Meditation is a practice that has the potential to "still the mind" and to become consciously aware of the inner energy flow from where the "field of possibility" may be explored.
Bridging the gap between east and west has provided an extraordinary opportunity for science to explore how "stilling the mind" through a meditation technique, and by applying meditation practices during this stillness, may benefit every aspect of our wellbeing.
Collaborative efforts between science and eastern meditation cultures continue to provide research data indicating these benefits.
For thousands of years, Eastern cultures used meditation to reach a state of consciousness from where it is believed spiritual enlightenment is attained, and that practice continues today.
For many, the mention of meditation creates a picture of long robes and incense, sitting cross-legged for hours. Thousands of years ago time was definitely on our side, life was not as complicated, and meditating daily for hours was the custom. So what about meditation for people in present times?
In the 1950s, scientists developed electro encephelograph equipment (eeg machine) that could measure the electrical impulses of the brain, also known as brainwaves. Scientific research identified four levels of consciousness that attribute to our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energy awareness and continue to discover the benefits of meditation on all levels.
Meditation is the only activity that reduces blood lactate, a marker of stress and anxiety. Meditation also decreases the stress hormone, cortisol, and increases the calming hormones melatonin and serotonin.
Meditation is also offered as a tool for corporate cultural transformation programs so that employees may "think outside the square", assisting in realigning corporate values. Sports science has also embraced meditation for its powerful potential in mental preparation and focus. This is because a meditation technique offers the potential to still the mind and reach the field of possibility.
Techniques
There are a number of meditation techniques, all of which train the mind to a single point of focus. These include focusing on breathing; on an object, such as a candle; on a mantra, which is a word or phrase repeated during meditation. As a candle is not often convenient, and a mantra is associated with a deeper spiritual meaning, the breath focus technique offers an alternative that can be used any place, any time.
The same potential can result from swimming, running, sewing, gardening and many, many, other activities where the mind is engaged in a single point of focus and "time just slips". A meditation practice offers the potential to explore this time ("the field of possibility"), and to develop your conscious awareness to benefit physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and energy wellness.
For most, the initial meditation experience will be noticing the myriad of thoughts cluttering the mind. We can have up to 65,000 thoughts a day, so complex are our brains. Try and think of the last twenty thoughts you just had - what purpose did they serve? Acknowledging your thoughts is a key element in achieving a still mind. The thoughts will come and go at first. When the same thought continues to come to mind, take a moment to write it down. The mind will be very impressed with your recognition and that thought will also leave your brain.
Meditational practice is fluid. If you start your focus on your breathing, you will become aware that your focus has moved to a thought. Acknowledge that thought, and then return your focus to your breathing. And on it will go. With regular practice you will become aware that the gap between each thought has grown and a revitalised sense of wellbeing emerges.
Article kindly reproduced from Mary MacGrotty, Soul Essence.
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