MEDITATION

Meditation is you sit or lay still and enter into a deep state of relaxation. This deep state of relaxation allows your mind, body and soul to relax. Some people like to find this deep state of relaxation in the stillness of their own mind. Others prefer to have a guided meditation or enjoy meditating in a group environment.

Whatever the method of meditation you prefer, the benefits have been enjoyed for thousands of years. The history of meditation is thought to have stemmed as far back as over 5000 years, when we were hunters and gathers. The development of meditation was taught as a formal practice in Hindu India around 1500BCE. Then in 500BCE the adaptation of Mediation was incorporated in Buddhist practices.

Today millions of people enjoy the benefits of meditation to find inner peace, cope with the stresses of life better or have better overall wellbeing.

Meditation sessions will vary with each practitioner. Some guided meditations will be tailored to the needs and desires of those present. Other meditations may have a formal structure with no room to be creative. Individual meditation is the most flexible because you can decide where to place your thoughts, and what areas you want to focus on.

Traditionally a western meditation session will last between 20-40 minutes. It will begin with a series of breathing exercises to help you get into a state of relaxation. If you are new to the practice of meditating, never expect your mind to be “still”. It will still wander, when you find your mind going to the chores you have to do, just gently coax it back to focus. Deep breathing assists in centering your mind again.

Meditation is a great way to escape from the stress of daily life. It has mental and physical both benefits, including reducing stress & anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and getting you more in tune with your body. It is helpful to increase your immune system too!

• Feeling of peace, balance and comfort
• Gain answers to problems you have
• Relaxes your nervous system
• Clears your mind for better sleep
• Slows the thinning of brain tissue that occurs as we get older
• Increases intelligence
• Reduces anxiety and depression by enabling your body to balance it own neuro chemical system
• Clearer mind for better decision-making and communication
• Buddhists aspire to enlightenment through meditation