Ways to Meditate
Those of us who are becoming more chronologically advantaged, face it, getting older, often have not had exposure to the benefits of meditation. It just hasn’t been a part of many older Americans’ world view. Just because we’re aging, and hopefully gaining greater wisdom, doesn’t mean that we are not subject to the same sorts of stress others feel in this fast paced, modern world. Here is a rundown on the various approaches to meditation.
Methods of Meditation
Everyone has heard about meditation and its manifold benefits. Various researches conducted worldwide have proved that nothing else benefits the soul and the body like meditation does.
As a novice meditation can seem quite intimidating especially because it has strong ties to some religions. But meditations can benefit your cognitive as well as your corporal systems. If this sounds good than? go for it.
To get you moving with meditation, here are some tips that you can use as a beginner:
1. Zen Buddhist Meditation Technique or Zazen- This method is most regularly linked with religion. Nevertheless, this technique, as put forth by Lord Buddha, has shown itself to be a most effective one. Zazen is at the core of the Zen Buddhist rites- this entails a focus on breath, sitting up and being quiet.
Instructions- As a novice, begin by sitting up, and counting to 10, and letting out your breath after each number. After counting your breaths in and out go back to 1 and begin once more. If you are unable to maintain your focus while counting, redirect your focus onto your breaths and begin once more. As you become more skilled in this method, you can cease counting and focus solely on your breaths. It may take years to come to this point as focusing without counting is quite difficult to do. The Zen meditation method can lift your heart and soul, and increase your consciousness, and sensitivity.
2. Mantra Meditation Method- This is a method at the center of the Hindu faith, and because of its efficaciousness, it is a favorite method. The name reveals the system- you select a mantra that you can repeat either mentally or out loud with ease. This can aid you in a focus of your energy and thus you may more easily increase your ability to concentrate.
One you might try is the So Hum mantra meditation. As you inhale you say in your mind, Sooo, and then Hummm as you let your breath out. ‘So Hum” translates as ‘I am That’, meaning you are one with deity. This method opens up your emotion center and lets you give love without reserve.
3. The Chakra Meditation Method- To begin, Chakra are whirlpools of energy that must be balanced to gain the many benefits by this method and it’s many versions. You may find this very interesting method of meditation interesting. As you attain balance in your energies your emotional and physical aspects can be greatly benefited. Free and stabilize your energies by following these guidelines-
a. Arrange your Chakra upon your body and concentrate on it. Gradually you will be mindful of the placement of your Chakra and the energy it contains will begin to open up.
b. The Chakras are in direct relation to the ‘Beej mantra’ or the ’seed sound’. As you say the Chakra again and again, the target area is opened up and balances. Care is used in this method to prevent opening these areas too fast.
If you want to find out how your life can be benefited from meditation just give it a try and find out!
