Though Christmas is over (and I hope everyone had a merry one), most of us are still burning the candle at both ends during the final days of 2011. One great way to relax your mind and body during busy, stressful times is through meditation. Sound like something only monks can do? Not so, grasshopper. And since we are heading into a new year, why not make a resolution to try meditating this year? Even 5 or 10 minutes a day will get you started in the right direction.<\/p>\n
Meditation has some pretty fascinating effects on the mind and body. A recent article in Scientific American<\/i> titled “The Neurobiology of Bliss–Sacred and Profane,” reported on a study that suggests that the brain reacts the same way to meditation as it does to sex. Both dissolve our sense of self-awareness, separating ourselves from our ego. The article explains that people meditating and having an orgasm both experience “diminution of self-awareness,” “alterations in bodily perception” and “decreased sense of pain.”<\/p>\n
When you meditate, the left side of your brain lights up and when you have sex, the right side of your brain lights up. Why is this a good thing? Both experiences lead to a cessation of mental chatter and help you lose physical and mental boundaries.<\/p>\n
You can find meditation classes and groups in the Glens Falls area, like the one that meets on Wednesday evenings at True North on Glen Street. Or you can follow the easy instructions below.<\/p>\n
How to meditate<\/b><\/p>\n
The purpose of meditation is to make your mind calm and peaceful. Meditation simply means to become familiar with your object, which could be a variety of different things – love, compassion, the faults of anger, or improved concentration. These are just a few the topics you could choose to make your mind calm and happy.<\/p>\n
Preparation<\/u>
\nSit with your back straight but relaxed around a straight spine.
\nAllow the muscles in your body to relax.
\nDraw your attention inward by focusing on the breath.
\nWhen a thought arises, gently bring your attention back to the breath.
\nSet an intention – e.g. I want to improve my concentration, I want to reduce my anger, I want to increase my compassion. Your intention will inform your meditation.<\/p>\n
Contemplation – Examples<\/u>
\nTo improve concentration, focus on your breathing.
\nTo reduce anger, think about on the good qualities of a person and the bad qualities of anger.
\nTo increase love and compassion, think that everyone has the same two wishes: to be happy and to be free from suffering.<\/p>\n
Placement<\/u>
\nWhen you find your object of meditation, hold it for as long as you can.
\nWhen you notice you have lost your object, engage in contemplation again.<\/p>\n
Dedication<\/u>
\nSend all the positive energy gathered during your session to the benefit of others.
\nYou can think about specific people or everyone who has problems, wishing them to be free from those problems and to experience happiness and good health.<\/p>\n
Subsequent practice<\/u>
\nCarry your object of meditation with you as much as possible.
\nTry to integrate the meditation into your daily life.
\nRemind yourself of the benefits of your practice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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