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Meditation
and Relaxation
What is Meditation
and Why Should We Do It?
Meditation is the safest and easiest way that we
can balance our mental state and wellbeing. It is about an approach
to cope with the stressful lifestyles that rob us of inner peace.
It is a technique that can be learnt by just about anyone with
patience and persistence. It is a way of clearing our mind of
unwanted distractions and disturbing emotions that can become
overwhelming at times.
There have been many scientifically proven result
from meditation such as increased concentration, balancing of the
right and left hemispheres of the brain, improved memory, and also
decreased stress levels, depression and anxiety.
We actually meditate all the time whether we
realise it or not. The human brain never stops working and operates
on many levels, often at the same time. Therefore we are aware and
meditating whether conscious, subconscious or unconscious.
Concentration of the mind is absolutely necessary
for all of us. Just as you tone your muscles through physical
training you need to train your mind through mental training.
Meditation is a powerful mental tonic that not only relaxes the
mind but also the body. By learning to meditate successfully we are
enhancing our mental wellbeing as well as our physical health.
Meditation can be practiced using many different
techniques. Some are very structured and require time to
master while others are as simple as just sitting quietly in a
comfy chair and relaxing while you think of the events of the day.
Most forms of meditation can be picked up with practice, here are
just a few different types:
Audio
Using Classical or New Age meditation music where
you focus your attention on the notes drawing your attention into
the moment. You can also get New Age music that can be vibrational
or chanted also.
Guided
A guided meditation is where the facilitator
becomes your point of focus. They invite you to pay attention to
their words and are drawn into a beautiful relaxing state by
imagining scenes or experiences.
Breath
The Breath meditation is where you focus solely
on your breathing and allow your mind to calm as you listen and
feel your breath. There is a direct connection between your breath
and your tate of mind. For example: when you are agitated or angry
your breath will become short and fast whereas when you are feeling
calm your breath will be slow and even.
Unstructured
This is where you simply relax and focus on an
object or scene or even on a chakra point.
Yoga
Yoga is where physical positions or movements are
used to focus the mind and body. There are many scientifically
proven benefits for practicing Yoga. These include decreased
metabolic rate, lower heart rate, drop in cholesterol levels,
improved air flow to the lungs, decreased stress etc.
Do's and
Don'ts
Fix a time and place and try to meditate around
the same time everyday. Early in the morning or just before bed are
considered the best times of the day.
Leave a break after eating before you meditate
otherwise your energy will get divided between your meditation and
digestion.
Avoid meditation if you are already
over-stimulated with caffeine or alcohol.
Do not meditate when you are depressed as you are
more likely to focus your attention on the negative thought and
this will make you feel worse.
Try to gradually lengthen the time you meditate
for. It is better to have regular short sessions that irregular
long ones.
If suffering from any illness such as
Schizophrenia. Multiple Personality Disorder, Psychosis, Bi Polar
Disorder, or Delusional Disorder we recommend that you consult your
doctor before attempting meditation and only do so once you have
been given clearance and only under the guidance of a qualified
teacher.
PLEASE NOTE: The information on these
pages is intended as a guide only. Be Enchanted is not responsible
for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the
information provided. No Liability is taken.
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