always feel free and open to information and resources that can help make meditation work better for you.
What is meditation?
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques for your overall well-being. It is an ancient practice that dates back to thousands of years ago in India but has only been truly studied by modern science in the last couple decades. It is used to train attention, awareness and to achieve a clear mind and an emotionally calm and stable state. Some persons meditate to relax, reduce anxiety, improve their health and to help with addictions.
Why meditate?
Studies show that people who meditate regularly have certain differences in their brain structure. In your brain there are billions of neurones which are cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send signals back to each other. One neurone connects to other neurones which form networks across different parts of your brain. These networks form different areas of your brain which do different jobs and have different specialties. After meditation these areas become denser and the connections become stronger.
The brain is what manages and controls your senses, your ability to think, concentrate and to process emotions. When you meditate regularly you have a stronger ability to process and deal with negative emotions like anger and grief.
How to meditate?
There are tons of different types and ways to meditate like guided meditation, yoga, mindfulness and mantra. Meditation can be done alone, with meditation programs and instructors or with friends and family. As you go along you’ll soon find one or multiple ways that best fit you.
First, set time aside in your daily routine for meditation, whether it’s in the morning or before bed, learn what works best for you and feel free to switch it up as you go if it doesn’t. Then, make a calming, comfortable sacred space. Meditation works best when your surroundings are quiet. In this sacred space you can have things like incense and/or candles, cushions or a yoga mat, crystals, a salt lamp, herbs and a singing bowl. Cleanse the space and remember that this is your safe space so add things that make you feel at peace.
One easy simple way to meditate is to sit and find a position that’s comfortable, close your eyes and lay your palms flat on your thighs. Focus on your breathing, count to ten, slowing breathing in and out as you go. Don’t fight your thoughts let them come as they arise, meditation cleanses so allow yourself to feel, then, try focusing on your breathing again. Do body scans by thinking about everything you feel and get to know yourself.
Remember to stay calm, release and breathe.
