Levels of meditation

There are three levels of meditation we can practice using movement. There is another, which requires no movement and is
common to most forms of Indian yoga. This is where we sit cross-legged and meditate on a mantra or an object. Most westerners find this quite difficult, and can sometimes fool themselves into thinking that they are meditating. Moving meditation, although involving learning certain patterns of movement, can be easier because it does not use mind games. All we have to do is to learn and practice the movements in the correct way and the meditation will happen by itself; the mind will relax, the body will relax and as the body relaxes so too does the mind, and so on.
The first level of moving or ‘working’ meditation is where we stand in a certain position with slightly bent knees. This is the ‘work’ part of the meditation. The bent knees provide the heat necessary for certain chemical or energy changes to take place.
It is not too difficult to maintain this sort of meditation but it is a little more physically difficult than the sitting kind. We are trying to teach the mind to relax while working. In this way we do not need a nice quiet room with candles in order to relax — we are teaching the mind to relax at all times so that tension does not build up.
The basic stance for this kind of meditation (ch’i kung or Qigong) is seen in photograph 1. The legs are slightly bent with the knees not projecting any further than the toes. The toes are turned under a little, but not enough to make them turn white. Thearms are held at chest height with the fingers pointing to each other. The fingers are held slightly apart with the palms concave.
The tongue is pressed lightly onto the hard palate with the chin pulled in slightly to straighten the back. The eyes are looking straight ahead but not staring. The shoulders are relaxed with the elbows hanging. The breath is deep but natural and not forced, breathing in through the nose and out through the nose.
This posture is held for at least 15 minutes but beginners can start with 5 minutes. Older people can practice this meditation sitting in a chair.
The second type of meditation is where we start to move while still holding the same relaxed meditative state induced by the Qigong. The slow, natural movements of T'ai chi ch’uan lend themselves to meditation, as there are no fast or jerking movements. The whole set is made up of different postures linked together by circling movements. One is able to keep a relaxed calm mind while performing the T'ai Chi form which lasts up to one hour.
The movements relax the mind, this causes our movements to become more relaxed and smooth which in turn helps the mind to relax even more, so the mind and body help each other up the ladder.
The third area of meditation is where we learn to perform more normal tasks while still holding the meditation. T’ai chi has another form of exercise called pauchui form, or cannon fist form, and as the name suggests this has some fast and hard movements. This form teaches us to keep our meditation even when confronted with the worst tension out in the street. In practising this form while relaxed we are able to walk out into the big world knowing that nothing will upset us or make us tense.
From - Buddhist Meditation - Contemplation of the Mind

Do You Know When To Relax?

Do you know when to relax? What a strange question.

Your daily commute may not seem like the appropriate time or place to try to relax, but this part of your day may sometimes be your only opportunity to take charge and regain your sanity. I would like to offer some helpful advice for making the most of your transit moments.

Let's start with exercise. While jumping jacks are obviously out of the question, you can however do a number of things to workout the stress that may be tensing your muscles. By doing shoulder rolls, neck rotations, and even just stretching your arms out in front of you will help loosen tight muscles.

Next, focus on breathing deeply. Yes, you may have doubts about the driving ability of every vehicle operator in your immediate vicinity, yet that is no reason for you to roll down your window and start screaming. Instead take a few deep breaths. This will help to relax you and keep others driving foible from spiking your stress level.

Another way to relax while commuting is by listening to music. Bring along your favorite CD. Some people find that even radio commercials can sometimes be aggravating. If this is true for you, why not take advantage of what could be your only opportunity in the day to enjoy a few quiet moments alone and turn the stereo completely off.

Or maybe make this time constructive by listening to recordings on a foreign language or your favorite personal development instructor. Maybe self development messages on how to take your business to another level. The goal is to feel like you are accomplishing something with this time, that way you're be less likely to get frustrated by the things you are not able to get done. There will be less stress over things you have no control over.

These are a few suggestions on when and how to relax. Maybe you never connected the word relax with your daily commute. If you take my advice and put these easy strategies to use, you will find your stress level to be at a more satisfying number. I also recommend another natural way that is sure to compliment the above suggestions to rid yourself of daily stress. Learn more about natural ways of releasing stress and relaxing now.

Rena Williams is a nutritionist of natural health with a well established wellness business. Her goal is to help many others achieve optimum health and empower them to reach healthy goals. Learn more about all natural supplements at http://MyLimuConnection.com

Meditation - More Than A Relaxation Technique

Meditation is a life transforming experience. Meditation is an ever-blossoming voyage of self-discovery and inner awakening.

Meditation is a practice. Meditation is an every day existence. Meditation is bound by minutes - that sacred slot between awaking and working. Meditation enters into and becomes inseparably one with our entire day. Meditation is static, motionless. Meditation is dynamic, active.

A student of meditation very soon discovers that meditation is not an isolated activity confined to the corner of a room within an allotted time-frame, but rather an achievement that cannot be separated from every day existence. The fruits of meditation - peace, love and joy permeate everything that we say, do and think. The skills that we develop in order to maintain our regular meditation practice - discipline, willpower and determination we can employ in our other pursuits and aspirations both earthly and heavenly. Creating a calm and still mind is essential if we wish to experience meditation or the ocean of vastness within ourselves. This same calm and still mind is essential in order to live a life of harmony with both those around us and the Self within us.

Meditation is more than a relaxation technique. Like a perfectly centered spinning top that spins so fast that it appears motionless -meditation is stillness in action. Meditation is pure crystallized energy - a one-pointed presence in the now-moment.

To know oneself one must experience oneself. Only in the now-moment can one discover truth of existence. Situated in this sacred abode of timelessness a student of meditation experiences first hand the deeper nature of his consciousness, and through this experience comes to know his Self -the greater aspect of his being that has always been but has not yet been claimed, the higher and more illumined reality - the Self which is none other than God.

By Kate Carvalho

Guided Meditations for Healing

A guided meditation is an excellent way of meditating. Typically, you sit back and play a CD or MP3 track and follow the instructions on it. Most people find this an easier way to meditate than the traditional methods of clearing the mind and focusing on just one thing.

Guided meditations for healing fall into two categories: specific healing meditations, focussed on healing just one thing, and general healing meditations which help your body to stay in good health.

If you have a specific issue that needs dealing with, for instance if you are experiencing a great deal of pain somewhere in your body, then you should choose a guided meditation that will help you with that particular problem. Search Amazon or your favorite search engine and you will almost certainly find something to help you.

General healing meditations focus on going through your whole body. Oftentimes you will be guided to release the tension that you are experiencing in different parts of your body. The guided meditation will often then go on to ask you to gradually fill your body with a healing white light, maybe even spreading that light outside your body to form a protective shield that will stay with you after the guided meditation has ended.

I've found that when I have had cause to use a guided meditation for healing that I finish the meditation feeling much more relaxed than when I started. This alone should help the healing process. A guided healing meditation will help your body to repair itself.

Check out this review of a meditation system.

How the seven chakras impact us

It is surprising enough that every new dimension of human existence reveals a new secret and arouses newer aspects related to the successful existence of the human race. One such highly mysterious and quite unknown aspect that helps govern the human body and the human mind is the network of the seven chakras that are held in the human body as 7 circles of energy.

Generally, the energy we refer to is the ability to perform physical tasks due to the strength we get from food but our body demands much more than that, we also receive a lot of inner energy that is necessary for us to develop resistance against tough situations and to take decisions, this inner energy is the resultant of the positive energy that the seven chakras receive from the various planets and satellites.

On most occasions people fail to understand the kind of effect the chakras in their body have on the attitude they wear as well as the kind of life they lead. A very popular theory states that a person with positive thoughts ends up achieving better results as compared to a person with a negative frame of mind. The reason is simple as positivity in thoughts is the result of the abundant positive energy in the chakra governing the thoughts.

Each circle of energy is an active participant in the process of monitoring and enhancing a body part or its activities, the effect that these chakras have on different body parts and attitude is different, hence most chakras independently affect their respective body organs.

The various centres of energy which regulate various activities we perform can be understood better in the following way.

The root chakra is the energy circle that governs the overall potential of a person. It helps determine if a particular person is self-confident and can face extreme conditions without backing away. The organs that this chakra monitors include the colon and the organs lying below it as well as the prostrate and the rectum.

Genital Chakra lies above the root chakra and is very important as it helps to control the organs that are important for excretory purposes. This chakra with positive energy could mean that a person is not distracted by luscious offers and can help to have a broad mind. With negativity it can lead to establishing negative vibes and feelings.

Umbilical chakra is the third of the series of seven chakras and it has an impact on the mental stability and reactions that a person might have to certain situations. While there is an inclination towards the positive side the chakra inculcates will power and mental strength but when weakened it arouses embarrassment, idiocy, jealousy and represents an instable behaviour. It controls a good part of the digestive system.

The heart chakra deals with the emotions dealing with the heart, on the positive end it evokes love and compassion while on the negative side a person becomes arrogant and hypocrite. This circle of energy is related to the cardiovascular system of the human body.

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra, it has an impact on the functions of the vocal chords we possess. It is also said to have an impact on the language we speak, a negative throat chakra could mean the use of a lot of foul language. The chakra controls important organs like the mouth, neck and lungs.

The third eye chakra is the sixth chakra and it helps to pass judgements and perceive things. Positive energy here enhances vision, hearing and smelling powers.

The last chakra is called the crown chakra and it deals with taking one's own self to the divine path and reaching a stage of enlightenment.
By: Jai Dahalli

Mind control through meditation

Preksha Meditation means the balanced management of our sensory perception. Sensory perception can be managed and has been managed. We see, hear, and taste: this is the employment of sensory perception. This can be divided into two types: one is seeing while being affected by attachment and aversion, hearmeding while being affected by attachment and aversion, eating, tasting, etc. while being affected by attachment and aversion. This is how sensory perception is commonly employed in the world.

There is nothing special about this. Not only man, but other living beings also employ sensory perception while being affected by attachment and aversion. As the art of seeing develops, man only sees. He does not see through attachment and aversion: he only sees. The use of the word "only"denotes balanced management. Where it was felt "I only see, only hear, only taste", it now purports balanced management of the sensory perception. Its nature is to know. The common man, however, does not employ his senses to know, but for attachment and aversion. Upon seeing another, attachment sprung up and a feeling of love was born. Upon seeing another, aversion set in and the feeling of hatred was born.

Meditation means to control the wavering nature of mind and to decrease its instability. The two words are 'restlessness' & 'one-pointed ness'. The mind cannot remain stable at one point. Its preferences keep on changing. This is the restless state of mind. When it stabilizes at an object or at a point, it attains the steady state. The primary definition of meditation is the practice of concentration of the mind at one point or base. As our mind is able to remain steady for a longer and longer time on a preferred point (which we choose), our concentration power has increased and restlessness has reduced.

It has been said that the way to develop concentration power and to reduce instability is to practice 'Pratisanlinta. 'Pratisanlinta is the terminology of Jain Aagama. Maharishi Patanjali has defined it as 'Pratyahar in his ,yoga Darshan Philosophy. Senses are attracted towards their external subjects. Redirect them from that path and introvert them.

Don't let them act outwards. This is 'Pratisanlinta and its practice causes automatic reduction of instability. Whenever the senses go out and sense different scenes of the outer world, they communicate with their subjects and the mind becomes fickle. The mind works along with the senses. It cannot directly communicate with the outer world. The only means for the mind to communicate with the outer world is through the medium of the senses. Whatever raw material is presented by the senses is concretized by the mind.

The wavering nature of the mind is highly dependent on the instability of the senses. It is asked in meditation that you close our eyes, which means that you will not communicate any more with the colourful fantasies of the outer world. Shut your ears and don't listen to words anymore. Your communication with the outer world has broken. The cessation of five senses to their subjects, their Pratisanlinta or restraint is in order to prevent increase in restlessness of the mind.

The mind becomes unstable when the senses are unstable. The resolution to the problem of mind is through employment of the mind. Let your mind be fixed on any one point, any one base. That is why it was resorted to employ the breath as the fixed point. Concentrate your mind on your breath. As much as your mind fixes on one object, your concentration power will increase, and balanced management of the sensory perception will result. Then neither the senses nor the mind will create any problems.

By: juliemeena

Guided Meditation - Confidence

Lie down and begin to relax. Think of your feet. Flex toes and feet for a moment and then let them droop. Let the lethargy move slowly up to your ankles, up your calves to your knees, into your thighs. Your muscles are relaxing completely. Let the feeling continue up through your hips. You are becoming quite limp. And on up through your abdomen, along each vertebra of the spine one at a time. Feel your shoulders suddenly lose all resistence and release them to sag against your support. The relaxing wave moves down your arms through your biceps and forearms, into your wrists and hands that have sunk down, completely relaxed and unmoving. The base of your neck has let go and is limp. All the tension in your jaw and mouth is gone and now it is slack. All your facial muscles have let go entirely and your eyes have rolled to wherever they wish to go. The base of your head, your scalp, your brow, are now rested and peaceful.

Picture yourself going through the rest of your day confidently and at ease. You are standing tall, keeping good posture, breathing deeply, getting things done. You are relaxed and limber, but strong. You glide through your chosen tasks, working smoothly and efficiently. You are able to make decisions easily and act without hesitation. You are able to deal with any obstruction easily, and by adjusting quickly, you stay on track. You are focused on your goals knowing you will be successful. You have the energy to follow through every goal to it's best outcome. The idea of not having success, does not occur to you. You greet people with a natural, compelling smile and a direct gaze. You speak and act confidently with them. You know that they will like and respect you. Your handshake is strong. You are direct and speak as if the good things you have planned will definitely happen. You know that it will be good for them to know you.

Today you are lucky. Expect good fortune to happen. Confidence is your luck in every way. You may now come out of your meditation, and experience your wonderful day.

By: CD Mohatta

Inner Guidance Meditation

There are many ways to meditate. Some of the most popular ways of meditation include chanting a mantra while sitting and eyes closed. The mantra should be a word that has no meaning to you so that you do not get distracted by the meaning. For example if you chant "car' or "Toyota', you probably be thinking about what your next car going to be, although this might help you to manifest a new car quickly in the near future. If you have watch Ronda bryne's 'The Secret", you will know what I mean.

Another popular way of meditation is to focus on one object in your mind's eye, for example you can visualize a candle in front of your mind's eye. Keep your focus on the candle and gently let go of any intrusive thoughts like have I paid my parking fines. Also another way of meditation is to visualize a clock on the wall in your mind's eye, and watch it tick second by second or minute by minute. This can help you focus your mind.

If you are looking for any insight into a problem or an issue, Mentally say to your self that you wish to know this or that. And continue doing the meditation. Sometimes after awhile, your subconscious mind you show you something. It will show you in the form of a image or feeling. When you are relaxed, you should be able to know that an insight is given.

I sometimes like to use a pendulum when doing meditation. A pendulum can be a ring with a string tied to it, or you can buy one from new age stores.

Before I start, I will test the response. You should already have calibrated it. You should already know the position for YES and position for NO. Most common position for YES is swing in front of you and side to side is NO.

Sit in a comfortable chair and hold the pendulum in one hand. It is preferable to have a chair that can support the elbow holding the pendulum.

There are too many things to ask your inner guidance, but after 5 minutes querying you inner guidance, you would naturally fall into a meditative state, you brain wave would have slowed down and you now feel relaxed.

I once ask my inner guidance if a certain area on my physical body has a past life problem, In the meditative stage, it show me a warrior who was impale from behind. It may be possible to query your inner guidance as to how to heal the problem. But you need to ask the right question.

By:Jack Chua

Inspiration for Meditation

1. Music for Meditation.

If music is soulful and peaceful it brings our soul to the fore. When we hear soulful meditative music our inner being begins to aspire for a deeper and more meaningful reality. This aspiration to reach a more fulfilling, expansive consciousness is the real secret of meditation. When we have a burning inner flame then our meditation technique becomes of little importance. When we are inwardly aspiring for peace, light and joy our soul meditates spontaneously on our behalf. Music can definitely awaken our slumbering inner spirit.

"Each time we hear soulful music, we get inspiration and delight. In the twinkling of an eye, music can elevate our consciousness." (1)

Music for meditation can give us real inspiration but we should make sure the music is composed and played in a meditative consciousness. If the music creates restlessness and excitement then this will not help in any way our meditation.

2. Meditate on Nature.

Nature embodies a dynamic peace. The beauty, expanse and scale of nature are very conducive to meditation. The Spiritual Master Sri Ramakrishna told his disciples to always meditate when they came across an expanse of water. Water signifies consciousness and purity; this consciousness and purity are the essence of meditation. If we can meditate at the ocean's edge we will also feel a sense of infinity and expanse. It is hard for the human mind to conceive of concepts like infinity and immortality, but when we see the ocean stretching into the distance we can definitely be inspired by this concept of infinity.

3. Meditate with an adept of Meditation. If we can have the opportunity to meditate with a real expert in meditation we will definitely feel something in their meditation. When we meditate in the presence of a real Spiritual Master we can benefit from the peace and light that they bring down. If we do not have the opportunity to meditate in the presence of a living spiritual master we can meditate on the photo of some Teacher, whom we have the utmost faith. If the photo was taken during meditation the picture will embody a meditative consciousness. If we can enter into this meditative consciousness it will bring our own inner meditative power to the fore. This consciousness is the secret of meditation.

4. Meditate with others.

If we meditate in a group with other like minded people who enjoy meditation we will gain increased inspiration and confidence in the power of meditation. If we only meditate on our own it can feel like we are battling against the world. However when we meditate in a group our own meditation will be heightened because we benefit from the meditative consciousness that occurs in a group meditation.

5. Regularity.

If we meditate on a regular basis then we will gain an increased meditative capacity. We should not be in a hurry to judge our own meditation. If we feel we have meditated badly and start feeling we are hopeless then we will definitely lose inspiration. Instead we should feel that each time we meditate there is a golden opportunity to feed our inner being. Even if we don't feel as if we are making much progress, we should remember that each time we meditate, we are taking an important and necessary step to improving our own meditation.

References

(1) From: Music: God's Universal Language by Sri Chinmoy

Tejvan became interested in meditation and eastern mysticism whilst studying at University in Oxford. After studying various spiritual traditions he became a meditation student of Sri Chinmoy. Tejvan now offers meditation classes on behalf of the Sri Chinmoy Centre in Oxford.

Meditation - Great Reasons To Learn

Meditation is a unique form of art wherein an individual learns to focus and concentration levels. Most people consider meditation as the best method to transform one's personality or change one self into a good human.

Some are confused about why they should focus on learning meditation. They are totally unaware of the benefits of meditation.

Here are some top reasons coming straight from the experts in this field to convince you to learn this unique form of art:

a) Minimize stress levels

According to a research performed at the University Of Massachusetts Medical School and research conducted by experts, meditation is capable of transforming brain waves in the autonomic nervous system and amygdala. This provides total control to an individual over fear and stress. Several other studies conducted in this respect have proved that people who spend quality time in meditating are calmer and more relaxed as compared to those who don't.

b) Happiness guaranteed

In a study, various MRI Scans were conducted on people who meditated for a long time. The results showed that these people possess enhanced activity in the left prefrontal coretex. They also displayed suppressed activity in the right prefrontal coretex. This is a state closely associated with enhanced positive emotions. This ultimately proves that people who mediate are happier.

c) Minimize pain

Several studies have shown that meditation plays a great role in controlling chronic pain. Most of the hospitals use meditation as an integral part of program in order to help patients who have chronic pain.

d) Recover lost memories

When you start learning to meditate, it may take some time for your mind to calm down and adjust to the new activity. One can easily give into distractions when meditating. However, you would feel that during the initial period of adjustment, you would come to know about several long-lost memories.

e) Enlightenment

The traditional Buddhist meditation will ultimately allow you to reach the stage of enlightenment.

f) Personal insight

Another benefit of getting deep into meditation includes an enhanced level of personal insight. You would be able to see your true self. This will be extremely beneficial for you when it comes to transforming your personality into someone who you actually are.

g) Prevent or reverse heart disease

The American Journal of Cardiology has come to a conclusion that meditation may reduce the overall risk of death caused by heart diseases.

h) Solve problems

With mediation it is possible for you to calm down during first few sessions. Novices usually think about the problems they face in their daily life. However, when the mind relaxes, one is able to find out solutions for even the most complicated problems that exist in his or her life.

i) Benefits immune system

Meditation is very important when it comes to enhancing one's immune system.

j) Enhance intelligence

According to a serious research conducted, it has been proved that people who meditate possess thicker gray matter as compared to those who don't. This contributes to the intelligence of a person.

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