Meditation to Quiet the Mind

Meditation is something we each can benefit from on a day to day basis. The stresses of the world and day to day living are a major contributing factor to our health, balance & wellness. It's really guite simple...when you get out of balance it shows up in your health and your interactions with the world. We have, however, a wonderful form of balancing ourselves, and that is with meditation.

Quieting the mind That's what it's all about. Find a comfortable place you can sit upright, propping your back on something at first to get the benefit of a straight spine during your experience.

A little something to eat is ok so you aren't distracted by hunger. Don't worry about all your thoughts. You want to quiet the mind not chase the thoughts away. Just relax and don't worry about whether or not you are doing it right or what's supposed to happen. Just get comfortable and quiet the mind.

There is no right or wrong. You will want to focus but not in a forced manner. Just relax. Each time will be different...you will find yourself resisting taking the time to meditate, but we all want to grow and change so just make a little time each day to blow the stress off and quiet the mind. It eliminates built up and stored up toxins, both physical and emotional ones. It also reduces your heart rate.

You may find that you need guided meditation which will allow you to relax and simply follow along, while at the same time learning the simple skills that allow you to meditate anywhere and at any time. Get almost an hour of free guided meditation and music downloads to help get you on your way!

The How

Sit with your back straight and your hands comfortable on your lap, palms up and legs crossed. You may need to lay down, but sitting is the main way one should venture into their session.

Try doing it for small sessions at first. Don't force yourself to do it for a lot of time at first. After awhile you'll just find yourself taking that time as you need it for balancing your health and well being.

The breath is important. Take deep long inhales thru the nose and long exhales out the nose with a nice rythmic flow. Focus on your breath if you want. It helps you to quiet the mind and find that space.

This is something anyone can do anywhere, so if you need to take the edge off don't limit yourself to once a day. Do it in small sessions thoughout the day! Even five minutes is something that is so beneficial to your health & balance. Working up to 15 minutes three times a day or 45 minutes a day in one session, will bring you tremendous health benefits.

It isn't against or part of any religious group to sit and breathe and relieve stress, so why not reap the benefits and quiet the mind.

The Place

Some people have that special place they like to meditate...with incense burning and candles, maybe some music playing. It could be a nice place outside or by the water. It doesnt really matter where your place is, just find a nice quiet spot away from everything for the moment and go to that quiet place. Quiet the mind.

When you just go to that place it's for personal growth, spiritual growth, relaxation, and to eliminate negative energies and thoughts. By doing this you will also increase your concentration.

Just sitting, and quieting the mind will change your life. There are definitely different types of meditation practices, so if you want to delve deeper that's always an option.

How many types are there?

Many different types of meditation were taught by the Buddha for particular problems & to develop particular mind states. There are "Five Basic Methods" but the two most common are:

Mindfulness of Breathing (anapanasati) - Practicing this form leads to the removal of defilements and finally to the attainment of nirvana. For a detailed description of anapanasati, Click Here.

Loving-kindness (metta bhavana) - The object is to create love without attachment, or non-exclusive love, toward all sentient (beings that utilize sensory organs). For a detailed description of Metta Bhavana, Click Here.

The three additional methods are Contemplation of Impermanence, Six Element Practice ( earth, water, fire, air, space and consciousness)and Contemplation of Conditionality (conditioning and causation that leads to suffering in current and future lives.

Three other important forms are Visualization, Just Sitting and Walking. For more detailed information on Buddhist Meditation, please visit this site.

Return from Meditation to Natural Healing