I started my meditation practice 20 years ago and it has enabled me to get closer to my own spirit, therefore enabling me to be more available to the spirit world. As a medium it’s very important to be balanced in the mind, body and soul and to become available to the spirits of those here, and hereafter. The truth is anyone can benefit from meditating.
By definition, meditation is an ancient practice of calming the mind. It is believed to originate in India several thousand years BCE. Throughout early history, the practice was adopted by neighboring countries and many religions throughout the world. What was once considered a religious practice is now also used for the benefits it has on the mind, body and soul. Meditation is relaxation. It is not about concentration, it’s actually about de-concentration. It is a widening of the space between thoughts and, over time, the space grows. It’s a practice of controlling your mind. Some may say it’s becoming thoughtless, but I don’t believe that. Meditation practice has many benefits for the mind, body and soul.
Meditation benefits the mind by cleansing and nourishing you from within and calms you, whenever you feel overwhelmed, unstable, or emotionally shut down. A regular practice of meditation results in these benefits to the mind: anxiety decreases, emotional stability improves, creativity increases, happiness increases, intuition develops, clarity and peace of mind increases, and problems become smaller. Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands it through relaxation and balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness.
Spiritual benefits are achieved by what I call sitting in your own power, (your spirit energy) or meditation. It is beneficial as it provides an effortless transition from being something to merging with the infinite, and recognizing yourself as an inseparable part of the whole cosmos. In a meditative state, we are in a space of vastness, calmness and joy and this is, then, what we emit into the environment, bringing harmony between ourselves, earth and the universe. Meditation can bring about a true personal transformation. As you learn more about yourself, you’ll naturally start discovering more about yourself and love yourself, essentially getting closer and closer to your own spirit.
According to many doctors, meditation has been proven to improve our physical health. With meditation, the physiology of our body undergoes a change and every cell in the body is filled with more prana (energy). This results in joy, peace, and enthusiasm as the level of prana in the body increases. A moving meditation such as yoga is wonderful for achieving this. Other benefits are that it lowers high blood pressure, lowers the levels of blood lactate, reduces anxiety attacks, decreases any tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems, increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior, improves the immune system and increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy.
Although there are many different types of meditation these 6 are the most popular:
Mindfulness: In mindfulness meditation, you pay attention to your thoughts as they pass through your mind. You don’t judge the thoughts or become involved with them. You simply observe and take note of any patterns. This practice combines concentration with awareness. You may find it helpful to focus on an object or your breath while you observe any bodily sensations or thoughts.
Spiritual: Spiritual meditation is used in Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Daoism, and in Christian faith. It’s similar to prayer in that you reflect on the silence around you and seek a deeper connection with your God or Universe.
Focused: Focused meditation involves concentration using any of the five senses. For example, you can focus on something internal, like your breath, or you can bring in external influences to help focus your attention.
Movement: Although most people think of yoga when they hear movement meditation, this practice may include getting in nature by walking through the woods, gardening, qigong, and other gentle forms of motion. It’s an active form of meditation where the movement guides you.
Mantra: It can be a word, phrase, or sound, such as the popular “Om.”
Transcendental: This practice is more customizable than mantra meditation, using a mantra or series of words that are specific to each practitioner.
All of these types can be combined or used alone. Always start slow. Begin with ten minutes, then add a couple of minutes a day until you get up to a ½ hour. Good luck and a happy and healthy meditative life to you.
In closing, “quiet the mind and the soul will speak” by Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
Author: Deborah Livingston:
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