How Learning Meditation
Benefits Us

When it comes to reaping benefits, learning meditation is one that will pay off in the end. Meditation is a practice that's been in existence for close to 3,000 years. It embraces various aspects of an individual’s life. We meditate for exercise. We meditate to reduce the stress of modern living. We meditate to improve our health.

Medical research indicates meditation is able to accomplish this. It even reveals that meditating can actually make us happier. Yet, people also meditate for another reason. We meditate to develop our spirituality. Spiritual growth is one aspect of learning meditation. In certain practices, spiritual growth and/or enlightenment is the major reason behind meditation.

This, of course, comes only with practice. This is a development that may take decades, or a lifetime, to reach. That's why it's important to learn meditation correctly from the beginning. This is crucial.

Meditation for Beginners

It's important to start as you mean to finish. In other words, if we want to achieve the best from meditation, we need to get off on the right foot. Finding the right meditation approach for beginners requires an understanding of the following:

• The different types of meditation
• Where to find out about meditation practices
• What we want from meditation
• What suits our capabilities and interests

While meditation may seem generic, it isn't. Approaches vary. Different groups have different approaches. The teachers may vary in their style. Tapes or CDs may not be able to address your concerns – they are not generally interactive.

A teacher may see the sole reason for meditation as secondary to his or her program. Even meditation that is only a relaxation technique may differ in positions, commitment and cost. It is therefore essential to do research before becoming committing to one particular method.

Preparation for Meditation

In order to obtain all the benefits of learning meditation, we have to look at the basic components of a meditation practice. It's true that the purpose and specific approaches may vary. Still, certain basic components remain similar throughout the different practitioners. Common elements include the following:

• The setting aside of a specific time and place for practice
• Preparation for class or practice includes a meditation cushion, mat or chair.
• Comfortable clothing is a must.
• A comfortable posture – for some a lotus or half-lotus is possible. Others simply cross the legs or sit comfortably.
• No matter what the position, a straight back is essential to allow the flow of energy, thus keeping our mind alert.
• Breathing exercise prior to meditation

Meditating

“Meditation is an activity of mental consciousness,” according to teacher and author Kathleen McDonald. Her book, How To Meditate: A Guide, is one of many potential sources of information on meditation. She writes that “the ultimate aim is to awaken a very subtle level of consciousness and to use it to discover reality, directly and intuitively.”

Such a process does not occur every time we meditate. It may take months, years or longer to develop. This is why it's important to learn to meditate properly.

Learning Meditation

Over time, learning meditation will seem a natural progression. As the benefits become obvious, your practice will improve. Yet, it is essential for us to begin, as we would continue. Meditation is not simply sleep or relaxation. It has roots in religious and philosophical practices. Research indicates the benefits are real. We need to learn how to meditate correctly, so those benefits will flow like the energy within us.

Learn how much help you can get from my services. You can take a consultation to learn meditate, to check if you are still on track with your practice, to take the next step in your spiritual growth or to support your healing process.

Do you have questions about meditation ? Contact me.

 

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