| For hundreds of years sages, wise men and yogis | | | | can relax and not be disturbed. The environment |
| have practiced meditation and extolled the benefits. In | | | | should be quiet and comfortable. You can play |
| today's hectic world there is no better time to take up | | | | soothing, quiet music if you wish.The intention is to relax |
| meditation.What is Meditation? | | | | your mind. One way to do this is to focus on an object |
| In simple terms, meditation is quietening your mind. If | | | | or a sound to occupy the mind and stop it chattering |
| you stop for a moment and watch your thoughts you | | | | on about anything else. Some people who meditate |
| will notice that you are always thinking. You may be | | | | focus on a candle flame or a flower. Or you could |
| worrying about this and that, planning something, | | | | close your eyes and focus on a sound in your mind, |
| replaying earlier events or conversations. All the time | | | | such as Ah-umm or Ohmm.The most important thing |
| your mind is an incessant chatterbox. With meditation | | | | to remember about meditation is not to force |
| you can clear your mind, quieten and even stop, the | | | | anything.Meditation is not concentrating, it's not forcing, |
| chatter - and reap enormous benefits.Why Meditate? | | | | it's not even trying. Meditation is relaxing and allowing. It |
| The benefits of meditation are immense. Practising | | | | is Being.When Do You Meditate? |
| meditation regularly has been shown to reduce stress | | | | You can meditate at any time you choose - morning, |
| and lower blood pressure. Living a calmer life allows | | | | noon and night. You can even fit in a session of |
| you to live longer and more happily, you look younger | | | | meditation during your lunch break from work. There |
| than your years, and you are much more able to cope | | | | are no rules about meditation. See what works for |
| with life's inevitable setbacks and difficulties.Meditation | | | | you. And equally, there are no rules about how long |
| has also been shown to increase alpha brainwaves. | | | | you should meditate. If you can only manage five |
| Alpha brainwaves are the type of brainwaves used in | | | | minutes a day you will still feel the benefits after a |
| creativity and problem solving. The more you meditate | | | | very short period. Some of the Eastern holy men |
| the more creative you will become which could lead to | | | | meditate for hours, or even days, at a time. While their |
| both personal and professional breakthroughs.How Do | | | | experiences might be more heightened than yours, it |
| You Meditate? | | | | really isn't necessary to meditate for great long |
| There are tapes and CDs available to help guide you | | | | periods.Meditation is easy. Meditation is relaxing. And |
| into a meditative state but they are not necessary. All | | | | meditation is very good for you - try it and see for |
| that you need is to find a time and place where you | | | | yourself.Penny Dablin is a life coach and entrepreneur. |