| Meditation is a discipline by which one attempts to | | | | But our bodies and minds can tolerate only so |
| get beyond the conditioned, “thinking” | | | | much of these feelings. After a while, each of us |
| mind into a deeper state of relaxation or | | | | reaches a saturation point and the results become |
| awareness. It often involves turning attention to a | | | | uncomfortable at best; for some it may be |
| single point of reference. Meditation is recognized | | | | unbearable, even unendurable. We need to find a |
| as a component of almost all religions, and has | | | | way to relieve ourselves of these burdens. As |
| been practised for over 5,000 years. It is also | | | | the hermit on the mountain side cave would say |
| practised outside religious traditions. Different | | | | ‘the answer is within all of us’. |
| meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of | | | | Most people have meditated, whether they realize |
| spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which | | | | it or not. When you are anxious before a test, |
| may emphasize different goals — from | | | | nervous of flying, suffering a panic attack to |
| achievement of a higher state of consciousness, | | | | name a few scenarios. The first thing advised by |
| to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or | | | | medical personnel it to concentrate on your |
| simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of | | | | breathing. This helps to regulate your heart rate |
| mind. Kindly provided by Wikipedia | | | | whilst at the same time it helps to quieten your |
| Now we have the ‘official’ definition out | | | | mind chatter. |
| of the way let’s get to the nitty gritty. | | | | This is basic meditation. |
| When most people think of meditation they | | | | When you start to meditate on a regular basis, |
| quickly conjure up an picture of a old man sitting | | | | you will feel a sense of detachment from your |
| cross legged on the top of a mountain or sitting in | | | | surroundings, calm, relaxed, serene. At times |
| a small cave. This old man is all knowing - he is | | | | emotions may overtake you during meditation, |
| one of the few that knows the answer to the | | | | such as suddenly becoming tearful for no reason. |
| time honoured question ‘What is the meaning | | | | However, you can be sure that there is a reason |
| of life?’ | | | | for these emotions, although it may have been |
| Well I am sorry to disappoint you. Whilst I am | | | | buried deep within for a considerable time. There |
| sure there are people as I have described above, | | | | is always a reason. You will generally feel more |
| the majority of people who meditate are the | | | | relaxed in your day to day routines. You will not |
| same as you and I. People who are involved in life | | | | rise to anger or become stressful so easily. |
| and work, yet at the same time seeking more | | | | This change from within will also become apparent |
| serenity and calm. With a deep feeling that there | | | | to others around you. They will notice that you |
| is much more to this existence. Oh how right | | | | seem calmer, more in control. You do find inner |
| we are! | | | | peace. |
| How many times have you heard the following | | | | If only more people took up meditation, just |
| phrases: too stressful, chill out, take time out, | | | | imagine what the world could be like. |
| need to relax? We all lead very busy, active lives. | | | | |