| In today's fast-paced world, many people are | | | | reacting to the environment (both internal and |
| seeking a way to get away from it all and relax. | | | | external), which can lead to a greater ability to |
| Meditation, which is essentially a method to obtain | | | | act in a non-reactive way in daily life. Both forms |
| a level of deep thought and relaxation, is one way | | | | of meditation are useful, and one is no better |
| to find inner peace and tranquility. Many people | | | | than the other is. Personal preference may |
| think of monks or other spiritual types sitting in | | | | determine which method you choose, and you |
| crossed-leg position and reaching states of bliss | | | | can always try both. |
| when they think of mediation, but there are many | | | | Both physical and mental benefits can result from |
| ways to meditate. While there are many ways to | | | | meditation. This can include increased heart health |
| reach a meditative state, there really are no right | | | | through relaxation, lowered cholesterol and blood |
| or wrong ways to mediate (this would defeat the | | | | pressure, and a more youthful feeling. Mental |
| purpose), only practice and finding ways that feel | | | | benefits can be an increased sense of well-being, |
| right for you. | | | | decreased anxiety and depression, and emotional |
| Meditation is associated with many religions, but | | | | stability. Meditation should not be used as a cure |
| one does not need to be associated with any | | | | for physical or mental ailments, however, but it |
| particular religion in order to meditate. You might | | | | can be a powerful supplement. Those with |
| want to investigate different methods, however, | | | | physical or mental health conditions should consult |
| to find a form of mediation that feels most | | | | with a health care professional before beginning a |
| comfortable. One common method includes | | | | mediation practice. |
| repeating a sound or word, called a mantra. Other | | | | Meditation can be quite physical, such as with |
| forms of meditation involve focusing on a visual | | | | some types of yoga, or seemingly passive, such |
| image, such as the flame of a candle or a symbol. | | | | as in mindfulness types of mediation. In addition to |
| Other meditative techniques involve breathing and | | | | the types of meditation, there are different |
| physical movements, such as yoga or other | | | | stages as well. Generally speaking, in early stages |
| breathing practices. | | | | of meditation, the practitioner is more aware of |
| No matter what the method, the tools used in | | | | the practice. He or she may have difficulty |
| meditation are there to help users reach a state | | | | concentrating on breath or not reacting to |
| of mental relaxation. Many mediation techniques | | | | thought. With practice, this moves into a stage |
| help you clear your mind of the constant thoughts | | | | where one is much less aware. This is followed by |
| that normally run through the mind. In reducing or | | | | a stage of bliss, which is followed by very deep |
| eliminating these thoughts, one can reach a state | | | | sense of self, followed by an ability to reach a |
| of deep thought that is associated with | | | | stage of deep stillness. |
| meditation. | | | | There are many resources available on meditation. |
| There are two primary approaches to meditation, | | | | Those new to the practice may opt to take part |
| which are concentrative meditation and | | | | in a class or guide when beginning. Others may |
| mindfulness meditation. In concentrative | | | | prefer to read up on the various options and |
| meditation, the practitioner focuses on breath, an | | | | practice on his or her own. Visit the local library |
| object, or a sound (mantra). In mindfulness | | | | for books and resources or visit a yoga or |
| meditation, the practitioner sits quietly and | | | | spiritual center. Meditation can be an enjoyable |
| "observes" everything in the environment, including | | | | experience and provide balance to an otherwise |
| thoughts, sounds, smells, and more. In this form | | | | hectic life. |
| of meditation, the practitioner practices not | | | | |