Meditation, a way of life

Meditation has many benefits; it reduces depression, increases alertness, lowers high blood pressure, and makes you feel fresh and beautiful. People who meditate handle stress better and live longer. Studies have shown that stress can cause a variety of physiological and physical problems, from insomnia to anxiety and pain to weakened immunity. There is, however, increasing evidence that if we can reduce the stress in our lives, we can improve our mental and physical health. Thus meditation is a means by which you can reduce stress in your life.

How do you get started
First, find a quiet place where no one can disturb you. The room must be free of telephone ringing, radios, kids screaming and any other noise.

You can either sit on a chair or lie flat on your back with your arms on your side. If you sit in a chair, you should sit up straight so that your spinal cord is perpendicular with the floor and the ceiling. However most experienced meditators suggest sitting in a comfortable position rather than lying down-if you get too relaxed you might just fall asleep.

Sit comfortably, with your eyes shut (the usual choice); half-shut, or open-as long as they aren't focused on anything that can distract you. You might want to start with about 5 minutes at first, gradually building up to, say 20 minutes twice a day.

Ways of Meditation
Now, that you have positioned yourself, you should take three deep breaths to relax. After the three breaths, start counting your breaths, count one inhale and one exhale as one. The next inhale and exhale as two, when you get to four, start over with one and proceed again to four, and so on. This will keep you focused and your mind will not wander. Although it’s rather difficult to keep a blank mind, you need to have one. This of course comes with practice, and once you master it, its just minutes before you are totally stress-free!

Concentrate on your breathing, as much as you can, coz the object of meditation is to clear your mind. You will notice that the more you try to clear your mind, the harder it will be. Do no try too hard; instead of trying to fight your thoughts, just let them flow through your mind. Whenever you find your mind wandering after a passing thought, gently and lovingly escort your attention back to your breath, your anchor. Keeping you mind clear is not easy, a lot of thoughts will come in, that is the power of the mind, which is for you to control it.

When your time is up, sit quietly for a few seconds more to let yourself adjust your attention away from your breath to the world around you. Gently stretch your fingers and toes, and get up slowly. Now enjoy the relaxed feeling of inner peace as you go about your day. You'll have a whole new outlook on life.