In
the last post, we talked a little about learning to meditate and its
benefits. In this post, we are going to talk about unlocking our hidden potential
through meditation.
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| Relax and watch the breath |
People
who don’t practice meditation often misunderstand it. Very often, you’ll hear it
referred to as mystical or transcendental, which makes them feel wary about
trying it. When in fact, it’s simply a practiced skill that can help bring clarity
to a cluttered mind. I know I get quite a few strange looks when I tell people what I like to do for relaxation.
Without
going too deep in to what meditation is, or isn’t, let’s focus on one of the
many things a daily meditation can do for you.
Meditation
is often seen in Yoga classes and is widely practiced by a variety of cultures,
countries and religious groups. I only mention this so you can understand that
the art of meditation is perfectly safe and commonly practiced by millions of
people around the world.
Some
of the more documented benefits of meditation include less anxiety, irritability,
moodiness and decreased depression. It can help improve your learning
abilities, memory and unlock creativity. It can also slow down the aging
process increase feelings of vitality and rejuvenation. Not to mention it can
reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and produce higher blood oxygen levels
There
are many types of meditation, but the easiest form to learn that I have encountered thus far is, “breath awareness
meditation.” Compared to many other meditation techniques, this will enable a person
to experience the benefits of meditation in much less time.
Here's
a simple technique that I found gave me results in minutes. Sit comfortably,
close your eyes, and tense up your whole body. Blow as much air out of your lungs as you can. Then breath deeply
through your nose and release the tension from every muscle. Just feel each
part relaxing, watching for parts that may hold onto tension, like a tight jaw.
If
you still have tension somewhere, tense up that part again, then let it relax.
It may also help to repeat silently like a mantra "relax" as the tension drains.
This will train your body and mind to recognize relaxation. Later you may be
able to relax more easily just by repeating the mantra "relax" a few times.
Breath
through your nose. This is important because it brings in more oxygen by
involving your diaphragm more. You can test this. Breath with your mouth and
you'll notice that your breathing is shallower. Then breath through your nose
and you'll notice that your abdomen extends more. Air is being drawn deeper
into your lungs.
Allow
your breathing to fall into a comfortable pattern, and pay attention to it. Pay
attention to your breath as it passes in and out of your nose. Your mind may
wander endlessly, but all you have to do is continually bring attention back to
your breath.
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| Focus Meditation |
If
your mind is still too busy, try naming the distractions as a way of setting
them aside. For example, say in your mind, "itchy leg," "worried
about work," or "anger," and then immediately return attention
to your breathing. Use any way you can to identify and set aside distractions.
That's
it. Continue this for five or ten minutes at first.
Afterwards, I open my eyes and sit there for a few seconds. I feel relaxed,
and my mind refreshed. Also better prepared for any
challenges that come my way.
Meditation
has many rewards, and through daily practice, one can learn to release the
unlimited potential of your mind and body. For example, Since I've started writing this blog, my mind has become clearer allowing me to be more productive.
In my next post, I will be continuing to talk about how to use meditation
exercises for relaxation.
Until
then, Namaste _/l\_
The Self Proclaimed Solitary Buddhist
