Meditation is your way to a stress free lifestyle

Meditation had been around since ancient times, often as part of religious rites and spiritual belief systems. Broadly, it’s the practice where one slows down the mind and or induces a particular state of consciousness. It uses various techniques that help the practitioner develop positive qualities such as love, patience, compassion, generosity, and forgiveness, build up internal energy for their life force, and, ultimately, to relax.

Anyone can meditate. A particular religious belief is not required in order to reap some of the many benefits that meditation offers.

Meditating regularly also can provide spiritual benefits to practitioners including a greater capacity for personal growth and change and an expanding consciousness and willingness to live in the present moment.

Practicing Meditation

You do not need an elaborately decorated altar or a special room to reap the benefits of meditation. In fact, beginners can start meditating by focusing on their breath.

Find a peaceful, quiet place

An environment conducive to meditating might be the corner of a bedroom, the middle of the kitchen after everyone else has left for the day, or your back porch. The important factor is that you will not be disturbed during your meditation period.

Get in the right posture

Sit down, relax your body but do not slouch, and rest your hands in your lap. Sit cross-legged if you comfortably can. Sitting in half lotus or full lotus position is not necessary. A small cushion might help you find the most comfortable sitting position. If you have back problems, you may also lay down to meditate. Just do not fall asleep before you have finished your meditation. Half-close your eyes, directing your soft gaze downward.

Concentrate on your breath

Begin to breathe slowly and deeply. Inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. Let your thoughts flow through your head without holding onto any of them. If you feel your mind wandering, gently bring your consciousness back to your breath.

Tips for Meditating

It is fine to start by meditating five minutes each day. Gradually lengthen the sessions.
Guided meditations may help focus concentration and awareness.
Some people like to meditate with soft music playing or incense burning.
Use a timer to calculate when your session is over. The timer in your mobile phone will work fine.
As you become more experienced, you may wish to explore other meditation techniques.

Making Meditation Part of Your Life

Even the busiest individuals can find a few minutes during the day to meditate. And the benefits of even just five minutes of daily meditation are many. From proven physical benefits to a stronger emotional framework to enhanced spirituality, meditation can help you leave stress behind as well as enrich your life in many ways.