FIRST MEDITATIONS

The Journey Within

A State of Mind

Current thinking suggestss meditation was first documented around 5,000 BCE, wall art depicts the familiar postures that we relate to current forms of meditation, the classic lotus position. The first documented records lie in the Vedas of India, that enigmatic source of lore. The practice of meditation is just a formalized form of something man has been doing probably a lot longer.

Much is written about achieving a transcendental state through meditation but there is a lot more to be achieved. Calming of fear, clarity of thought, easing of pain, exploration of imagination; the list is long and an enjoyable road of self-discovery.

Even without any practice or guidance, we have all enjoyed a form of meditation when we daydream or 'zone out'. It is surprising how we suddenly remember the forgotten or have a 'eureka' moment in a good idea while our attention is elsewhere. These can be achieved more readily with practice although at the start it may feel like trying to grab rainbows.

Breathe

A Simple Start

Breathing is one of the most fundamental actions that we usually take for granted, thinking about is almost exclusively reserved for athletes, singers, and birthing moms. Fortunately, it isn't something we need to learn to do but it is something we can learn to do well. this is not the place for an anatomy lesson but suffice it to say, breathing is the drawing in of air and its expulsion; it can be controlled consciously or left to manage subconsciously. It works in unison with the heart to ensure enough life-giving oxygen reaches our essential organs and tissues. It is this relationship that gives our breathing in meditation such importance. Slow breathing steadies the heart and in turn, can help calm the body and mind.

Visualization is a useful tool in learning how to empower your breathing and is a fairly simple starting point. Sit comfortably and place one arm in front of you with the palm up and open, preferably resting on a cushion or a table.

Eyes closed, start breathing in, nice and slow and steady and as you do imagine a gold light starting to fill the arm before you. Keep breathing and on each breath in let the light fill your arm a little more, at each breath out let it recede, like a tide, and mentally say 'calm'. Take your time letting the light fill up your arm and when it is full let the light slowly ebb away as gently as possible.

This is a simple exercise and can be expanded slowly until you can encompass your whole body. Like any exercise it is important to practice regularly and not overdo it. In basic meditation a good breathing style is essential and when you can free this from conscious thought you will find other aspects easier. In addition, once you feel competent with light breathing you will find you can learn to focus your breathing through the various centers in your body.

Posture

Get Comfortable

Before beginning your meditation you need to consider your location, it may seem obvious but ensure your location is safe and suitable. An undesired result of meditation gone wrong is falling asleep but this is less fun if you are on a train, alone in the park or dinner is burnt.

You can meditate lying down, seated, or even standing and at times the lotus position is optimum. Make sure you are comfortable but not so comfortable you fall asleep. Meditation is a journey of the mind so you need as little distractions from your body as possible, mute your phone and check you have enough time for your purpose.

Yoga mats and the like are excellent places to meditate, for a regular meditation it is best if you can use the same location and time of day. Our bodies attune very well to routine and you will find the desired state of mind easier to achieve.

Mindset

Think About It

Begin your meditation with a clear idea of your desired results, even if that is to think of nothing and let your subconscious thoughts come through, or to rebalance your energies. Just like learning a good breathing technique, we have to train our minds to the task. It isn't easy to learn to stop all manner of random ideas to enter our heads but with time and effort, it is achievable.

Initial meditation is a series of trial and error, sitting or lying, eyes open or closed, holding objects or looking at them. Try and put aside your expectations of what will work and find what does. Once you realize your ability you can readily move on and discover the wide variety of meditation disciplines that are out there.

This is truly a gift once learned and you can feel the benefit in all your daily actions; as you gain mastery of your thoughts you can let your spirit guide you on life's journey. Clearing your mind is perhaps, the biggest obstacle to meditation so we will address this next.