Learning How to do Meditation

Online, in books and on tapes, in retreats, how to do meditation has become a popular topic. While meditation has always been part of a religious practice for many around the world, for some it remains a means of exercise. Yet, meditation has reached out into the secular world. In doing so, it has become, for many practitioners, a means of spiritual healing.

In fact, meditation provides its practitioners with various benefits. Learning how to do meditation can help by improving concentration. It forces us to focus on the present and discover the importance of the now. Other positive benefits arising from meditation include decreased stress as we learn to reduce the impact of the little things that make us reacting.

Overall, meditation helps improve well-being on our physical, emotional and spiritual levels. By increasing knowledge of our true self, we are able to release some of life’s stress. We can discard negative thoughts and actions in favor of positive ones. The process may be part of a life long journey. It all begins with discovering what type of meditation works for us.

Types Of Meditation

The creativity of humankind reveals the existence of many different types of meditation. In the last decades, many new methods were born. I personally feel more confident with the ancient ones which have been practiced, improved and kept in the heart for centuries. Among the most common are:

• Buddhist – Tibetan is among the most common but there are other variants
• Taoist
• Yogic

While these all may differ in approach or have specific methods, they all have one thing in common. All help us to learn how to do meditation and focus on our thoughts. All also keep us in that which is arising in the moment. The methods, as varied as they may be, ensure we are aware of the universe around and within each one of us.

How to Meditate

There are various techniques available for helping you to learn meditation. Take out books from your library, pick up a CD or go online to find a good teacher or a retreat. They can help you improve your ability to meditate by guiding you through the process. Below, I have provided basic guidelines to help you focus.

1. Find a quiet place. Set aside this time daily. Some people prefer mornings; others meditate in the evenings.
2. If you wish, you can create a calming atmosphere. Burn incense and light candles if it helps you reach the right stage of consciousness required by meditation.
3. Make yourself comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes. Purchase a mat. Meditation pillows are another way of preventing physical distraction.
4. A Lotus position is common but do not force your body into a position that distracts you in its discomfort. If you feel better you can also sit on a chair or even stand up.

Sit with your back erect. You are to relax your body, but when we meditate, it's essential to let energy flow and to remain in the "here and now". Our senses are not sleeping. They are reaching out into the universe and looking within. Falling asleep does not help. Meditation is to make all of us feel more alive. It renews our energy.

Are there Secrets of Meditation?

In an article such as this, I can only provide the basics. Maintaining a meditation practice will require sustained effort. Learning how to do meditation is just the beginning. No matter what the technique or type of meditation, mastering the craft will take time.

As the Dalai Lama has written: “Whatever forms of meditation you practice, the most important point is to apply mindfulness continuously, and make a sustained effort. It is unrealistic to expect results from meditation within a short period of time. What is required is continuous sustained effort.”

Also learn more on the following pages:

Easy meditation Tips for Beginners

Here are 7 tips for easy meditation that can help you start your practice in a simple and correct way.

Learn how much help you can get from my services. You can take a consultation to start meditate, to check if you are still on track with your practice or to learn more.

If you have questions about meditation practice, I will be happy to help you. Contact me.

 

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