Three Popular Mediation Techniques
Posted: Friday, July 17, 2009
by Melanie Roum
Time Management Coaching
Meditation practices began hundreds of years back. Often, when someone hears the word meditation, they conjure an image of a priest in their holy robes sitting for hours in silence. This image is not a clear picture of meditation. Meditation is a very common practice across the world, and using it can benefit anyone, whether you are wearing robes or not!
Meditation can benefit your body, mind, and spirit. Medical tests and studies that monitor brain waves of people during meditation have shown that humans achieve deep relaxation and increased oxygen intake during their meditation practice. Some people use meditation because it can raise their ability to tolerate pain.
In addition, meditation can lower your blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. Studies have also shown that when you meditate and achieve a deep state of relaxation, you may have lower levels of cortisol which is a hormone that is related to stress. Furthermore, free radicals associated with aging seems to exhibit lower levels with use of meditation.
Meditation Styles, Types, and Methods
Meditation is a personal experience for each person who uses it. Luckily, there are many ways to meditate, and at least one of them will probably suit you. It may take a bit of experimentation, but you will be able to find the right kind of meditation to help you achieve that state of wonderful relaxation. The benefits of meditation will certainly be worth the effort!
Three of the most common meditation types are mindfulness, mantra, and yoga. Although each of these types are unique, they also have similarities.
Mindfulness Meditation
Buddhists call this type of meditation "insightful or vipassana meditation." It is insightful because you become acutely aware of all that is happening, both physically around you and inside your mind. You become aware of all these things without judgment.
Begin mindfulness by concentrating on your breathing, and then progress to the thoughts and ideas in your mind. The goal is to notice your experiences. Often, it is helpful to practice noticing what you hear, smell, and feel. Another good thing about this type of meditating is that it increases your oxygen intake.
Yoga
Yoga is wildly popular because it relaxes both the body and mind. It's a form of bodily exercise that incorporates meditation. Meditation is one of the five principles of yoga, and the other four include breathing, exercise, diet, and relaxation. The main goal of yoga is to help you improve your focus and concentration. I have discovered that yoga poses require you to learn focus, concentration, and balance. In attempting to hold the poses correctly, you will also gain bodily strength.
Mantra
Those who practice using a mantra believe in the power of words. Mantras are phrases or words that you repeat. When you think of priests meditating, you might imagine them saying, "Ommmm." This is their mantra. Your own mantra should be simple and have meaning to you. Some people say "Jesus" or "peace" or "grateful." Just say it out loud or silently while you meditate.
In order to receive the most benefits from your meditation, you should practice it on a daily basis. The amount of time you spend meditating will be a personal choice. Some people realize benefits in 10 minutes, while it takes others at least 30 minutes.
When learning the basics of the type you've chosen, be prepared to spend more time in meditation. It takes time to learn how to clear your mind and become totally relaxed. Again, the time will be we'll spent because of all the benefits of mediating. If you're unsure which type of meditation is right for you, seek the guidance of a qualified coach or instructor.
Once you have practice different types of meditation, you'll develop preferences customized for your own mind and body. Once you make the conscious decision to meditate, you'll find new peace, comfort, and better health in your life as a result. Get started today!
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