Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Meditation Techniques

Studies have shown that meditation can help improve a person's energy and can even put them in a calmer state. However, the benefits of meditation can only be realized when it is done properly.

There are two common meditation techniques. These techniques are best practiced an hour before a person goes to sleep.

The first one concerns mindful meditation. The first step in this technique is to find a quiet and comfortable area where meditation can take place. This is important because it will build the overall mood of the activity. Once a place has been found, the person should sit flat on the floor with his or her head preferably placed against the wall. Afterwards, the person should start focusing on his or her breathing. In doing this, he or she has to observe the gush of air through his or her nostrils and the rise and fall of his or her stomach. The changes in the patterns of breathing should be given careful attention.

During this time, the person may feel that certain things may begin to bother him or her. These may actually be worries about what would happen tomorrow or what has happened in the past. The person, should by no means, try to suppress these thoughts. Just let them pass by and if a certain thought brings the person's mind somewhere else, try to refocus the mind on the breathing pattern. Do this for about thirty minutes until such time when the breathing pattern has been given primary attention. Once relieved, gradually return the focus to the present events and slowly stand up.

The next meditation technique involves relaxation. Just like mindful meditation, a quiet and comfortable place is also necessary. The process begins with the person sitting down and trying to relax his or her muscles. Once relaxed, the person can start thinking of words or phrase that bring joyful emotions to him or her. Alternatively, a person can use the words "Ham Sah," which is a Sanskrit statement that means "I am that." While repeating the chosen statement, try to focus on the breathing pattern. Do this for up to thirty minutes. Once focus has been lost because of a certain thought, simply go back to the chosen statement and begin giving attention to the breathing pattern again. The process ends once the person feels calm and totally relaxed.

There are still other meditation techniques available. Some are specific to certain types of meditation like Taoist meditation. But all these techniques have the same aim, and that is to put a person in a more relaxed and peaceful state.