| Meditation can be defined as any activity in which | | | | to meditate on a daily basis, even if only for 5 |
| you take control of your mind's thoughts, either | | | | minutes at a time, although 20-30 minutes per |
| to focus thoughts on only that which you choose | | | | day are really better. |
| to think of (contemplation), or to still your | | | | Meditation is a discipline or technique that has |
| thoughts so that there is as little thinking as | | | | existed since ancient times, in one form or |
| possible, leaving only true relaxation. When you | | | | another. Some of the well-known types are of |
| read this, you might think, "but that's simply | | | | Indian origin (from India, not the North American |
| concentration, or relaxation--I do that all the time." | | | | type of Indian), although even the North American |
| In truth, you probably do not--you usually | | | | Indians have always had similar practices, such as |
| unconsciously have a passing thought, situation, or | | | | going on "vision quests," or sitting in "sweat |
| problem in mind and you think about all that | | | | lodges" for contemplation. You may have heard |
| somewhat unconsciously, or subconsciously | | | | the term meditation in the same sentence as |
| without being aware of it. Often this type of | | | | "Zen," or in relation to Buddhism or Hinduism, but |
| thinking relates to past or future events, | | | | many other cultures have used it as well--the |
| sometimes with accompanying emotions being | | | | Quakers used this type of discipline in their |
| present like worry or guilt. True meditation ideally | | | | worship. |
| requires either absolute stillness of mind without | | | | In some forms, I believe that prayer is talking to |
| thoughts, or if thinking is involved, requires focus | | | | God, and meditation is listening to God. Though I |
| only on the present, with a dispassionate | | | | think this is true, it is also not necessary to have |
| perspective and perfect calm. | | | | any particular beliefs to use meditation to your |
| Successful meditation requires dedication and | | | | benefit, only a strong desire to strive for inner |
| discipline. With practice, one can develop a quieter, | | | | calm and peace. Success in meditation is not |
| more focused mind. Many people have become | | | | related to religion, and it does not preclude other |
| happier, more balanced and calm by being | | | | spiritual beliefs or practices. It does require |
| committed enough to this process. To get the | | | | persistence and patience with oneself, and the |
| real long-term benefits, one must take the time | | | | desire to improve one's life experience. |