What is Meditation?

Meditation is a discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. It often involves turning attention to a single point of reference. Meditation is recognized as a component of almost all religions, and has been practised for over 5,000 years. It is also practised outside religious traditions. Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasize different goals — from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind. Kindly provided by Wikipedia

Now we have the ‘official’ definition out of the way let’s really cut to the chase.

When many people think of meditation they instantly conjure up an image of a bearded man sitting cross legged on the top of a mountain or hermit like in a small mountain side cave. This bearded man is the all knowing presence – he is one of the few that knows the answer to the time honoured question ‘What is the meaning of life?’

Well I am sorry to disappoint you. Whilst I am sure there are people as I have described above, the majority of people who meditate are the same as you and I. People who are involved in life and work, yet at the same time seeking more serenity and calm.

How many times have you heard the following phrases: too stressful, chill out, take time out, need to relax? We all lead very busy, active lives. But our bodies and minds can tolerate only so much of these feelings. 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. We need to find a way to relieve ourselves of these burdens. As the hermit on the mountain side cave would say ‘the answer is within all of us’.

Most people have meditated, whether they realize it or not. When you are anxious before a test, nervous of flying, suffering a panic attack to name a few scenarios. The first thing advised by medical personnel it to concentrate on your breathing. This helps to regulate your heart rate whilst at the same time it helps to quieten your mind chatter.

This is basic meditation.

When you start to meditate on a regular basis, you will feel a sense of detachment from your surroundings, calm, relaxed, serene. At times emotions may overtake you during meditation, such as suddenly becoming tearful for no reason. However, you can be sure that there is a reason for these emotions, although it may have been buried deep within for a considerable time. There is always a reason. You will generally feel more relaxed in your day to day routines. You will not rise to anger or become stressful so easily.

This change from within will also become apparent to others around you. They will notice that you seem calmer, more in control. You do find inner peace.

If only more people took up meditation, just imagine what the world could be like.