Learning to Meditate - Where to Start

Mankind has known about the benefits ofIf you are confused with where to begin, start
meditation for many thousands of years and onlywith the simplest form of meditation for
recently has meditation become accepted in thebeginners known as the 'breathing meditation".
western countries as a viable method to heal bothHere, you simply settle into a relaxed and
the body and the mind. But how do you learn tocomfortable position that suits you and then allow
meditate successfully?your thoughts to drift. All you need to do is begin
No longer is meditation considered to be anto focus on the rhythm of your own breathing.
eastern discipline reserved for Buddhist monks orJust notice the breathing giving each breath your
the like, which requires you to get into anabsolute full attention and focus. Just the
awkward position for hours whilst chanting arepetition of your breathing will allow you to drift
mantra which has no meaning or connection tointo a meditative state.
you or your life.Candle Meditation
Studies have shown that a patient who regularlyAnother highly successful and easy meditation for
uses meditation can improve ones chances ofbeginners required placing a lighted candle in front
combating almost any illness. As well these studiesof you. focus your attention on the flame of the
have proven that those who use meditation cancandle. Believe it or not, fire has been used in
also reduce the healing time after surgery.meditation for thousand of years and this is
In fact, studies have also shown over the pastbecause as the flame dances causing and you
decade as a result of having at our disposalfocus on the flame it will take you into an almost
sophisticated technology the benefits ofhypnotic state.
meditation can be recorded through what isAgain here all that is required of you is to find a
termed 'brain-scanning techniques'.comfortable position, and of course this kind of
For example, it has recently been discovered thatmeditation would require you keep your eyes
after long periods of intense meditation (severalopen so that you may fully focus on the flame.
months) the brain activity measured a substantialDo here what you would do for the breathing
cortical change in the centers that are responsiblemeditation. As you watch the flame allow
for increased happiness.whatever thoughts to come up and let them go.
Breathing Meditation