As Jeremy Taylor said “Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit”
Meditation is a precise technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. It is not a part of any religion; it is a science, which means that the process of meditation follows an order, has definite principles and contributes to a more positive, healthy lifestyle. It is an invaluable tool helping people reduce stress and gain a deeper sense of fulfillment in life. As well as foster greater physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Can meditation make you more mentally balanced? Yes! Life comes at us at breakneck speed. We are overwhelmed with sensory input, and modern lives are chronically busy and hectic.
Few simple and effective tips by Col. Vijay Bakshi, HOD, Associate Professor, IFIM Institutions to make meditation an awesome experience for you:
Choose a convenient time
Meditation is essentially relaxation time, so it should be done entirely at your convenience. Choose a time when you know you are not likely to be disturbed and are free to relax and enjoy.The hours of sunrise and sunset, while nature transitions between day and night are ideal for the practice. You will also find these times quiet at home, which will help in your meditation.
Find a quiet place
Just like a convenient hour, choose a place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Quiet and peaceful surroundings can make the meditation experience for a beginner more enjoyable and relaxing.
Sit in a comfortable posture
Your posture makes a difference too. Make sure you are relaxed, comfortable and steady. Sit straight with your spine erect; keep your shoulders and neck relaxed, and eyes closed throughout the process. That you have to sit in Padmasana (the lotus position) to meditate is a very common myth of meditation.
Keep a relatively empty stomach
A good time to meditate at home or in office is before having a meal. After food, you might doze off while meditating. However, do not force yourself to meditate when you are very hungry. You will find it difficult because of hunger cramps or you may even keep thinking about food the whole time! In this case, you can meditate after two hours of having food.
Start with a few warm-ups
A few warm-ups or Sukshma yoga exercises before sitting to meditate helps improve circulation, removes inertia and restlessness and makes the body feel lighter. This is a very important step in your list of ‘how to meditate’ since you will be able to sit steadily for a longer time.
Take a few deep breaths
This is again preparation for easy meditation. Deep breathing in and out as well as doing some Nadi Shodhan Pranayama before meditating is always a good idea.
This helps to steady the rhythm of the breath and leads the mind into a peaceful meditative state.
Keep a gentle smile on your face
You will see the difference! A gentle smile throughout keeps you relaxed, peaceful and enhances your meditation experience.
Open your eyes slowly and gently
As you come close to the end of the meditation, don’t be in a hurry to open your eyes and start moving about. Open your eyes slowly and gradually and take time to become aware of yourself and your surroundings.
The stress and rigors of modern day fast paced life are taking a toll on the physical health and mental state of every human being. If there is one thing that can provide succor and relief to this stress, it is meditation.
