Frequently Asked Questions About Meditation
By Chris Joscelyne
What is meditation?
Every day we are subjected to sensory input from a variety of sources
and our minds absorb and sort an enormous amount of information. Some of
the information is important; some is not. However the mind is kept active
as the information flows constantly into our conscious and our unconscious
mind. Meditation allows much of this activity to settle down, and often
results in the mind becoming more calm, peaceful and focused.
Meditation is a technique of relaxed awareness that can reduce stress,
boost mental focus and heighten clarity of thinking. It usually involves a
concentration technique that could be a word or a sound (mantra), music,
an object such as a candle, a flower, a tree, or one's own breath. By
concentrating on a sound or an object the mind has something on which to
focus. As the meditation progresses, random thoughts diminish and the mind
is more open to positive affirmation. Meditation helps the body to relax,
reducing the effects of stress both mentally and physically. Meditation
can achieve this to a potentially much greater degree than passive
relaxation.
I have been teaching meditation techniques for over twenty years.
During this time I have noticed that experiences during meditation can
vary significantly from one individual to another. For this reason it is
best if one does not have any specific expectations when one begin
meditation. Having a sense of expectation of some kind of predetermined
experience can create unnecessary stress that inhibits an effective
meditation session.
Because meditation involves becoming more aware and more sensitive to
what is deep within one's thoughts, it may not always be a pleasant
experience. Facing unpleasant parts of oneself may well occur during a
meditation session. One should accept that this could be a natural part of
the experience and decide, with professional help if necessary, how to
deal with and heal any negative thoughts.
Is meditation self-hypnosis?
Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves an initial period of
concentration on an object. However in meditation one maintains a restful
awareness of the here-and-now, staying conscious throughout the process.
In self-hypnosis one enters a semi-conscious trance-like state without
restful awareness of the here-and-now. Therefore meditation and
self-hypnosis are different.
Is meditation a religious experience?
Meditation helps one look within to enhance inner peace, rejuvenation
and positive focus. Some describe this experience as contacting one's
" inner soul" or "inner child" or "higher
self".
While meditation is not a religion, various forms of meditation are
used by eastern religions and Christianity to focus the mind. However
anyone can benefit from meditation regardless of what they believe.
Which is the best meditation for me?
There is no single meditation technique that suits everyone. Some
techniques work better for certain people while other techniques work
better for others. If an individual tries a number of different techniques
the technique that works best can be chosen.
More Meditation
To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?
Katharine Graham
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