Living in Awareness – Day 7
Living In Awareness Day 7
Meditation
&
Learning To Relax The Body
There are two parts to today’s challenge. First I want you to read the following entry on meditation, and secondly create yourself a comfortable place where you will not be distracted. I have supplied you with a guided meditation based upon learning to relax the body. I hope you enjoy!
Meditation
Meditation provides a wide range of benefits. Regular meditation reduces the impact of stress on the mind and body. It will improve the immune system and overall health. Meditation has been proven to help people recover from illness and cope with chronic pain. Regular meditation will also improve your energy level, concentration and focus. Meditation will also bring a peace and calmness to your life, making it easier to deal with day to day frustrations and the hectic pace of life. Meditation can also be a spiritual practice, offering an opportunity to know yourself better and to experience your connection to the Divine.
How to meditate
Meditation is very simple, and anyone can do it. One of the most common misconceptions about meditation is that you have to ‘quiet the mind,’ or ‘clear the mind’ to be able to meditate. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Beginning meditators will often get frustrated and give up on the practice when they are not able to make their minds be quiet. It is an impossible task. The key is not to quiet the mind, but to simply stop participating in conversation with it! Meditation is not about clearing the mind, but rather the clearing that happens naturally as you meditate. Meditation is not about silencing the mind, but rather the silence that happens naturally because of meditation. Meditation is not about seeking peace, or enlightenment, but rather experiencing the peace and enlightenment that come through meditation. Rather than trying to stop thoughts from occurring, just observe the thoughts that occur. If that doesn’t make sense, don’t worry; it will when you begin meditating. All you have to do is sit down, center yourself, and begin to watch your thoughts, and your breath. That’s it! I do recommend sitting down, getting comfortable. Even though it is not necessary, you may want to set the stage to be more pleasant with things like candles, incense and soft music.
