There are many types of meditation.  A definition that fits almost all types is:

To consciously direct attention to alter our state of consciousness (awareness).

There are no limits to the things we can direct our attention toward, and guided visualisation, (this is when someone else is talking us through a relaxation and visualisation process) is a powerful way to relax the body and mind to then be able to develop a meditation practice.  The use of sounds, symbols, colours, the breath, positive and uplifting thoughts, something in nature and much, much, more can be used as a point of focus.  Initially the reason for having something to focus on is to allow us to become aware of how easily the mind is distracted and begin to not become attached to these distractions.  We also start to notice where we are holding our tensions, aches and pains and again begin to make changes through relaxing.  As we develop the ability of not having a mind that pulls us from one thought to another we begin to experience being in each moment, not dwelling on the past, not dreaming or worrying about the future, but being fully with what is happening in this one moment.

Creativity, inspiration, intuition, a sense of calmness, and feelings peace and choice are available only in the present moment for the present moment, I call this PRESENT MOMENT AWARENESS, a space where we are fully and totally aware and attentive to the one thing we are participating in.  We only need to look to young children to see this process in action, how absorbed they are in the one thing they are doing, just look and you will see.  This is what we have all been capable of but have forgotten in the rush of life, this is in our true nature, we just need to remember, and we begin to remember this state of being through practicing it.

When beginning this practice it can be very helpful to use a recording to guide you or to find a group to practice with, as the guidance by someone else will assist in really being able to develop the art of relaxation, which will underpin any practice of meditation.

What is the purpose of meditation?

Meditation was and is still used for spiritual growth, for developing self awareness as more than a body and mind.  Meditation for spiritual development is part of many cultures and religions, undertaken from an early age as a natural, everyday activity.  At our time in history, meditation is becoming a valuable tool for achieving a sense of peace, relaxation and well being for health, relieving the stresses and strains of living an evermore demanding and fast-paced life.

Meditation is also being used for: 

• Calming the mind and body
• Healing of self and others (absent/distant healing)
• Emotional, psychological, physical cleansing
• Developing connection to spirit guides (shamanism/spiritualism)
• Developing intuition
• Strengthening our powers of concentration
• Clearing creative blocks
• Developing inner wisdom
• Exploring cosmic consciousness 
  
  

Some thoughts to take the fear out of Meditation 

• Meditation can be easily learned and practiced.  Meditation is only difficult if we become too concerned with getting it right.
• Focus in meditation is learnt through practice and is definitely not a requirement for beginning to meditate.  The pre-requisite to focus is in the observation of the  lack of this in the mind, the Buddhists call the untrained mind ‘the chattering monkey’ in observing the chaos we naturally develop focus.
• Meditation is not about ‘seeing’ interesting things in our mind, although some meditations are specifically for visualizing, many are not.  Even visualization does not necessarily require seeing, some people sense or feel things inwardly, and that’s all right.
• Meditation is not just about sitting still and quietly for long periods, meditation is about LEARNING to be PRESENT in any activity, whether it be moving, walking, working, painting, being with others in fact whatever activity we are engaged in. 

If you would like any further information please contact Karen at kebyrne63@hotmail.com or call her on 07970 869 267

Copyright Karen Leys

Beyond The Body

www.Beyond-The-Body.com
 

n.b. not to be altered, copied, reprinted without authorised consent of the author

 

PERSONAL CARE  DISCLAIMER: Content on this page is for reference purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Always seek the advise of a medical professional before undertaking any lifestyle change.   Feb 2007