Meditation Practice Sangha

Meditation is one of the most effective tools to lower your stress, achieve your goals, and ultimately change your life. There are many effective methods and ways to meditate, but many of the most effective are free and can take as little as five minutes out of your busy schedule. Basics of meditation The basic requirements for successful meditation are simple and easily attained. You need some time and space where you will be able to focus only on yourself and a comfortable place to either sit or lie down. The time needed is up to you. When you first begin, usually a shorter period is better as you get used to quieting your mind. Should I sit or lie down? Whether you sit or lie down is a matter of choice and availability. Since you can meditate anywhere that you can spend time focusing inward, you may be in a public place or somewhere where sitting is your only option. Usually lying down is best if you are meditating for an extended period or you are using a self-hypnosis method ofmeditation. A comfortable chair that you can slightly lean back into that completely supports you is usually the preferred method. Why should I meditate? Meditation has been proven effective in lowering your stress level and increasing your mental and physical health. Studies from John Hopkins Hospital to Harvard University have shown that meditation lowers anxiety, depression, and can make many standard health treatments far more effective. One of the best reasons to meditate regularly is that it clears your mind of all the noise and clutter, sort of like a reset. This reset gives you the ability to focus on what is most important to you rather than the hundreds of crazy things that fill your head space. How do I meditate? Your method of meditation will depend on your time, spiritual leanings, and what you hope to achieve. Prayer is a form of meditation, so if that is part of your regimen, than you are already doing it. The simplest form is to sit comfortably in a chair with both feeton the floor and your hands lying comfortably on your lap. Close your eyes, take three or four deep, slow breaths, and clear your mind of everything. Just focus on your breathing and the calm and peace of your body. Notice any stress or tension in any part of your body and release it as you notice it. What if my mind won’t shut up? You have been so conditioned your entire life to be responsible and ready to react to any situation that presents itself. So it is completely normal for your mind, at first, to continue running at its normal break neck speed. This is the wonderful part of meditation. As you train your brain to slow down and de-clutter, it will become more efficient and you will be amazed at the ease with which you can make decisions and choices in your life. If your mind keeps on chatting at you, just notice that the thought is there and then let it go. You can concentrate on your breathing or maybe a steady constant sound like the air conditioning system in the room.Realize that meditation is like a muscle and it will get easier and more natural with time. Don’t fight and resist the thoughts that come to you, just peacefully acknowledge them and then lovingly scoot them on their way. How will I know if meditation is working for me? The benefits of meditation are not only long lasting but immediately apparent. If you feel your mood lifting and the tension in your body becoming looser, you are effectively meditating. Your body, mind, and spirit are built to enjoy feeling good. So if you feel better after meditation, then you are achieving the desired natural state for you. Congratulations! Remember that with practice and a little research, you will find the right meditation method for you and you will notice that you stay in a more relaxed state all of the time. Meditation is available to you anywhere at any time. You can meditate for as little as a few seconds if that is all you have. Take advantage of one of the best tools available to you andwatch your life improve immediately. Love, Peace, Release Pete First Name Last Name Email Address

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