These days, more and more people are becoming aware of how valuable yoga, meditation techniques, self-awareness, and focus can be to a person's spiritual growth and development. However, with a variety of things to take into consideration spiritually, it is easy to overlook some of the most basic and fundamental qualities and habits of life. One of these traits that should not be overlooked is that of being totally and completely honest in the course of one's spiritual development.
Everyone knows that honesty is a good and valuable characteristic to cultivate, but it is not as often recognized as a necessity when seeking out spiritual growth. However, as most people move along through their spiritual journey, most people start to really discover the significance and importance of honesty as it relates to their quest. There are four primary areas where honesty comes into play most significantly.
The first area where one must employ honesty is in facing their human weaknesses and shortcomings. Everyone on the planet has weaknesses, but until a person is able to see their own and acknowledge them, they will be limited in the amount of spiritual growth they can achieve. If a person strives to cover up or justify their weaknesses, then they are basically blocking any hope of spiritual development.
Secondly, honesty is needed in facing up to the realities of your life. You need to be completely honest about the state of affairs of every aspect of your life. Stop clinging to the image that you want to present to the rest of the world, and begin to embrace the true state of your life and your relationships. The problem with clinging to the image, which is most likely "perfect," is that it gets in the way of being able to make real, lasting and significant changes that can lead to real happiness, rather than just an illusion of it. With honesty, one can look at the real truth and then have a realistic place to begin to improve.
Thirdly, honesty is needed to help people eliminate fake personalities, which must be eschewed in order to enjoy true spiritual enlightenment and growth. Most people put an enormous amount of energy, thought, and anxiety into creating and then maintaining completely false portrayals of themselves. They become more like characters acting in a play than real people engaged in real life. In order to have any hope of enjoying true spiritual healing and development, a person must peel away these false personas and be sincere and forthright beings.
The fourth way that honesty plays a role in the spiritual journey is through the use of meditation techniques. When a person begins a session of meditation, they should be aware their flow of thoughts. For most people who are just learning to master their minds through meditation, they will discover thoughts that are filled with false reasoning and justifications. The best way to begin to control this flow of thoughts is to deal with them in an honest and forthright manner, then setting them aside and allowing the more centered and real thoughts to come to the surface.
As you continue on your path of spiritual growth and development it will be helpful to always keep these for aspects of honesty in mind and review your progress with them. As you do, you will enjoy moving to higher levels and stages of spiritual development, which will lead you toward your true spiritual life.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Honesty Is The Ultimate Trait Towards Spiritual Growth
Five Simple Ways To Meditate
There are many different methods that you can use for meditation.
Each way has roughly the same result, it's just a different way to reach that result. Much the same as you can probably change your route to work - you'll get there, possibly a bit slower or faster, but you'll still reach your destination. Examine these simple methods of meditation. Then decide on one method to try out.
Walking meditation
This is a very simple way to meditate. Of course, you'll be aware of what's close by and and what is happening around you. The joy of using walking meditation is that you can do it pretty much anywhere. Also there's no necessity for anyone else to know that you're meditating, which can be a plus point when you're beginning. When you carry out a walking meditation, you will pay attention to your feelings and what's around you. If you regularly take a walk of between 15 and 20 minutes, that's fantastic. And if you can keep away from the distraction of traffic noise, even better, although that may not be as easy in busy towns and cities. If there's a local park, consider that. Or you may find that there's a local river or canal you can use. Then take yourself for a gentle stroll. Make sure that you notice the noises and smells. And, of course, also pay attention to what you see. You may find yourself noticing the vivid colors around you for the first time.
Breathing meditation
A breathing meditation can be as easy or as difficult as you want. at its simplest, find yourself a quiet place where you're likely to be undisturbed. Start to take slightly deeper breaths than you normally would. Make each in-breath long, slow and deep. If it's comfortable to do so, hold your breath for a second or two before you release it. Then breathe out slowly. Repeat the process several times - begin with, say, 5 repetitions and gradually increase this number. This is an easy meditation that can be practiced anywhere {and will leave your body more relaxed} and ready for the rest of the day.
Binaural beat meditation
Binaural beats meditations operate by playing two slightly different tones - one for each ear. They are usually disguised by music, natural sounds or anything else the author chooses. When your brain hears the two different tones, it is placed into a meditative state. The exact state will depend on the frequency of the binaural beats. So long as you know that the science going on in the background "works", you don't need to think much more about this. It's really easy and is the method I use personally to drop into a very deep meditative state just by listening to an MP3 file for 30 or 60 minutes.
Cosmic meditation
This process has been popularized in the United Kingdom by the television broadcaster Noel Edmonds, who used the process as part of his recent return to fame. It is also related to the Law of Attraction, popularized by the movie "The Secret". Cosmic meditation involves dropping into a state of meditation and then asking the cosmos to "deliver" something into your life. You send your intention to the cosmos (whatever that intention is) and then put your focus elsewhere whilst you wait for your intention to be returned to you. Cosmic meditation usually takes the form of a guided meditation and is sometimes also referred to as Cosmic Ordering.
Guided meditation
Your guided meditation can be "live" or it can be stored on an MP3 or CD. There are plenty of guided meditations available on the internet and they encompass everything from regular relaxation through to specific healings. Guided meditations typically last between 20 and 60 minutes. You'll normally start with a relaxation period to help you get the best from your meditation session and it will then go on to whatever subject you've decided for this particular meditation. So if you've chosen a guided meditation to help heal your body, you'll maybe be guided to fill your body with a bright white light or maybe some healing sand (which then drains out of your body, taking the toxins with it). Every guided meditation is different - find someone who's voice is good for you to listen to and follow them!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Calm and Focus the Mind with Meditation
You've heard of meditation, but what is it exactly? The term meditation is often used to describe an individual's state of intense focus on an object or thought. The individual tries to turn his or her attention inward.
Meditation techniques are said to be of Vedic Hinduism origin and are traditionally practiced in the eastern religions. However, western society has embraced this practice enthusiastically.
People want to practice meditation for a number of reasons. There are those who practice it to help them focus more on God; others aim for personal development. Many people find that it helps them achieve peace of mind and better health. There are also those who seek to gain enlightenment from the practice of meditation.
Maybe you think that meditating is just another activity you should be doing to become healthier, sort of like dieting or exercising. Almost everyone who starts something new will have a vague sense of what this activity will do for them. But unless you know exactly what it is you hope to achieve, you're not likely to stick with a meditation routine for any length of time.
If you don't have clear goals, it can be hard to figure out where to begin. It can also lead to discouragement when your expectations aren't being met. The best thing to do is to start by identifying what you hope to achieve from practicing meditation. Discover as much as possible about the best practices to achieve that objective. Then, just jump in.
Meditating is a simple practice, theoretically. Just sit there and concentrate on one thought or object. But this is actually much more difficult than it sounds. However, your mind is always jumping from thought to thought, even though you might not be aware of it. And that makes it difficult to focus on only one thought at a time.
So start slowly. Start by practicing your breathing. This is the heart of meditation. Sit comfortably and inhale and exhale deeply for several minutes. Breathing regularly allows you to become better focused, and this is essential for the effective practice of meditation.
If you catch yourself thinking about other things while meditating, focus again on your breathing. Meditation is all about concentrating. If you become aware of drifting off track, just return your thoughts to your previous state of mind. Don't give up; it takes time to get good at meditation, so continue practicing.
By meditating, you can gain a higher degree of peace and calm. There are so many stresses we deal with daily at home, work and in society, that it's critical for you to have a few peaceful minutes each day.
Benefits Of Meditation Are Significant
There is no doubt that people living today have more conveniences than ever thanks to technology and the "electronic age" in which they live. But, it also seems that people are geared toward getting more done as fast as possible, making lives ever more hectic. With cellular phones, PDAs, WiFi devices and laptops attached to people just about everywhere they go, they seldom truly leave their work behind. As a result, it seems that now more than ever, people are in need of meditation study and practice.
There are numerous benefits to meditation. As more modern, mainstream medical practitioners look into meditation techniques, the more they have started to acknowledge some of these benefits. Of course, this is nothing new to a great many people and is simply what Eastern religious and cultural traditions have known for centuries.
But, in the Western world, coverage of the benefits of meditation on a national, mainstream broadcast marks a definite shift in the society at large. Multiple research studies have revealed that when cancer patients are taught to incorporate meditation sessions with their cancer treatments, their treatments are more successful.
The fact that this is a major news story in the Western world, and yet is simply a well-known fact in the Eastern world, is a clear indication of how far behind Western medicine is, with regard to integrating spirituality into healthcare approaches. In fact, to many in Eastern cultures it even seems laughable to waste time on a study of the benefits of meditation when in that part of the world it has been a fact of life and practice for as long as anyone can remember.
But, the news is that researchers in the Western world have proven through scientific means, that the regular practice of meditation is an effective, simple and safe way to balance a person's emotional, mental and physical state. As a result of this, it is commendable that more and more mainstream doctors are suggesting to their patients that they learn to meditate in conjunction with their traditional medical treatments. Many doctors have reported that meditations have helped their patients heal faster and respond better to various treatments and medications.
Of course, there are also many benefits even for those who are not undergoing any type of medical treatment, and many advocates of various meditation techniques say that a regular practice of meditating can help keep a person healthy and can actually be instrumental in warding off illness and disease. It is believed that one of the reasons for this is the fact that the meditation helps to keep stress and anxiety in check and since these are major contributors or triggers of many health issues, it is natural that those who meditate enjoy better health.
One of the most significant benefits of meditation is this factor of reducing stress from the body. When people mediate on a regular basis, they will achieve deeper levels of relaxation and inner contemplation. This helps to eliminate many worries and pressures that accumulate in a day and can help them to enjoy a more peaceful and calm existence.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Mindfulness Meditations Is Of Great Value
There is no question that the pace of life today is more hectic than ever and that an increasing number of people are dealing with feelings of rage, depression, anger, anxiety and stress, as well as many other negative emotions and reactions to modern day life. With such a pace and over-booked schedules, it is not uncommon to discover that you have somehow ended up functioning on "auto-pilot." Mindfulness meditations have proven to be helpful for people who are feeling overtaxed and overwrought with life.
The concept of mindfulness meditations is to help you to be more aware, or mindful, of the many aspects of your life and of everything you are doing. So many times it is easy to get into a groove or a rut and fail to recognize patterns of behavior, attitudes, emotions and actions that begin to take over. Sometimes, it seems that it is easier to let habit or outside circumstances and influences "push" us through the day, and living starts to take on an aspect of "unconscious existing."
For years, experts have said that it is impossible to change anything in your life that you are not aware of. When people slide into the coping method of going through the motions of living unconsciously, utilizing mindful meditations can be useful.
Taking time on a daily basis for mindful meditation practice is the way to become aware of the patterns that a person has fallen into. Once this awareness is brought about, the person who is meditating can then start to see their life from a different perspective and start to see where they can make changes and improvements. In general, meditation techniques help people to gain a more balanced, realistic and grounded view of their behaviors, attitudes and actions.
As you become more aware of all the different aspects of your life, your unique situation, and the environment you are surrounded by through mindfulness mediations, this in turn helps your body to relax, which also helps the nervous system to relax. As a result, stress can be greatly reduced simply by becoming aware through the meditation process.
Mindfulness meditations can also be instrumental in helping a person begin to regain the control in their life that they have given up, while operating in that auto-pilot state. One of the most stressful things people experience is the belief that they have no control of their own existence. These meditation techniques can be very beneficial is raising awareness, breaking old patterns and restoring control over one's own life.
How To Meditate To Live A Relaxing Life
The subject of how to meditate used to be associated primarily with the counter culture and the hippie generation. However, these days, it is almost trendy to learn to meditate and it is something that more and more people are seeking to learn about. While there are many Easter cultures that have practiced and perfected meditation techniques over the course of thousands of years, the Western world seems to just be waking up to the full benefits of the practice.
In recent years, an increasingly expanding list of professional athletes, celebrities and business leaders have been learning how to meditate for themselves. These high-profile people have also been more and more willing to speak up and share the benefits they have received from meditation techniques. In some instances, coaches of professional or college sports teams, leaders and owners of businesses have introduced meditation practices to their teams and/or employees to help improve performance.
Nowadays, there are a variety of methods that people can seek out in order to learn how to meditate. Some years ago, the best option was to go on a week long retreat and be instructed by a group of trained instructors in various meditation techniques. In general, these retreats were expensive, making it hard for many people to take advantage of the opportunity.
Many different books have been published over the years to teach meditation. But, somehow trying to learn meditation through a book was a challenging task for many. As a result, many people were not able to experience the full benefits of meditation and in some ways were even left with a negative experience, simply because they were not utilizing the best learning method.
These days there are many guided meditations on CD, as well as MP3 downloads. These mediums are an easier and more effective way to introduce people to mediation. Most of the time, once they become familiar and comfortable with this practice, they are able to expand and meditate on their own or with special meditation music.
Another popular way to learn how to mediate is with DVDs or online videos. For many people, it really makes more sense to stick with the guided meditations that they can receive as an audio file, because many of the DVDs are simply an introduction to the meditation practice. In most forms of meditation, the person's eyes are closed and so they will not be watching a video, although the DVD might include a section of meditation music for the person to use.
If a person has learned the basic techniques of how to meditate, then they will have the ability to make their sessions uniquely their own and to essentially customize their practice in a way that will enhance their own particular spiritual journey. Many times, students of meditation will learn other methods, such as Buddhist meditation or transcendental meditation, and even weave the different meditation techniques together to create their own form.
Meditation Techniques Advantageous
Sometimes when people hear someone else mention something about meditating, they get a mental image of a group of monks in a monastery in some distant land. In many cases, they don't really understand what meditation is or how it has many benefits for today's modern lifestyles. But, more and more people are not only learning about what meditating can do for a person, but an increasing number are also learning how to meditate.
While it is true that the practice of meditation has strong and deep connections to many Eastern cultures and religions, it is also a fact that meditation has been practiced around the world by a wide variety of people of many beliefs. While meditating is something that has been done for thousands and thousands of years in these other areas, it has only been in the last few decades that it has become better known, understood and practiced in the Western world.
Meditation is something that can be done by any person, no matter what their age, background or lifestyle. Over the years, it has proven to help people reduce anxiety and stress, and cope with the challenges of life that come up for everyone.
There are a number of different approaches to the subject of meditation, but they all center on the same basic principles. The first thing people need to do when learning how to meditate is to quiet the mind of the clutter and chatter that is so common in today's life, and increase mindfulness of things that can calm and relax.
Some of the more common ways to meditate that are among the most recognized, are prayer, transcendental meditations, mindfulness meditations, Zen meditations, Taoist meditations, and Buddhist meditations. Some of these meditation techniques require that the body be kept absolutely still, while others incorporate deliberate and controlled movements.
Regardless of the method of meditating, the process leads to a deeper contemplation and reflection of whatever is going on in one's life, helping to bring those things that are most important to the surface. In this way, meditating can help to open the way for spiritual development and spiritual enlightenment because it is an effective way of allowing the mind to focus on the inner aspects of life and tune out the distractions of daily tasks and demands.
There are a number of different healing benefits that have been reported throughout the years. The benefits are most often seen by those who choose to make meditating a regular practice that is incorporated into their daily lives. Many have reported that their meditations have brought about healing in the physical body, the spirit, the emotions and the mind.
Some of the most common physical health benefits that people experience when they meditate regularly, include lowered blood pressure, a lower resting heart rate, improved breathing, improved blood circulation and better sleep patterns. In addition, people have reported that through meditation they have a more youthful appearance overall, as well as more energy and less stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Meditation is Easier Than It Might Seem
by Keira Adams
What is meditation, and is it as complicated as it appears? The answer to the second question is definitely "no". The first question will take a little more explanation, which will also help to explain why meditation is easier than it might seem to be.
During meditation, your mind and body are in a state of conscious relaxation and focus. You will experience sharpened awareness of both your outer surroundings and your inner being.
There is a considerable variety of meditation methods. But basically, the central principles are the same. A successful meditation experience can only be achieved when you calm your mind through the elimination of negative thoughts and emotions through deep focus. Afterwards, your thoughts will be less scattered and your actions more purposeful.
Think of it as housekeeping of the mind. Your negative thoughts and emotions (picture your reaction when faced with construction delays, being put on hold endlessly, and your brother's upcoming trip to Europe) are what "pollute" your mind. Meditation "cleanses" the mind, allowing you to focus on the things that really matter.
Find a Sanctuary for Your Meditation
Your meditation session will be most effective in a calm environment. Find a room in the house where you feel comfortable. If there are other people at home, choose a location where you can close the door and muffle the noise. Turn off the phone, the dishwasher, the washing machine, and don't let anyone vacuum.
Once you're meditating on a regular basis, you'll probably want some props. A meditation pillow or chair, some scented candles and some soothing meditation audio will all help you on your journey to Zen mastery.
Assume the Position
You're sure to have seen the usual pictures of people meditating in unlikely positions with perfect posture. Rest assured that there's no need to contort your body to experience meditation. The idea is to be comfortable so that you can focus on meditating, not your stretched muscles. You can sit, stand, lie down, or even walk around. The choice is yours.
Keep in mind, however, that your back needs to be straight if you're standing or sitting. If you slump, you'll be too relaxed and run the risk of falling asleep. And for maximum comfort, wear something loose and comfy so that you're not focused on your pants cutting into your middle. You have much more important things to focus on.
Ohmm
Many people who meditate include a mantra as part of their practice. A mantra is a word or sound that is repeated over and over, and your focus should be on nothing but that sound. Choose a word or phrase that has significance to you, or just a sound that feels good. Although not a essential part of meditation, it does help you to concentrate on your breathing and can lead you to a higher state of awareness.
The key to a successful meditation experience is focus. Choose an object in your mind or in your line of vision, and concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else. The same applies to a specific thought as well as to your mantra.
For a simple routine to get you started, start by settling yourself in your chosen sanctuary. Close your eyes, and envision each part of your body, from the top down or bottom up, it doesn't matter. Silently name each part as you think of it, and give it your full attention. You'll immediately notice if there's tension or discomfort in that particular location. In your mind, visualize the tension leaving that body part. You'll be amazed at the results.
Keira Adams writes about women's wellness, including meditation techniques. If you want to know more about this calming practice, visit Meditation-Info.
