DEMYSTIFYING MEDITATION
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When we talk about meditation, most people tend to associate it with monks, sages, yogis or even new age practices. Most people tend to think of it as a practice which only a select group of mystics or religion perform. However, this is far from the truth.
"MEDITATION IS A MENTAL EXERCISE, WHICH HELPS YOU MASTER YOUR THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS & ULTIMATELY, YOUR CHOICE OF ACTION. "
Ever since the industrial revolution, we had been focused on economic goals.
In an economic sense, people are more seen as units of productivity. They are thought skills, so that can continuously fulfill the roles in society, and ensure economic stability for each country/organisation.
Our education system has solely been focusing on creating skills, and have largely neglected the mental and emotional aspects of people. As such, we have been disconnected from ourselves, and this has led to many people not able to manage their own thoughts and emotions actively and consciously, which often leads to conflict, unhappiness and dissatisfaction in life.
MEDITATION IS NON-RELIGIOUS
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Meditation is an Exercise of your mind, where you try experience and observe your thoughts and emotions, and learn to control them.
Now we have to bring ourselves away from that stereo-typing of meditation being linked to religion. Simply because certain religions encourage meditation, does not mean that it belongs to that religion.
The purpose of meditation is to help one attain a more peaceful and relaxed state of mind at will.
"THE FOCUS SHOULD BE ATTAINING A MORE PEACEFUL MENTAL STATE OF MIND & THE END GOAL - MENTAL MASTERY."
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3 SIMPLE STEPS TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR MEDITATION SESSION
Being in a peaceful state and environment can help you in getting the most off a meditation session.
Set Aside 15mins to 20mins.
Scheduling a time of day for your meditation usually helps greatly in creating a habit. This allows you to put aside the daily hustle and bustle in life, and to set aside some time in giving yourself and your body, peace. Schedule a time of day that suits your lifestyle best.
Get Comfortable.
Before you embark on your journey, you should try to get yourself in a comfortable position, whether sitting up on a chair or on the floor, or lying down. Most people starting their meditation journey would often feel uncomfortable sitting down on the floor. This is where a cushion or a soft mat would help greatly in reducing any discomfort. Sitting on a chair could also help. Our aim is to put your body in a most comfortable position and reduce other forms of stress on your body.
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Get Clean.
The feeling of being clean is always a great sensation that can help you relax. So it is always good to get a nice warm shower to clean off any excess oil or discomfort off yourself before you begin your meditation. Dress up in comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movement. This would allow you to move easily and comfortably.
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WHAT TO FOCUS ON DURING MEDITATION
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One challenge a lot of people face, is this very thought of trying not to think.
"THE PARADOX: TO TRY NOT TO THINK, IS THINKING ITSELF."
This is a misconception that many people get when it comes to basic meditation. It seems almost impossible for most people to attain, and hence many give up shortly after starting.
However rather than not thinking about anything, focus should be on learning how to focus your thoughts on putting aside the unnecessary things in life, and to just put your attention back at relaxing your mind.
This is one of the reason why breathing is suggested as an area of focus; Breathing is what keeps you alive and nourishes you.
It is your tempo to life.
Breathing is something you have to do every second of your life. It is your key to existence.
Focusing on breathing and the process of it, helps isolate your thoughts and streamline it into a more peaceful pattern.
CONSCIOUSLY RELAXING YOUR BODY
We are all too used to flexing and tensing your muscles to move and do things. To us, this action comes almost naturally without much thought.
The same goes for relaxation; It is a conscious process that can be induced with thought and there is a systematic way of doing it.
In this section, we will guide you through a mental process which is used widely in meditation classes across the world.
Begin by finding a comfortable place to sit or lay down on.
SETTING THE ATMOSPHERE
When you close your eyes, the other senses of your body take over. You start to be more sensitive to the sounds around you. You start to become more sensitive to the temperature around you. You start to become more aware of the smells around you. Even your vision becomes more acute, as you start to be able to notice the intensity of the light around you.
1. SMELL - Smells tend to trigger memory and are excellent in inducing various states of minds. Various essential oils can help put you in a calmer and more relaxed state. Some calming scents are that of Lavender, Frankinsence, Sandalwood, Neroli, Vetiver and sage. Diffusers can also help in adjusting the humidity of the air around you, and recreates the feel of being in a forest.
2. SOUND - Peaceful music helps in creating that special world around you, as you close your eyes to relax. Creating that perfect playlist for your meditation is definitely an essential part, as it not only helps you relax, but also acts like a sort of timer, which allows you to set aside everything else (even the aspect of time) and just relax. When the playlist ends, then your session ends. There are many Genres of music that you can choose from. As a personal preference, I would usually select tracks that have a slower tempo, and a more calming and soothing flow, with no sudden loud sounds.
3. TASTE - Often linked to smell, what you eat before your meditation session does influence your experience. Having a clean mouth does help. Imagine having your meditation half way through, and suddenly finding and tasting a bit of garlic from dinner, in between your teeth. So try to clean yourself so that you can reduce any distractions. That being said, some sweets (like mints) can be soothing and hence, help you relax. Just be sure not to get choked by it.
4. SENSE OF TOUCH AND FEELING (SKIN) - Find an ideal temperature or setting. Not too cold, not too hot. Not to dry. Something comfortable where you will be able to stay still for around 15 to 20mins. Usually a gentle indirect breeze would be great in creating an ideal atmosphere for your relaxation session.
5. SIGHT - As much as you will be closing your eyes, keeping your environment clean and neat helps in easing your mind and allows you to relax. You may create your personal meditation corner for the "me" time, to set you in the mood.
With all that in place, let us head on to the most important part; Meditation
WHAT IS GUIDED MEDITATION?
One of the most common things these days, is what we call guided meditation.
In the context of our current world, where all is connected via the internet, guided meditation has become a very useful tool in assisting one to attain various states of mind.
Now of course, the aim of meditation is to ultimately reach a state where your mind is clear of all thought, and you simply experience the bliss of existing in the current moment of perfection eternally.
That being said, most people, even those who have meditated for years, are unable to hold that state of mind for long. Hence for beginners, we are aiming to attain a more peaceful state of mind first.
Guided Meditation helps to simply cue you on what to do, without much worry.
Simply set aside the time, and follow the cues as they come.
Keep in mind, if at any one time, you need to open your eyes, or scratch yourself, it is totally fine. It is ok to have disruptions. It is ok to have loud noises.
It is ok to move when you need to.
All you need to do is ease yourself back into that peaceful relaxed state.
