Meditation is a practice from ancient times that is becoming increasingly popular in today’s modern world. The practice of meditation is found in many traditions, and for many different reasons. This article provides an introduction to the practice of meditation, and gives basic instructions for a simple meditation that anyone can do.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is an activity that allows you to quiet your mind and focus your attention on the present moment. There are many different ways to practice meditation, and it is practiced for many different reasons. It is an activity that anyone can do, and with practice you will be able to learn to quiet your mind, become more productive, and change your attitude for the better.
The Practice
Meditation is an activity that is performed by sitting quietly and focusing your attention on something. This can be done with or without the use of words. The type of meditation that we will be describing here is called “mindfulness.” Mindfulness meditation is a style of meditation where you focus your attention on your breath, and on the present moment. The practice of mindfulness meditation is very easy to do.
Begin by sitting quietly in a place where you will not be disturbed. You can sit on the floor, in a chair, or on a cushion. Take a few moments to become aware of your body, and to let go of any tension. Feel the air going in and out of your nose, and feel the sensations of your body relaxing. You can do this exercise with your eyes open or closed. Whatever is easiest for you is best. With your eyes open, focus on your breath. Bring your attention to the sensation of each breath as it comes in and out. You may notice that your attention will wander to other thoughts or sensations in your body. When you notice that your mind has wandered, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Try to do this without any sense of judgment or criticism of yourself. Gently and kindly bring your mind back to your breath. When you are finished, take a few moments to feel the effects of the practice. You may notice that you feel relaxed, alert, and more focused. It is important to remember that meditation is not a competition, nor is it an exercise in perfection. It is an activity that you can do for your own benefit, in your own time, and in your own way.
Benefits of Meditation
The practice of meditation has many benefits. The most obvious benefit is that it allows you to quiet your mind. This allows you to focus your attention on the present moment, rather than on the numerous daily worries and distractions that you face. This is a useful thing in today’s busy world, where the pace of life is always moving faster. Another benefit of meditation is that it allows you to examine your thoughts. This can be an effective way to deal with stress, because it allows you to become aware of the thoughts that cause you stress. By becoming aware of these thoughts, you can choose to change them, or to accept them for what they are. Meditation can also be a way to increase your awareness of your own thoughts and feelings. This may lead to a greater sense of self-acceptance.
Conclusion
Meditation is a practice that you can benefit from, regardless of your age, gender, or spiritual beliefs. If you have never tried meditation before, you may be surprised at how easy and effective it is. Take some time to learn the basics of meditation, and to practice it for yourself. You may find that it is a simple activity that you can incorporate easily into your daily life.