Meditation
MEDITATION - MINDFULNESS
It isn't as bad as it looks.
The metaphore is spot on.
Meditation is a way of padding the mainframe in our life – to live life to its fullest and not constantly bump the bony parts against every corner or obstacle. Most of us function at skeletal level – it is uncomfortable and hurts like hell. We are so busy reacting to life that we rarely see the bigger picture or realise just how much more there is to life or how much fun life can be.
Mindfulness and meditation are “cures” that cannot be over-emphasised. Meditation or being aware gives one so much more choices to work with.
Let us think about this. You are stressed or busy coping with life - you neglect the things in your life that make you happy. You are of the opinion that you need money and things to enjoy and be happy. Things and money need lots of activity to materialise. There is absolutely no way you can enjoy life in this frenzy of rushing from point A to point B, accomplishing, competing, succeeding and dreading the sound of the alarm clock every morning. We always think of happiness in the future. When this or that happens we will be happy.
Some people have the ability to be –> they look relaxed and tranquil. They are not doing - they are being. If they are thinking it does not show on their faces. If they have pain it is not visible. If they have worries – you would never pick up on it. They are tranquil in their being – even if it is just for that moment of being. But they are experiencing the happiness and joy of being.
What happens when we become still and mindful? What happens just before we fall asleep?
- Our bodies are in a relaxed position. We are comfortably warm and feel safe.
- Our eyes could either be closed or open. But our sight is soft and short.
- When we are still, we sometimes become aware of our breathing. It is natural, rhythmic and unforced.
- Our thoughts come and go. We do not focus on anything specific.
- There is silence around us.
- The environment is snug and encourages relaxation.
- It is a moment of total enjoyment – a time that you are kind to yourself.
Whether you are taking a power nap, falling asleep for the night or just relaxing in a chair somewhere in your home, you feel refreshed and relaxed when you wake up or come out or your relaxed state. This is meditation. We do it unconsciously because this state of being is not defined as anything in our mind. It is not something we have to do.
Sometimes people ask: “Where have you just been?” You drifted away in company. You became still. You were in the moment and that moment would not generally be considered conducive to meditation. It is possible to become mindful at any moment.
Once we start practicing meditation on a regular basis OR we incorporate stillness in our lifestyle, the next aspect of its value becomes apparent. We take note of thoughts and ideas that come up during meditation. We have aha moments and suddenly 'know' something that has been puzzling us for weeks. The subconscious mind begins to function consciously. We allow our inner wisdom to penetrate our conscious mind and we become mindful and wise and we calm down.
It is not necessary to be ritualistic about meditation. A few minutes a day is enough to calm and relax you. On the other hand if you function better within ritual and enjoy the journey – then please go ahead. A calm and mindful lifestyle is the result of cultivating a habit of mindfulness or meditation.
If our days are packed and time runs out on us, it would be worthwhile to begin meditating whenever you can or whenever the opportunity crops up. Eventually you will fall into an automatic tendency of becoming still. You will be able to intentionally switch off your racing thoughts. This is the aim of stillness and meditation.
This is nirvana.
Meditation has many benefits -
- You begin to look healthy because you are calming down.
It decreases:
- respiratory rate and increases blood flow
- muscle tension and reduces headaches
- eleminates stress and most of its symptoms
It improves:
- mental concentration
- high blood pressure
- memory, strengthening the mind, and,
- it leads to deep levels of relaxation.
It reduces:
- anxiety attacks
- emotional distres
- pre-menstrual syndrome
It builds confidence.
It helps in post operative healing.
It enhances the immune system; increasing the acitivy of natural killer cells which kill bacteria and cancer cells.