My preference would be to call meditation relaxation conscious
relaxation, chosen relaxation. These are words that are more
universally understood, more comfortable. Constantly working toward
the goal of discovering my own ability to reach a state of
serenity, I have learned to meditate.
Meditating is actually easier than you might imagine. Most of us
have dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious
relaxation. Maybe during an exercise class or to manage pain at the
dentist or anxiety before a test. We start by paying attention to
our breathing. The practical effort to focus completely on our
breathing takes our minds away from the "mind clutter" that
constantly tries to invade our mind and eliminate feelings that
will lead to a time of calm. With repeated effort the goal of
clearing your mind to think of nothing, does occur and the
process of meditation takes on its own energy. The result is, and I
guarantee this, peace, serenity, calmness, eventually opening
yourself to new insights.
[color=brown]Meditating for
Life[/color]
Too much stress, stress reduction, chill out, let it go, detach
familiar phrases to all of us. Our world is fast, fun and exciting.
It is also challenging, trying, demanding and frightening. These
two sides of our lives produce stress, emotional reactions,
anxiety, worry and anticipation. Our bodies and minds can tolerate
only so much of any of these. After a while, each of us reaches a
saturation point and the results become uncomfortable at best; for
some it may be unbearable, even unendurable.
No magic pill is available to eliminate these feelings. The reality
is, as the wise old man said, the answer is inside all of us. To
manage these universal concerns we must go inside ourselves. Among
the steps we can take is the learning and practicing of
meditation.
What to
Expect
With time and faith in the commitment to practice frequently,
(daily meditating is ideal), during your meditation time you may
"leave the moment." A feeling of separation exists where the mind
is clear, clean and blank. You will still hear sounds around you,
but they will not interfere with your meditation.
Sometimes you may weep -- you may not even be aware of what is
making you weep. It is your own emotions having a voice of their
own. Sometimes you may feel a smile across your face -- that is
contentment showing itself. Sometimes you may fall asleep and
awaken truly refreshed.
There is no right or wrong behavior during your meditation. It is
your time for you. Everyone deserves this kind of personal
attention. This is a self-care activity; loving oneself! Teach it
to your children instead of a time-out in their room or corner.
Teach it to your friends, family, anyone who will listen. We can
share this gift and get back as we give. We are all better because
of each person who meditates. The peace and joy felt by those who
meditate enters the world for all of us as positive energy. From it
the world is a better place. Imagine if we all practiced
meditation!
