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!

Modern societies would be well advised actively to advocate ways of preventing or slowing the more pronounced and costly effects of the aging process, and encouraging the practice of meditation would certainly be one of them. The article that follows outlines the positive benefits of meditating when we reach a certain age and is well worth reading.

The Technique That Can Reduce Stress and the Effects of Aging

When we sleep, our mind and our body rejuvenates itself. Meditation helps us to achieve a state of restful awareness at other times. Restful awareness can sometimes provide a deeper rest than sleep. The benefits of meditation are many.

· Meditation may cut back the flow of stress hormones. These hormones cause a rise in blood pressure which damages our arterial walls.

· People who practice meditation before surgery have a shorter recovery period, bleed less, need less anesthesia and their wounds heal faster.

· Studies have shown participants who meditate to have higher levels of antibodies and positive emotional states.

· Meditation helps to reduce stress and fatigue as well as enhance creativity and intuition which aids in decision making.

· Meditation leads to better health and longer life. The results of stress can accelerate the aging process. Studies suggest that Meditation’s role in lowering blood pressure, easing stress and increasing the function of the brain helps to slow aging.

There are thousands of books and tapes available on meditation and relaxation techniques. Any of these would be helpful to begin a practice of meditation. One simple beginning technique is to focus on your breathing.

Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your hands resting at your sides. You may also lay flat but make sure your spine is straight so there is no obstruction to the flow of air. Breathe in slowly while counting to eight. Exhale through your nose and count to eight. Concentrate on your breathing. Feel the air enter and fill your lungs and abdomen on the inhale. When you exhale feel your breath slowly leaving your body. Concentrate only on your counting and breathing. If thoughts intrude, just view them as you would writing on a blackboard and then refocus. You may be aware of the sounds around you. If you get distracted, it’s okay. Refocus on your counting and breathing. Begin with 10 minutes of deep breathing a day and move to 20 minutes a day.

This technique is a very simple introduction to meditation. When you master this, move on to relaxation and visualization techniques. Enjoy twenty minutes of silence a day. Besides the improved physical effects, with time and practice, you can gain a type of bliss, joy and peacefulness. Meditation puts us in contact with our higher selves where creativity, intuition and energy reside. Rejuvenate your whole self. Meditate.

Constance Weygandt is an author, speaker and balance mentor. For more information on stress and balance or to recieve her newsletter, visit her at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com.

And, so there you have it. If you're well along in the aging process, consider meditation as a way of reducing the stresses that aging can bring on.