Tag: Meditation

Posted on

Meditation – Get It Right

I received emails with questions about various topics I’ve discussed on the Health and Wellness Show that have a similar inquiry – Meditation.

Does it seem like everyone else who meditates and talks about the benefits have it together? Well, the truth is, I talk about meditation and how great it is. However, it took me quite some time to get it right – well, I am actually a work in progress. I have heard about the benefits of meditation by many successful people and even more importantly, I have seen references to meditation in the bible. Needless to say, I decided that I would go for it. My family was alerted to my plan and they knew that I was not to be disturbed unless the house was on fire.

I would go into my room, turn the lights off, sit on the floor with my feet folded in front and my eyes closed. I sit and begin to clear my mind, listen to my breathing and try to center myself – sounds impressive? Well, far from it. I find that even though I am doing all the things I am supposed to do, I am distracted by the silence. I am thinking of dinner, my tasks, my goals, etc. I would sit there and then force myself not to think of those thoughts and try to block out the thoughts and focus on nothing. What is nothing? How do you focus on nothing? I try to blank it all out and by the time I think I have found that space of not being distracted, I am now disappointed at myself for not getting it sooner. There’s goes my meditation.

Well, that went on for quite some time. The best thing ever was that I did not give up. Here are a few tips that I found to be helpful:

1. Give yourself time to get it right
2. Set aside 10-15 minutes to try it out every day at the same time (if you can)
3. Go into a quiet room where you wont be distracted
4. Get comfortable sit on the floor, you can turn the lights off, light a candle, or dim the
lights
5. Allow yourself to quiet your mind by focusing on a mantra – repeat it to yourself until you
are comfortable to let it go and just be still

Keep in mind that it may take up to 20 minutes before you can clear your mind into silence. By the time you achieve silence, stick with it for as long as you can. As time goes by with consistency you will master the art of meditation. Who knows, you may be getting up at 5:00 AM to meditate for an hour.

Posted on

A Powerful Health Benefit – Meditation

Meditation has become quite the subject of controversy. The conflicts arise in the various religious takes on the act of meditation. The bible has many references to meditation. The spiritual benefit is to experience the ultimate connection with God. However, some Christians believe that Meditation has shifted away from God and moved to the power of the self and in some cases, other Gods. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age, Taoism and Jainism all embrace and promote meditation. It is an integral part of practice that they strongly believe will serve to enlighten and empower us. With respect to all religions, I would recommend mediation based on the findings of research studies that show some of the great health benefits. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health, meditation has been shown to help relieve anxiety, stress, fatigue, and improve sleep and mood, when used along with standard medical treatment for some cancer patients. Here’s a look at the benefits:

  • It leads to a deeper level of relaxation
  • Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients
  • Slows the heart rate and increases the blood flow
  • Reduces pre menstrual syndrome
  • Lowers oxygen consumption
  • Assist in chronic diseases like arthritis, allergies, etc.
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Reduces anxiety attacks
  • Builds self confidence
  • Helps keep things in perspective
  • Provides peace of mind, happiness
  • Helps you discover your purpose
  • Increased self-actualization
  • Gain compassion
  • Wisdom
  • Clearer understanding of yourself and others
  • Unites the body, mind, spirit in harmony
  • Higher level of spiritual relaxation
  • Increases acceptance of oneself
  • Helps you to learn forgiveness
  • Changes your attitude toward life

The great news is that meditation does not cost you anything but your time. It requires consistency and a quiet place, preferably the same time if possible. Some place where you can focus on being still and cleanse the mind of negative thoughts while replacing the mind with positive affirmations. Keep in mind that this will take some time as your mind is filled with many thoughts that you have held over the years that’s where consistency is key. Don’t be alarmed if you find that you are having a tough time concentrating on being still – that’s when your mind begins to distract you with thoughts (what you would like to have for dinner, something you needed to do at work, plans for an event, etc.). Keep focused on being quiet let the thoughts flush through and begin to focus on quieting the mind. You may want to repeat a line in your mind “Nothing is impossible” or “I can do all things” – something that will give you a sense of calm. The goal of meditation is to lift your spirit to another level which should sustain you even when you are up and about. Why not give it a try, it may be the best thing you have ever done. Remember, consistency is key to experience the benefits of meditation.