Meditation - Your Guide to Meditation Methods Part 1

Meditation channels all our thoughts and energyexternal environment, or even in the case of
inwards towards the core of our existence. Indancing, and the connection to music.
fact anytime that we concentrate on somethingStill meditation on the other hand means our
other than our thoughts, we are alreadybodies and minds do not move. Sitting, standing,
meditating. We can meditate while we walk,or lying meditation focuses on anything; breath,
move, lie down, stand, or sit. Meditation is notcounting, a mantra (sound), candles, incense, a
limited to any one particular position; there arerock, a spot on the ground or ceiling, nature,
various methods and ways of practicinganything that the heart desires. Thoughts are
meditation.recognized without judgment, then let go, and
However the one burning question is since thereconcentration is brought back to what you were
are numerous ways and methods of practicingoriginally focused on. One learns to breathe
meditation, which method does one follow? Wellthrough the nose in a natural unforced manner.
the answer to that is any method that suits youLet us take a look at some common meditation
and your present particular situation the best.methods:
Meditation doesn't always have to mean sittingStanding Meditation
down with your legs crossed and eyes closed, itThis is one of the meditation methods that
can be as simple as walking and standing.focuses on regaining proper breathing techniques.
Although there are various ways in which one canTechnique:
practice meditation, for the sake of easyStand comfortably with your spine straight and
understanding meditation can be broadly classifiedfeet about shoulder distance apart, open your left
into two categories; moving meditation and stillhand and place the thumb on your navel so that
meditation.the palm of the hand is against the lower
Moving meditation involves movements of theabdomen, then place you right hand on top of left
body such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Yoga, dancing,in the same manner. Breathe slowly and feel the
walking and jogging. In this form of meditation thelower part of your abdomen expand while
body moves in a series of rhythmic movementsnaturally pushing away your hands outward on
while the mind concentrates or is centered onyour belly. Hold the breath for four seconds and
breath. Thoughts are recognized withoutthen exhale slowly, feeling your lower abdomen
judgment and then the focus shifts back tocontracting inward as the air is released.
breathe.Recognize the thoughts without judgment and
Focus can also be on the movement itself, thebring back the concentration to your breath.
flowing internal energy from the body, the