Meditation

The word Meditation comes from the Latin word "Mediri" and means to heal. Meditation is a complementary practice and is not an alternative to medical advice but it is proven that those who meditate regularly are generally healthier, both mentally and physically.

What can meditation do for me?

The benefits are numerous from minor achievements such as relaxation, to life changing benefits, feeling at one with the spiritual ideal.

Meditation can help us with:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Stress related problems
  • Our self-confidence by creating inner calmness
  • Emotional stability
  • Lowering our blood pressure
  • Memory
  • Sleep

Where do I meditate?

Wherever you feel the most comfortable, indoors or outdoors preferably somewhere clean and quite. Try to choose one particular place in which to meditate regularly (a private sanctuary).

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of a room or place of your choice can be enhanced by relaxing and reflective essential oils, incense and music. Also candles around the room can create a meditative mood. It is better not to use scented candles in combination with essential oils or incense, as this could be distracting. The following oils are good to use for meditation: Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, Lavender, Cypress, Jasmine and Mandarin.

Posture

Sitting cross-legged (lotus position) is the traditional (symbolical) meditative position. This is not suitable for most people, it is more important to be comfortable. The most important thing is to keep your back in a straight position, if you are in a chair put your feet flat on the floor, your body should be relaxed. Rest your hand in your lap, palms facing upward one on top of the other.

Mantra's

Meditation is a feeling of spiritual oneness and could be accompanied by recitation of a mantra. Also simply counting from 1 to 10 can be considered a mantra.

Some popular Mantra's

Buddhist:
Buddham Sharanam Gachchami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchami.
I call to mind the Buddha and the religious path.

Tibetian:
Om mani padme hum.
I am Om, the jewel in the lotus of my heart.

Catholic:
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Initially you should keep your mantra simple, either Om or Soham are ideal. As the mantra is repeated, concentrate on your breathing, be aware of your breath, feel the air go in as you inhale and out as you exhale.

Om = Infinite Spirit
Soham = Oneness with the spirit of God.

You will after a while discover your ideal mantra which, with regular use, will enable your subconscious mind to achieve a spiritual oneness with just the vibration of the mantra.

"A Mantra is a word or group of words
heard continuously with deep conscious attention,
uncovering and amplifying an essential vibration or truth,
which intentionally purifies the Cosmic Eye Center
and awakens us to divine experience."

How to Meditate

Early morning is the best time to meditate but this is not essential. Don't meditate within an hour of having eaten. Close your eyes and sit comfortably, try to relax and clear your mind. Keep the eyes closed, gradually you will become aware of a connection to your surroundings, then to the Universe and finally to an imminent spiritual source. Other thoughts will occasionally spring to the mind, don't fight them, acknowledge them but remain detached from them and they will soon fade. After 4 or 5 minutes you will be ready to meditate.

Gradually become aware of your breathing, breathe in and out preferably through your nose. Your breathing will automatically slow down and you will feel relaxed and at peace. Try to integrate the a mantra or maybe affirmations. These are a series of ideals that you seek in your life. Each person will have their own particular ideals but here are some suggestions:

Inhale
Exhale
Peace
Only Peace
Love
Spiritual love
Happiness
Inner bliss
Truth
Only truth

Repeat (in your mind, not verbally) any or all of these affirmations regularly over a 10 minute period. Repeat the initial word whilst inhaling and the confirmation whilst exhaling. When you have finished, remain seated for a few minutes and enjoy the feeling of inner peace and serenity while you gradually release your meditative state.

Meditation is an Awareness of inner silence.

Meditation and Yoga

Meditation and Yoga are inextricably linked. Yoga, literally meaning "union" (with the divinity within man) promotes physical stability, energy, flexibility and relaxation whilst creating concentration, balance and tranquillity in the mind. The ultimate aim of Yoga is to achieve union (or Yoga) with the true inner self - Samadhi - a state of super-consciousness. Yoga is about how you do, what you do and how you live your life. All the theory in the world is of little use without practice.