Learn meditation

Learning to meditate for beginners.

In this day and age of cell phones, beepers, PC’s, DVD’s and 50-hour workweeks, stress and tension management is more important than ever. How is one to survive the pace? One way for people to handle the stresses of the modern world and to achieve calmness and serenity is to practice the ancient art of meditation.

There are many forms of meditation including some types of yoga, transcendental and mantric meditation, just to name a few. Some people meditate in dance (yes, meditation in motion, so to speak) some people sit still or chant, some meditate in silence. With all the varieties, anyone can find a form they like.

Through meditation we have the opportunity to look within ourselves and find in ourselves the being that we are, or what we can be. Looking within in this deep state, we can help find answers to the questions that have vexed us in our everyday lives, and forgiveness and healing for hurts, both ones we create and those that are created by others. We can find direction, in some corner of our inner selves where we have felt previously lost in the hurry and worry of our daily life.

Although there are many styles of meditation, there are a few key points to be mindful of, namely where to do it, how to achieve it (breathing), clothing and position.

Where you meditate should be a quiet place, free of distractions. A busy office or the kids fighting in the next room will not provide an optimum circumstance. Use this time to truly “get away from it all” and plan to be alone and uninterrupted. If a full meditation period is not possible, a few moments in the shower or the office restroom engaged in quiet contemplation may help you resume the rest of a busy day with greater serenity.

Another point to consider is breathing. Most forms of meditation (not all) have some sort of focus on breathing technique. Generally, it is suggested to try to slow down the pace of your breathing but go for deeper breathing, in through your nose, hold for as long as comfortable, and then exhale through your mouth, feeling the release of tension with your outgoing breath.

The next point is what to wear. Be sure your clothing is comfortable and is neither too hot nor cold and it does not bind.

For position, you can sit on a chair or pillow, lie on a bed or sofa or just use the floor. Some even recommend kneeling if you can endure it, sitting back on your heals, your hands, palms up, resting in your lap. Whether indoors sitting in a recliner, or outdoors sitting on a rock, make sure it is a position you can maintain for several moments. Some even enjoy the easy movements of Tai Chi and find their inner self through engaging in this form.

For atmosphere, use lighting and scent to increase that feeling of serenity. Scented candles, incense or simmering potpourri can add elegant touches. Just be mindful that sometime people have been known to drift off or fall asleep while meditating, so make sure that there are no fire hazards that would require your attention.

The use of sound during meditation can be just the sound of your breath and the gentle beating of your heart, or it can be in the form of music, chanting or a guided meditation tape, which you can easily find or record for yourself.The most important thing about meditation is that you take time for yourself and come away with a feeling of calm and serenity. Whatever form you choose, make it your personal path to increased inner harmony and joy.