Mental and Spiritual Healing.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is not quite as elusive as people think. Meditation is simply quieting of the mind and body. Nothing is supposed to happen while we meditate, but it is traditionally used to rejuvinate and bring you back to your center. Some people use it to open the lines of connection to the divine...

Editor: Miss Fitness

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But this is not when this connection typically happens. Usually insights and 'ah ha' moments will happen after the practice of meditation. Some people find meditation uncomfortable, because they can't get their mind to stop. This is so very normal, and if you're having this problem, although slightly irritating, don't quit, it will pass in time. At the end of this article are some tips to help you improve your meditation technique.

Meditation is believed to have had its origins in Eastern religious or spiritual traditions. Meditation techniques have been used by many different cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. Today, we also use meditation outside of religious or cultural settings, for health and wellness purposes.

In meditation, a person learns to focus his attention and stop the stream of thoughts that normally inhabit the mind. Meditation practice (notice I say practice) is believed to result in a state of greater physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance. Practicing meditation can change how a person relates to the flow of emotions and thoughts in the mind.

Meditation typically has four elements in common:

* A quiet location. People who meditate prefer a quiet place with as few distractions. This can be particularly helpful for beginners. People who have been practicing meditation for a longer period of time sometimes develop the ability to meditate in public places and not be distracted.

* A specific, comfortable posture. Depending on the type being practiced, meditation can be done while sitting, lying down, standing, walking, or in other positions.

* A focus of attention. Focusing one's attention is usually a part of meditation. For example, the meditator may focus on a mantra (a specially chosen word or set of words), an object, or the breath.

* An open attitude. Having an open attitude during meditation means letting distractions come and go naturally without stopping to think about them. When distracting or wandering thoughts occur, they are not suppressed; instead, the meditator gently brings attention back to the focus. In some types of meditation, the meditator learns to observe the rising and falling of thoughts and emotions as they spontaneously occur.

Meditation is practiced both on its own but can also be combined with some other therapies, such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong.