A lot of mystery still surrounds meditation. Meditation doesn’t have to be a religious experience. It can be an effective way to reduce stress and rejuvenate your mind.
What Is Meditation?
In its purest state, mediation is a relaxation technique that results in a tranquil mind. Successful people, like Steve Jobs, used mediation to refocus their thoughts.
Enjoying a cup of coffee on a quiet morning to reflect on your day is a form of mediation.
This is a habit many use to organize their thoughts and plans, prioritize and create a sense of calm before they go to work.
The Benefits of Mediation
Reducing stress is the primary benefit of meditation. However, there are others including:
- More balance emotionally
- Better focus and memory
- Increased creativity.
- Meditation reduces depression, anxiety, and even pain
How to Meditate
Those who are ready for true meditation will find it easy to do without a mentor or a class. It involves four steps and should only take about 10 minutes when you first start.
- Find a quiet spot that you can use daily without interruption. It should be comfortable and preferably in a darkened room where the temperature relaxes you. You can sit in a chair.
- Close your eyes and start relaxing your mind. Push away all the jumbled thoughts that seem to invade it.
- Focus on your breathing. Breath deeply in and out. Repeat, concentrating on the action of breathing and nothing else.
- Now, focus your mind on one thing at a time. For most people starting, it is their own body. Focus on relaxing each part and allowing each to function properly.
Meditation in its simplest form gives you a few minutes a day to unwind and think about something else. It is time spent with yourself and that is time well spent.
