Meditation

Meditation is a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns, realizing all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.

As a beginner it will be easier to do a guided meditation. You can download one from the internet, or feel free to contact me. Some people may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But this is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness, can be referred to as meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds or music can be seen as meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is in effect meditation.

Why is meditation important?

The impact that it can have on your life is profound - including balance, wakefulness, wholeness, and the ultimate fulfilment of being human. Added benefits are a reduction in stress and many other physical, emotional and mental benefits.

Meditation Techniques

You can use a variety of techniques to sharpen your sense of awareness. Here are a few of the many techniques that have been developed over the centuries:

• Cultivating loving, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and other healing emotions
• Following or counting your breath
• Paying attention to the flow of sensations in your body
• Being mindfully aware of the present moment
• Repeating a meaningful word or phrase, known as a mantra
• Visualizing a peaceful place or a healing energy or entity

How long do I need to meditate?

More is not always better. The general answer is: as long as you are comfortable. If you can meditate for 15 minutes, then do so. If you can meditate for an hour, then go for it!

It is possible to meditate too much. An hour a day may be too much for a beginner. Initially it may be best to meditate for 15 to 30 minutes daily. Just pay attention to your experience and observe how you are doing. Sometimes you might need to back off, or even skip a day. Perhaps take a nice walk in nature instead.

Earthing, Grounding and Shielding

Before you meditate, or do spiritual work you should prepare and protect yourself, by centering your energy, and shielding yourself from unwanted influences. For some people a simple prayer is enough. Grounding yourself and stretching, is equally important after a session.