Relaxation
Through Meditation
My preference
would be to call meditation relaxation – conscious relaxation, chosen
relaxation. These are words that are more universally understood, more
comfortable. Constantly working toward the goal of discovering my own ability
to reach a state of serenity, I have learned to meditate.
Meditating is
actually easier than you might imagine. Most of us have dabbled in meditation
by participating in conscious relaxation. Maybe during an exercise class or
to manage pain at the dentist or anxiety before a test. We start by paying
attention to our breathing. The practical effort to focus completely on our
breathing takes our minds away from the "mind clutter" that
constantly tries to invade our mind and eliminate feelings that will lead to
a time of calm. With repeated effort the goal of clearing your mind – to
think of nothing, does occur and the process of meditation takes on its own
energy. The result is, and I guarantee this, peace, serenity, calmness,
eventually opening yourself to new insights.
Meditating for
Life
Too much
stress, stress reduction, chill out, let it go, detach – familiar phrases to
all of us. Our world is fast, fun and exciting. It is also challenging,
trying, demanding and frightening. These two sides of our lives produce
stress, emotional reactions, anxiety, worry and anticipation. Our bodies and
minds can tolerate only so much of any of these. 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.
No magic pill
is available to eliminate these feelings. The reality is, as the wise old man
said, the answer is inside all of us. To manage these universal concerns we
must go inside ourselves. Among the steps we can take is the learning and
practicing of meditation.
What to
Expect
With time and
faith in the commitment to practice frequently, (daily meditating is ideal),
during your meditation time you may "leave the moment." A feeling
of separation exists where the mind is clear, clean and blank. You will still
hear sounds around you, but they will not interfere with your meditation.
Sometimes you
may weep -- you may not even be aware of what is making you weep. It is your
own emotions having a voice of their own. Sometimes you may feel a smile
across your face -- that is contentment showing itself. Sometimes you may
fall asleep and awaken truly refreshed.
There is no
right or wrong behavior during your meditation. It is your time for you.
Everyone deserves this kind of personal attention. This is a self-care
activity; loving oneself! Teach it to your children instead of a time-out in
their room or corner. Teach it to your friends, family, anyone who will
listen. We can share this gift and get back as we give. We are all better
because of each person who meditates. The peace and joy felt by those who
meditate enters the world for all of us as positive energy. From it the world
is a better place. Imagine if we all practiced meditation!
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