What is Meditation

Meditation is simply a practice which involves mental exercises which brings a state of very relaxed concentration to the mind. On this page, we will explore the art of meditation in a little more detail and exlplain why many individuals practice the art of meditation. We will end with a suitable and simple meditation for beginners exercise.

What is meditation?

Concentration of the mind to bring on a high level of peace and calm is the process known as meditation. The art of meditation involves choosing just one thing to focus the concentration on, and to keep concentrating on the object with such a great focus that they do not allow the mind to become distracted.
This act is not as easy as it sounds. Take a moment to think about what usually goes on inside your mind. As you are reading this page, you may also be thinking about the noises around you, a phone call you need to make later, the television show from yesterday evening and more. When you meditate, the mind becomes relaxed and reaches a higher level of calm. And as the mind relaxes, the body will also relax.
You may also hear meditation being linked with religion but you do not need to be religious in order to meditate.

Benefits of meditation

The benefits of meditation is much and many. This is why people all over the world meditate and some of the benefits are as follows:
* Helps to promote relaxation and also to reduce tension. More and more doctors are increasingly recommending meditation to patients with stress related symptoms. Regular meditation is known to lower blood pressure and relax the mental state. This will be reflected in the patients every day life. And by relaxing the mind will also help to relax any daily build up of tension in the body.

* Helps to improve concentration. When you meditate, all of the focus of attention is aimed at one particular thing. The focus should be relaxed and not strained. By practicing concentrating like this on a regular basis will help us in other areas of life where we may need to concentrate and focus, whether it be at work or while studying.

* Promotes self awareness. During meditation, the mind is quiet and it is easier to be aware of any inner messages which may usually be overlooked. It is easier to become much more aware of ones mental or physical state. Things that may be noticed are a niggling pain or a low level of stress. Or you may just notice that you really are relaxed.

Over a period of time, you’ll notice that this self awareness will be high even when you are not meditating and you will come to be far more in tune with your whole self.

A simple meditation technique

This is a simple meditation for beginners starter. To begin with, start your personal preparations. Inform others around you that you wish to be left alone for the next several minutes. Turn off the radio, tv and unplug the phone. Don’t lie down as this may cause you to drift off to sleep rather than meditate. Sit upright on the floor in in a comfortable but firm chair.
Next, close your eyes and begin to relax the whole body. Then keep count of the breaths you are taking by counting from ten down to one and keep repaeting this action for about five minutes. If any other thoughts enter your mind, push them out and carry on counting in time with your breathing. If you lose your focus, simply start over.
When you have been doing this for about five minutes, stop counting. Next, breath calmly for a few moments and slowly open your eyes. Do your best to maintain this peaceful state you have achieved for as long as you can by delaying your return into the hustle and bustle of every day life and capture the feeling.