Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Practitioners
of this art report increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.
Although most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines... you don’t have to
be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t have to be in a special place to practice it. You
could even try it in your own living room!
There are many different approaches to meditation, but the fundamental principles remain the same. The most
important principles however, is removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies,
and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a
higher quality of activity.
Shutting Out The Noise
The negative thoughts you have – of noisy neighbors, bossy office coworkers, and the parking ticket you
got, are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out is allows for the
‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.
Some meditation practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing
to touch – and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them. You too can focus on a deep,
profound thought if this is your goal. It may seem deafening at first, since we're all too accustomed
to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise, you will find yourself
able to tune out everything around you.
If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening – those with impossibly arched
backs, and painful-looking contortions – you need not worry. The principle here is to be in a comfortable
position conducive to concentration. This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down,
and even walking.
Finding The Perfect Position
If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point. While sitting
or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is
slouching and falling asleep.
Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process, since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to
choke you up and make you feel tense.
The place where you perform should have a soothing atmosphere. It may be in your living room, or
bedroom, or any place where you feel comfortable. You might want an exercise mat if you plan to
take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist
in you is screaming for release). You may want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to
your senses.
Performing A Mantra
Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing
of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking
up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.
The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra.
This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.
You do not need to perform them; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions
such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.
Ways To Maintain Your Focus
The principle here is focus. You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even,
while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.
One sample routine would be – while in a meditative state silently naming every part of your body
and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this, you should be aware of any tension
on any part of your body. Mentally visualize releasing this tension. It works wonders.
In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort
(or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).
The Effects Of Meditation
Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body. And there
has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So in the near
future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!
Star Attraction
What does Les Brown have to do with Persistence,
success, being positive and hanging out with the right people? You can find out
the latest by going to:
September 5, Prosperity Tools
Prosperity Tools offers you free information about prosperity mandalas, having a prosperity journal,
using prosperity affirmations, prosperity exercises and a prosperity prayer.
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September 3, Video Of The Month
Every month new videos will be featured to motivate and inspire. This month's feature is
Go For Your Dreams. Please watch and enjoy!
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September 3, Inspirational Success Stories
Inspirational Success Stories is about bringing you individuals who successfully accomplished
goals by using the law of attraction. This month feature is The Secret That Changed My Life!
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September 1, Persistence
Les Brown says persistence is key to succeeding and believes there are three groups of people, winners and losers,
and you will have to read to discover the third group.
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August 28, Confessing God's Word About Your Finances
Why are you not using God's Word when it comes to your finances? Never thought you could?
Then discover how faith, positive phrases, optimistic thinking and God's creative power
can get you out of debt.
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August 21, Manifesting Money: Learn A New Money Manifesting Technique
Interest in manifesting money is at an all-time high, so here is a new money manifesting
technique that will teach you how to achieve unlimited abundance by utilizing the Law of
Attraction and the Law of Abundance.
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August 17, The Science Behind The Law Of Attraction
The science behind the law of attraction reveals there is more to the law of attraction than you
thought! Scientific knowledge now explains how other dimensions and universes could interact with
your present realtiy!
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August 8, Resisting Detachment: Examine Your Attachments
Are you resisting detachment because you don't want to give up all you have? Then it's time to examine
your attachments and their importance in your life... then learn how being detached can give you
freedom from needing.
