Understanding the Basics of Meditation Articles | Meditation

By: Darren Williger

"Continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation" is the dictionary meaning of the word ‘meditation’. But how does this get reflected in our lives?

Though stress and tension are parts of our everyday life, most of us become victims of these, which in turn make us fall sick. Meditation, if practiced regularly, calms our mind and helps it to win over the everyday stresses.

While there are various ways to do meditation, essentially people meditate better in a quiet place where there is less distraction. Meditation basically calms your mind and reduces the constant mental clutter. It elevates the mind to a more tranquil state.

Many believe that meditation transports us to a higher level of consciousness. When the mind is free of clutter, you automatically start to notice and hear things which you would otherwise ignore. For instance, when you meditate deeply you can hear the sound of the air conditioner or the traffic and in a rural set up, the sounds of birds chirping or the gentle murmur of leaves. These sounds help us to reach a deeper meditative phase.

How to Start Meditating?

To meditate choose a time and place when and where you are not likely to be disturbed. To begin with, you could set aside 10 to 15 minutes in a day, when you will meditate. This is a long time since you might be able to give only this amount of time to meditation when you are just beginning. That is perfectly alright. Do it the way you like it best. At least it is better than not doing it at all. With time, when you realize its benefits, you would automatically increase its duration. The best advice is to devote 20 minute slots per day for your meditation. Research has proved that this time is sufficient to reduce stress and improve health conditions. Here is a short check list to get you started with meditation:  

• Select a method of meditation from any of the concepts given below.
• The timing should be when you are not likely to be disturbed.
• The place of meditation should allow you to relax.

The time that you select for meditation should be such that you can devote that particular time regularly. While some meditate the first thing in the morning, some meditate before going to sleep. There is no specified time for meditation. Choose one slot according to your convenience, but make sure that you devote this time regularly.

The place where you practice meditation is also up to you. Some dedicate a room for this purpose, though for beginners this is asking for too much. Perhaps your bedroom is a good venue, or the lounge or even the garden. The place is not that important, so long as do it regularly.

Feel free to alter the venue for meditation, if you find that the place originally chosen is not suiting you. This rule is applicable for the timing and the method that you have chosen. The means justify the end, when it comes to meditation. It is the benefit of meditation that you are focusing on.

A guided meditation via a CD or MP3 can be a good idea to start. These instructions are easy to follow – all you need is a place to listen to it uninterrupted.