Meditation Timers Aid in Reaching Full Relaxation & Enlightenment

By Allie McComas

Many people are realizing the health and mental wellness benefits achieved from daily meditation. Not only does meditation improve spiritual wellness by centering the mind and increasing mind/body awareness, but it also has physiological benefits.

The deep breathing technique used during meditation can help the lower the body’s oxygen consumption and respiratory rate, increase blood flow, and slow the heart rate. Meditation can also release muscle tension and headaches, build self-confidence, and enhance the immune system.

To practice meditation, one must sit comfortably and focus on their breathing and thoughts. The recommended time for a meditation session is 20 minutes, but individuals may choose to practice as little as 5 minutes or up to 90 minutes. Unfortunately, checking a clock or timer to see how time is progressing can be distracting and ruin a practitioner’s relaxed state of mind. Also, timers ending with a loud alarm can also ruin the relaxing benefits gained during the session.

Meditation timers are an accessory that can be used to monitor a meditation session and gently bring the practitioner back into focus at the end of the allotted time. Some timers simply signal the beginning and ending of the session with soft chime or gong sounds. Others include relaxing music throughout the practice time.

Several different types of meditation timers are available for consumers. Those looking for a quick and easy timer can find free downloadable resources on the Internet. Simply use your search engine to find online meditation timers. Some software downloads allow you to customize your session time while others are pre-set for 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes.

Another easy option for timing meditation practice is a meditation CD. Most of the CD choices include either soft music or voice-guided practice instructions. This may be a good option for beginners who are unsure of how to explore their body and increase inner awareness. A guided CD can help direct the individual’s focus and avoid daydreaming or mind wandering.

For those interested in a stand-alone meditation timer, there are several types from which to choose. These meditation timers look like attractive home décor and are suitable for Feng Shui arrangements.

Most timers use a Tibetan singing bowl, typically made of copper, to create a beautiful and peaceful ringing sound. Others use a recording of the same sounds. These timers can be set for a customized amount of time and provide alerts for the beginning and ending of a session. Some models also provide soft alerts as the end of the time approaches to slowly bring the practitioner back focus.

Meditation timers are a great accessory for anyone participating in a meditation practice. Prices for meditation timers range from a free online download to $130 for a stand-alone décor piece. Whatever your price range, don’t let the shock of a beeping or buzzing alarm ruin your meditation experience.