WHAT IS MEDITATION, LET’S TALK ABOUT IT

Meditation, derived from the Latin word ‘meditatio’ meaning “to think, ponder, and contemplate”, is a conscious state of self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-expression.  When I heard about meditation years ago, it was at a time I now call my "period of awakening."  People would ask - Do you meditate? OR, how often do you meditate?  I would say I try.  I don’t really know how. I kept hearing how much it would benefit me so, in the late 1990’s, I got some books for tips.  I kept putting it off because I was afraid “I wasn’t going to do it right.”
What I realized was I had been overthinking it.  Imagine that – Isn’t that why meditation is so important – it’s about quieting the mind.  No wonder it was constantly being suggested.  I want to share what I’ve learned and tips on how to make it more effective for you. ​

Meditation is an ancient tradition practiced in cultures all over the world to create a sense of calm and inner harmony.  Many who do not understand miss the benefits because meditation is less about faith and more about altering consciousness.  It is about finding awareness and achieving peace.  Great philosophers and engineers since the beginning of time spent a lot of time meditating.  That is a major contributor to how they solved the problems of the world and developed many of the concepts governing our lives today.   They also took naps which have been found to be helpful with the integration of information born out of meditation.  Both were critical parts of their lives.   
WHY MEDITATE: 
The benefits include:
·         Being in the NOW – we are stuck in the past or overthinking the future
·         Do body checks to identify signs of health concerns
·         Increasing imagination and creativity
·         Increasing your overall self-awareness
·         Increasing patience and tolerance
·         Learning to recognize and then use skills to reduce stress
·         Reducing negative emotions
 THERE ARE SIX POPULAR TYPES OF MEDITATION PRACTICE:
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION. This often thought tied to the Buddhist religion and tradition, however. all can benefit from the practice.  We see it referenced so often in movies or general impressions through martial arts.  We also see it associated with many spiritual leaders around the world.  Keeping in mind it is not about a faith-based practice; we each no matter our spiritual affiliation can and would reap great benefit from meditating.  It involves you sitting or lying in a quiet space.  Typically through your breathing, you work to quiet the mind.  The act of focusing on the breath, as an example, brings you to present space and thus you are more mindful.  Through this meditation, you learn to observe your thoughts not focus on them by staying present with your breath.  After the meditation, you can reflect on what kept coming or any themes that were presented.
SPIRITUAL MEDITATION.  This usually IS associated with religious organizations or institutions. We see this as practices where one ponders the deeper meaning of life.  This can come through a focus on scripture or some sacred text.
FOCUSED MEDITATION.   This is where you are using one of your senses.  This can be listening to a meditation that includes a gong or a chime, for example.  Your focus is on the rhythm of sounds and you're listening tuning in allowing that sense to grow, develop and expand. You might be focused on the candle and your eyes are really focused on the flame.  This type of meditation is very beneficial for people who have difficulty focusing for long periods of time. As longer a period of focus is mastered, it can be applied to all areas of your life.
MOVEMENT MEDITATION.  This happens to each of us often when we're moving about in our daily lives.  The most commonly recognized forms are yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong.  However, exercising, riding our bikes, doing chores, walking the dog, etc. are also forms of moving meditation.  This we do all the time but how conscious are we of the fact.  This is a time where ideas and problem-solving can occur by ALLOWING thoughts to enter our minds. Using this time purposefully can make it a more useful period of time.  Use it as a period to focus on a situation or creative idea and let your mind flow.
MANTRA MEDITATION.   This is the most commonly known type of meditation.  Mantras like Om or repetition of I am love I am light.  There are many more and the idea is to repeat the mantra for a set period of time.  You get benefit through the rhythmic repetition and the intention and/or meaning of the words recited.   
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION.  This is a science-based type of meditation.  This requires a certified practitioner in the area of Transcendental Meditation.  It is a blend of science and spirituality.
GUIDED VS. INDIVIDUAL
Guided meditations are those you play or in group settings someone speaks and individuals follow the instructions given throughout the meditation.
Individual meditations are those where you have your routine, practice and ritual that allows you to have the deeper experience of meditation without someone guiding you. With this practice, you decide what you need, set your intentions, set an amount of time and choose the method and tools.
SETTING THE TONE FOR YOUR PRACTICE
Understanding with anything type of exercise we do, there is always a warm-up or something to prepare and condition the body – I strongly suggest:

• Choose a set location(s)
• Burn your incense, resin, or candle
• Say a prayer of protection:

• An example:  binding and sealing all doorways and pathways to darkness and negativity.  Ask that you be cleared of anything negative.  Ask that you move to the highest level of light possible.  You can ask for the being you trust for protection, your Guides and Ancestors of the light. 
• This is critical because through meditation you are opening yourself up to reach higher.  You want to be in a protected space as you do this.
• I also take 7 deep breaths and as I do I say the Lord’s Prayer. I say it 3 times. This prayer is Universal and transcends religion.   Adjust it as you need to:  Our Father, Divine Creator, Divine Spirit, Mother/Father God, etc.  

 When you do this preparation, you train the body and mind.  It also helps you more readily move to a clearer more open state.