What can Meditation Do?

There are many different types of meditation just as there are many different reasons why people choose to meditate. The main purpose of any meditation is to reconnect the mind and the body and clear the brain of negativity. Thoughts, ideas, reminders and lists are constantly entering and clogging the mind. When the mind is full of thoughts it’s very difficult to prioritise your tasks and focus on the now. This constant reworking of thoughts and the wandering of the mind can cause us added stress. Meditation will bring clear focus to the mind and body. It helps to re-collect your mind and your thoughts so you can enjoy the now and not worry so much about what’s coming up. Through meditation we start to listen more to our bodies. This is important especially during times of stress because it is the body that shows the symptoms of stress through illness.

How to Start

You don’t need a designated meditation room. You don’t need alters or even a meditation cushion, all you need is a quiet space with no interruptions and a comfortable place to sit or lie. A CD player may be used to play meditation music or if you’re working with meditation guides but neither of these are necessary. Once you are in a comfortable position relax your entire body and focus on your breathing. The proper way to breath is through your nose, taking controlled breaths. It may take a few minutes of concentrating on your breathing before you reach total relaxation. You may find that it helps to recite a mantra or even count your breaths. Simply reciting “inhale” and “exhale” as you inhale and exhale works as well. Once you are fully relaxed let thoughts enter your mind but don’t focus on them. Let the thoughts float around for a while and exit the mind on their own. Meditate for as long as you can in the beginning. It may be only five minutes but try for ten. Ten minutes gives your body and mind enough time to relieve its stresses.

When to Meditate

Follow a routine with your meditation. It doesn’t need to be done every day but that would be ideal. Try and choose the same time every time you meditate. You may find that getting up a little earlier works for you. Meditation in the morning will start your day off in a relaxed, focused state and you’ll be ready to face the challenges ahead. If you would prefer to meditate at night to unwind, find a time when you are finished all your tasks for the day. If doesn’t have to be right before bed but you shouldn’t have to focus too much on work or other strenuous tasks afterwards. The purpose of night time meditation is to relieve the stresses of the day and prepare the mind and body for a restful night’s sleep. Meditation is a great tool to control stress and anxiety and help you work more efficiently and intelligently. Do some research and find the type of meditation that is best suited to you and remember meditation is to relax and shouldn’t cause you more stress and worry.