Meditation is an art of the Divine. No, I am not making this up; if you encounter a man who is into the consistent mode of Meditation, there is one thing which will make him stand out from the rest, and that is ‘vibrations’ or how the Gen X calls it today “the vibe”! Sitting quietly, and building up patience are not the only things that are expected out of Meditation sessions but generating the feeling of kindness, love, and peace contributes to better mental health too. Researchers claim that Meditation has the potential of more than just a temporary relief.
Here is a Meditation tip by Paramahansa Yogananda which is excerpted from the book ‘Conversations with Yogananda by Swami Kriyananda’ (ref: www.ananda.org ) :
“Do not be anxious if you don’t have meditative experiences. The path to God is not a circus! Don’t even be anxious about such fruits of meditation as inner joy and peace. Everything will come in time. Meanwhile, consider meditation, too, as a form of karma yoga: an action without desire for the fruits of action. Meditate above all to please your higher self, not your ego.”
To reach any goal, it is crucial to increase your focus and concentration. Make space for contentment and positive reactions. Activate your senses and heighten your awareness with the sincere efforts of focusing in the present with Meditation. It is advised to consult a Yoga teacher for guidance as there are many ways to execute a meditation practice, not just one, so take the plunge to find out your method.
Here are 5 ways to practice Meditation
- Zen Meditation
Zen Meditation finds its sources in Buddhist traditions. In this, sit in a comfortable position, focus on your breathing and then observe the thoughts which pass through your mind without any preconceived notions or any judgments. This path is a wonderful journey for people who are searching for indefinite peace of mind. It is advised to take guidance from learned Yoga teachers to follow specific steps and postures which this Meditation practice demands. - Mindfulness Meditation
It is one of the most popular Meditation techniques in the West which originates from Buddhist teachings. This practice is a stir of concentration and awareness. The practitioners will observe plenty of sensations followed by a calm-effect. The process includes cleansing of the mind by removing unwanted thoughts and breaking the existing patterns. - Mantra Meditation
Mantra can be a word, phrase, or sound. This form of meditation is found in many teachings including Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Chant the mantra in a repetition of 108 or 1008 times to create a vibrational shield around you. It makes you in tune with the environment and allows you to reach the deeper levels of awareness. Mantra Meditation is useful for people who find it hard to keep up with the silence or their breath, so they use mantra’s to concentrate and stay active.
Some of the famous mantras/sounds are:
OM
Om Namah Shivaye
So-Ham
Om Mani Padme Hum
Rama
Yama
Ham - Transcendental Meditation
This form of Meditation was introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1955 in India and also the West. In the 1960s and 1970s, Maharishi achieved fame as a Yoga guru for bands like the Beatles, beach boys, and others. Transcendental Meditation is practiced with slow and deep breathing to raise the levels of a current of being. It is a more customizable form of mantra meditation under the licensed instructors to elevate spiritual knowledge and heightened mindfulness. - Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana means to see things how they are, to neither exaggerate nor diminish the reality. It was introduced 2500 years ago as a medium to eliminate mental illnesses by focusing on the art of living. This form of meditation results in full liberation and the highest state of happiness. It is a road of self-observation and self-transformation with the deep interconnection between the mind and body. It helps in dissolving mental impurities to a great extent. Develop a healthy mind with Vipassana Meditation.
Other than the mentioned practices, various Meditation forms are practiced today like Metta Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, Chakra Meditation, Third Eye Meditation, Tantra Meditation, Pranayama Meditation and so on. The aim of each form is common, that is, to offer mental peace and spiritual freedom.
Benefits of Meditation
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduction in stress, anxiety
- Enhances self-awareness
- Deeper relaxation and self-consciousness
- Better focus and concentration
- Re-adjusts memory loss
- Promotes emotional health
- Lengthens attention span
- Rewire your brain
Self-inquiry through Meditation is required to live a contented life. All you have to do is to give ‘at least’ 15-20 minutes of your daily time to Meditation. Notice the changes and make sure that once you reach that state of a peaceful mind, you don’t let it slip away by keeping Meditation in the backseat. Keep practicing, keep evolving, and stay healthy.
