For some, the word meditation conjures up visions of exotic people in flowing robes, eating nuts and berries or chanting strange and eerie tones. In fact, meditation is something you already do on a daily basis.
Ever watch television and lose track of the people in the room around you? Drive a car and lose your memory of the last five miles? These are forms of meditation. Taking a walk and allowing the mind to float freely while observing your breath flowing in and out, fully appreciating the fresh air, is an experience of light meditation.
Meditation occurs when we direct the mind and body into singleness of purpose, the so-called “zone” that athletes refer to. You can “zone” on anything from relaxation, health issues and meaningful relationships to financial success and personal goals.
The tragedy is that most people are constantly meditating on their fears and insecurities, and don’t even know it. This kind of subconscious activity is the stress that prevents people from decompressing properly or getting enough sleep.
Certain kinds of meditation are very effective for dropping bad habits, like overeating or tobacco use, and for establishing new patterns of behavior like self-care and exercise.
The most widely practiced, most well researched, and most effective method of self-development is called Transcendental Meditation, or TM. This is a simple, natural, effortless procedure practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. It allows the mind to settle inward beyond thoughts to the source of thought, which is pure awareness.
This practice reveals the most silent and peaceful level of consciousness, your innermost Self. In this state of restful alertness, your brain functions with significantly greater coherence and your body rests more deeply than when you are actually asleep. It’s one of the most healthy things we can do. I’ll bet you didn’t know that!