Meditation is a practice of mindfulness, being quiet and introspective, aware of the inner whispers of the soul. It allows you to reset, recharge and relax. You can do it walking through a forest, sitting cross-legged on the floor, sitting on the beach or by a river, sitting upright in a chair or laying on a bed. It doesn't matter where or how you meditate, it is about what resonates with you, for your own meditative practice. When you meditate you want to be as relaxed as you can be, as well as being able to feel safe and open for the experience.
I remember when I first started to meditate, I was in my teens, and my mind was so busy. It was so hard to turn it off while I tried to just let go and float away. Now meditation comes easily for me. I can do it in the morning, throughout the day in short or long moments and in the evening equally well. It is a state that grounds me, calms me, engages me and helps me to have a higher state of consciousness and understanding, a higher connection to knowledge and inspiration.
Benefits of Meditation Practices:
Meditation, is an ancient practice, has gained tremendous popularity due to its numerous benefits:
Stress Reduction: One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. By focusing on the present moment, individuals can alleviate stress and calm their minds.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Regular meditation can help manage anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It promotes emotional health by fostering a positive outlook and reducing negative emotions.
Improved Concentration and Focus: Meditation techniques often involve concentrating on a single point of focus. This practice enhances attention span and concentration, translating into better productivity and cognitive abilities.
Increased Self-Awareness: Through meditation, individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, and emotions. This self-awareness often leads to better self-control and emotional regulation.
Promotion of Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation encourages living in the present moment without judgment. This awareness practice enhances the overall quality of life and leads to a greater appreciation of everyday experiences.
Types of Meditation:
There are different types of meditation styles to try. If one doesn't resonate with you, try another type. They are all helpful and healing in different ways.
Mindfulness Meditation: Focuses on being fully present in the moment, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. It involves paying attention to breath, bodily sensations, or external stimuli.
Transcendental Meditation (TM): Involves the use of a mantra (a word or sound) to achieve a state of relaxed awareness. Practitioners repeat the mantra silently to facilitate a meditative state.
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta): Cultivates compassion and kindness towards oneself and others. Practitioners focus on generating feelings of love and good
Yoga Meditation: Integrates physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga promotes physical and mental well-being through a combination of movement and meditation.
Guided Meditation: Involves following verbal instructions or recordings that lead practitioners through a specific meditation session. It can focus on relaxation, visualization, or self-improvement.
Body Scan Meditation: Focuses on systematically scanning the body for sensations, promoting relaxation and awareness of physical sensations.
Zen Meditation (Zazen): Similar to Zen Buddhism, Zazen emphasizes posture, breathing, and mindfulness. Practitioners sit in specific positions, often focusing on their breath or a koan (a paradoxical question).
Each type of meditation offers unique approaches and benefits. Practitioners often explore different techniques to find what resonates best with their needs and preferences.
In conclusion, the practice of meditation offers a wide array of benefits, ranging from stress reduction and emotional well-being to enhanced concentration and self-awareness. The variety of meditation types allows individuals to find a practice that aligns with their goals and preferences, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
So, give meditation a try. There are many options on YouTube, InsightsTimer app, Spotify and other platforms out there.
Here are a few on my favorites from my YouTube channel, for free, to try out:
Grounding and Protection Guided Meditation (Do before you you start your day)
Breathing With Positive Affirmations Aligning With Chakra Properties (Walking Meditation)
Heart - Mind Alignment Guided Meditation (Do at bedtime)
Try a few meditations and see if meditation might be something you could add to your own wellness toolkit. If you want to explore more you are welcome to explore my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@harmonyhandsenergyhealing/featured
Laurie Fulford
Harmony Hands Energy Healing