Meditation is extremely healthful. It has been proven in multiple studies that is reduces stress and stress response hormones in the body. This reverses multiple stress induced damage to the body. Furthermore, it helps the mind be more alert and mindful. These mind and body health reasons are enough for many to wish to learn meditation but many whether spiritual or secular struggle with meditation. They have a difficult time mastering it. This blog article looks to point out a few helpful hints and strategies to help others mediate more effectively from a health point of view only.
Meditation Instructors can teach their students many ways to better meditate and find mindfulness, peace and reduced stress. The first step is finding a place to meditate. Many suggest a quiet place free from outside noise and distractions. Some places may be outdoors while others may be indoors. Some even create their own meditation room equipped with lighting and calming sounds. These are all excellent ways to help the body relax and allow the inner healing of meditation to take place.
Position is also key. Many recommend sitting but with a straight posture. If one is too comfortable, then they may fall asleep. Some may very well use meditation or like states to fall asleep but this not the purpose of mental meditation. One is to be relaxed but is to recharge the mind not so much the body. This is why it is good to meditate when one is not overly fatigued or just ate. Instead one should become comfortable and relaxed but not to the point of falling asleep. Comfort to the body is key through proper temperature and sound to set the proper mood for the mind to find peace without distractions beyond falling asleep.
Breathing is one of the most fundamental aspects of meditation. Breathing from the stomach is critical. These deep breathes refresh the body and lungs. They also create a rhythmic function of breathing in and out. Breath is key to life in Eastern Meditation and without proper breath work, then meditation cannot be successful. One should be able to breath multiple times to relax the body and reduce stress. One should also focus on the breath as it enters the nostrils and is exhaled through the mouth. Focus on the breath physically but also how it gives the body life. One should focus on every element of the body from head to toe and visualize the body becoming relaxed with each set of breaths.
In addition to breathwork, mantras play a key role in focus. The words keep one focused and should correlate with the breathwork. Two part phrases or sacred words can be utilized as well as words that are conducive to good health. Which ever word chosen, it needs to have special meaning to anchor one into the meditation event. Mantras and sacred words can help individuals maintain the importance of focus.
Many who meditate deal with distractions. They are upset when the distractions occur. While breathwork and mantras help one return to focus, it is important to not over fret about distractions and thoughts that may enter into the mind. Instead, friendly dismiss them and return to the focus of the mantra or breathing. They may return, but try to remain mindful of the moment and of the meditation itself.
Those who seek to control the meditation session, or actively will certain states or thoughts or feelings miss the whole entirely and purpose of meditation. Meditation is passive and is open to what may flow into the mind and it is accepting. As the body calms and the world becomes more quiet, the mind can better hear. For those who are only secular, the mind becomes more sharp. It is better able to remember, organize and remain mindful of the moment. For those who are spiritual it gives one an awakening with the divine.
Whether religious or secular, the mind and body health benefits of meditation are undeniable. The tips above can help individuals properly prepare themselves physically as well as properly guide them through the meditative process with a more calm, passive and peaceful mind. The end results will clearly help individuals in their overall health but also their various life professions and relations with others.
If you would like to learn more about meditation, then please review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor. If one is religious or secular the program will help one learn the necessary skills and knowledge to not only improve oneself but also to guide others in meditation. Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.
Other resources on Meditation
“Mindful” has an excellent article on “How to Meditate” Please click here
Please review Healthline’s article, “5 Benefits of Metta Meditation and How to Do It” by Kirsten Nunez. Please click here
Please review AIHCP’s closer look at meditation its video, “Foundations of Meditation”. Please click here