 Tranquilty for the Mind and Body Through Meditation
Tranquility for our mind and body is seen as a luxury, now a days.
Most people feel as though they do not have enough time for themselves,
let alone experiencing some inner silence. How could we experience it
when we constantly think about our hectic schedules and other various
obligations. Even during the those times of relaxation we find
ourselves watching television, listening to the radio, or talking on
the phone. Our mind is constantly engaged by some distraction that we
rarely get a chance to enjoy moments of inner silence.
When I initially started practicing meditation it was quite difficult.
I felt very irritable sitting for a couple minutes and I tried very
hard to stop my mind from thinking. Also, it felt as though the more I
tried to suppress my thoughts the "louder" they would feel. But, I
guess with time as I started focusing more on my breathing to attention
shifted. I was more focused on each breath rather than each thought.
When a person starts up meditating, our brain has a hard time dealing
with no stimulation.
I started developing an interest in meditation after taking a spiritual
course that emphasized interpersonal growth and wellness. This course
emphasized that when we think we tend to focus on the past or about the
future. An example would be, when you were brushing your teeth this
morning. Was that all you were doing? More than likely you were
thinking about something that happened yesterday or something that may
happen at work. Does my boyfriend love me? Why did I not turn in my
report? Our mind is usually not as focused on task at hand. We have
grown very accomplished to "mental multi-tasking", which is a hard
habit to break. Breaking a bad habit takes time and practice like
anything.
Tranquility for our mind and body, now a days, is seen as a luxury.
Most people feel as though they do not have enough time for themselves,
let alone experiencing some inner silence. How could we experience it
when we constantly think about our hectic schedules and other various
obligations. Even during the those times of relaxation we find
ourselves watching television, listening to the radio, or talking on
the phone. Our mind is constantly engaged by some distraction that we
rarely get a chance to enjoy moments of inner silence.
When I initially started practicing meditation it was quite difficult.
I felt very irritable sitting for a couple minutes and I tried very
hard to stop my mind from thinking. Also, it felt as though the more I
tried to suppress my thoughts the "louder" they would feel. But, I
guess with time as I started focusing more on my breathing to attention
shifted. I was more focused on each breath rather than each thought.
When a person starts up meditating, our brain has a hard time dealing
with no stimulation.
I started developing an interest in meditation after taking a spiritual
course that emphasized interpersonal growth and wellness. This course
emphasized that when we think we tend to focus on the past or about the
future. An example would be, when you were brushing your teeth this
morning. Was that all you were doing? More than likely you were
thinking about something that happened yesterday or something that may
happen at work. Does my boyfriend love me? Why did I not turn in my
report? Our mind is usually not as focused on task at hand. We have
grown very accomplished to "mental multi-tasking", which is a hard
habit to break. Breaking a bad habit takes time and practice like
anything.
Meditation prevents out mind from multi-tasking by creating a central
focus, inner silence. Inner silence, is a frame of mind and body where
we become numb to the noises and distractions of the outside world.
Even our rampant thoughts subside with time, allowing our brain's
activity and level of stress to be suppressed. The energy created
through meditation will be used for self rejuvenation and wellness.
Here are some simple ways of meditating. The form is quite easy to
achieve. Working on consistency with this exercise my by the hard time.
Process behind meditation
1. Sit with spine erect (knees crossed)
2. Place wrists on knees with arms facing up
3. Breathe, slowly through the nose (full expand nasal passage)
*Please avoid breathing through the mouth. It will minimize the effect.
4. Hold breath for 15 sec
5. Slowly exhale through the nose (focus on a gentle, stream of air)
6. Exhale until your rib cage is slight concave
7. Pause for 10 secs.
8. Repeat steps 1-7
Approximate Time: 15 mins
Please dedicate about 15 mins day toward meditation, when starting off.
You can increase your level of activity to 30 minutes, if desired.
For those that would like to challenge themselves, sit on your knees
(with your butt on your heels). You will feel cramping initially. With
time your quadriceps and other muscles will slowly relax and you will
feel instant relaxation. I, initially, when trying this move had a very
difficult time sitting still. But, with time it becomes easier.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is more powerful than meets the eye. During the
moments of tranquility our body goes through a rejuvenation process.
Our cells become invigorated by the increase flow of oxygen and other
nutrients. , affecting each part of our body. Meditation as helps
improve our concentration, as our mind learns how to focus better.
Also, our mind starts developing a strong connection with our body. It
has been commonly seen many athletes are starting to meditate as a part
of their regime.
As health care is turning to supplemental means of treatment,
meditation is becoming a popular suggestion by many physicians. The
techniques in meditation have been implemented in the management of
life threatening ailments, alteration of mental diseases, and in the
management of stress and cardiovascular conditions.
All parts of the body are affecting by the practices of mediation. It
causes our body to decrease its respiratory rate (rate of breaths per
minute) and lowers our oxygen consumption. Most doctors are observing
that meditation helps increase blood flow, decrease heart rate, and
decreases blood pressure (mostly in those with elevated levels).
Meditation affects our brain by allowing it to achieve a deeper level
of relaxation (similar to those seen sleeping).
During the times of yogis in ancient India, it was observed that
these gurus, while in a tranquil state, could lower their heart rate to
a very low level. Also, they were able to goes several weeks without
food and water by altering their metabolic activity. When awake,
various parts of our body, especially our skeletal muscles demands
nutrients and energy to function. When we meditate, at least in a very
deep state, we minimize the energy demands from certain parts of our
body. It is pretty amazing how much power our mind has over the actions
of our body. Unfortunately, most people are unable to feel those
affects because we have to train our mind for many years about true
inner peace.
I truly appreciate the beautiful sensations I feel from meditating.
It is such a great feeling to be able to tune out the noises of the
world and feel the inner peace within. I think that you should take
some time to focus on yourself and help rejuvenate your life and your
inner spirit. I feel that downtime is a very part of life that you
should try to focus on. Add more tranquility to your mind and body as
it will truly benefit you in the end!
About the Author
Vilash Reddy is president of Doc1Vitamins.com. It is a comprehensive nutritional website that features physician developed vitamins and a unique, frequently updated health
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