Meditation and Relaxation

When people ask about meditation and relaxation, they wish to know what makes meditation different from other ways to relax is that your mind remains alert as you meditate.This is done by concentrating on a single thing or item but what should this be? The easiest thing to focus on is your own breathing pattern. This provides a basic focal point for the mind.

You can choose any simple physical object to focus on as long as it does not make you think of other things which will get in you minds way of your focus. Chose a neutral object and not something which has any emotional attachment to.

Whilst focusing on an object, your eyes can be opened or closed as you can still picture the object in your mind. So the object could be real or imaginary. Try to use an object which represents the goal of your meditation.

As an example, if you are trying to relax then your point of focus as you meditate should be calm waters or a slow floating cloud. If you are looking for inner strength, then a focal point such as a rock will do the trick.

Words or sounds as a point of focus can also be used. By using a word, this is often referred to as a ‘Mantra’.

You can choose any word that may have a special meaning or is connected to your goal of meditation. Words such as “peace”, “love”, “one”, or “relax”. Be careful not to choose a word will start a new chain of thoughts that will defer you away from your primary focus.

One important part of the meditation process is the part which is linked to the related focus. This is known as the passive frame of mind.

A normal mind will normally try and distract you by filling your mind with other thoughts while you meditate. You must try to take control and not let this happen. As you meditate more, your mind will become better at ignoring all other thoughts and maintaining focus.

By keeping a passive attitude as you meditate will allow your mind to treat any distraction as nothing and detach it from your focus. If you find your mind beginning to wander and think about the work stuff, just relax and re-focus on your breathing or focal object.

The more you practice the better your mind will become.
Try not to force this, just focus on the calm. Meditation and relaxation will guide your mind back to your focal point or mantra. Try and meditate daily and you will improve.