Meditation: Not Just For Buddhists

When most people think of meditation they think of praying or religion.  Mediation in fact is a form of alternative medicine that teaches you to focus your attention.  There are many different types of meditation, and most started from Eastern religious or spiritual traditions.  They have been used by numerous cultures throughout the world for thousands of years.

Some forms instruct you (the practitioner) to be mindful of feelings, thoughts and sensations.  In addition, you are to be extremely nonjudgmental.  This is the only way you achieve a state of physical relaxation and balance.

Regardless of the type of meditation, most have the following four things in common:

• Quiet Location.  You want to have limited distractions, in a quiet place.
• Comfortable posture.  Each type if meditation is different, but you can be sitting, laying down, standing, etc.
• Focus of attention. You may focus on an object, breathing, or a mantra.  Regardless you want all your attention on that thing.
• An Open Attitude.  You need to let distractions go.  It is an art and practice to be able to bring attention back to the focus, and ignore wandering thoughts.

Meditation can be used to help with health problems such as anxiety, pain, depression, stress, insomnia and more.  If you are thinking of trying you need to make it a formal practice.  Just meditating once will not decrease stress, although you will feel calmer.  It is a fantastic practice that can help you feel at ease with yourself and your day.  Living in such a high-stress society it is important we take time for ourselves to feel at peace.

If you are looking to start meditating and don’t know how check out this great blog post from Zen Habits. They offer great tips for beginners. Most of all be confident in yourself. There is no right or wrong way. Commit to meditating daily for a week and before you know it that week is two and that two is a month!

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.  When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” ~ Buddha