Entrenched in mysticism, meditation is a profound art form that is exceptionally simple, yet deliciously complex at the same time.
If you are interested in the history, it is thought that formal meditation began well before 3000 BC in India. This reflective practice was originally included in a system of Yoga that was passed from guru to guru through word of mouth.
It took many years before this highly revered system was recorded on paper or parchment, or released to the rest of the world for edification.
As meditation began to mature in India, it also began to develop roots in Buddhist and other Middle Eastern religious and spiritual practices. The Christian form of meditation, which would come many years later, is more commonly known as contemplative prayer.
While meditation can certainly deepen any spiritual practice, it is not a religious pursuit and it is not “owned” by any specific dogma. Instead, meditation is a system developed to unify the body, mind and spirit. It is a pursuit toward total self-knowledge, and it does not matter what your spiritual beliefs are, or are not.
For those of us who meditate regularly, the benefits are very clear. It feels good! It helps us live better, healthier, happier lives. We think better and loved ones like us better because we are calmer and more effective in every aspect of life.
The benefits of this gentle practice affects all levels of the physical, emotional and mental systems. While those particular benefits can create deep meaning and fulfillment in life, they are not as important as the fact that meditation is so important - it could quite literally save lives.
That’s a bold claim for sure, yet there is truth behind it!
For further verification, ask your physician or someone who meditates regularly.
Meditation is any activity that focuses your awareness.
Focus on what you may wonder? It does not matter. It could be a mantra or saying that you repeat over and over to yourself. It could be an object or a picture you gaze upon. Or, it could be your own mind or your breath that you rest your awareness on.
No, not television, but music can certainly be used during meditation if you enjoy it and it helps you.
The bad news is that maintaining focus on anything in particular is an exceptionally challenging pastime. The good news is that there are MANY ways to meditate. This means, you can find a method that is the best for you and we will explore them all. You will learn everything you need so that you can create an enjoyable meditation practice for yourself that will bring you all the benefits available through this inspiring art.
Ultimately, no one else can tell you the best way to meditate. You will find the meditation techniques that work best for you by trial and error. When you find what fits, you will find a life-enhancing, and possibly life-changing pursuit that will improve every aspect of your being.