The Journey of Learning to Meditate
Learning to meditate is an adventure of self-discovery, enlightenment and personal fulfillment. Of course, not everyone follows the path of insight meditation, subscribing to the whole spiritualism behind the practice. Some people use meditation and relaxation simply to get a handle on their strong emotions and daily stresses. Some people take classes as a time for quiet reflection. Whatever your reason for getting started, you will notice a different feeling stirring in you.
Meditation study emphasizes position when students are learning how to meditate because, they stress, sitting upright allows energy to flow straight down the spine and back up again. Participants are able to take deeper breaths and remain mentally alert, even as the body moves into a deeper state of relaxation. There are two cushions the meditation group may use: the zafu and the zabuton. The zafu is a thick, pillbox-shaped cushion that is usually round. A zabuton is flatter, more like a dinner table seat cushion. There are also gomdens (taller square cushions), kneeling benches and yoga mats used in meditative practices. Visit www.samadhicushions.com for some ideas on meditation accessories you may purchase to get the full experience.
One obstacle many people face when learning to meditate is drowsiness. Many new meditators feel they will be most comfortable lying in a darkened room. However, once heart rate and circulation decreases while meditating, sleep chemicals like melatonin and dopamine will also be released. The end result will be a state of sleep-hypnosis and not true meditation. Meditation instruction trains your body to be as if sleeping but your mind to be fully aware. Your teacher will probably instruct you to sit on a floor cushion with your legs crossed and your eyes open, cast slightly downward.
Next the question becomes, “What do I do while sitting?” This is perhaps the most challenging part of learning to meditate. Naturally, our mind wants to wander, so it can be difficult to reach a meditative state. The most basic approach is to opt for “choice-less awareness,” as meditation teacher J. Krishnamurti calls it. You can become conscious, without thinking trivial thoughts, by focusing on sensory awareness — on your breathing rhythm, on a fixed object before you or on the feeling of energy within you. Let your thoughts come and go until finally, there are no more thoughts. Focus on the area below and behind your belly button — the hara point — and let the energy radiate from your center up toward your forehead. Soon you will understand how meditation works. About the Author of this Article
Sandy James enjoys writing about health related topics and self help related issues, she believes there is a common link between the two and a highly improved quality of life. Sandy is at present taking an online online nursing degree in her spare time. An online nursing degree is only an option if you already hold nursing experience and qualifications. More information can be found at http:online-nursingdegree.com, where you can then decide if this is an option for you.
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