Even in this age of complex modernity,the term “health “ seems to be predominantly associated with physical fitness and physical well-being. Many people used to go to gym to train their muscles, to remain fit physically. However, what about our emotional well-being or inner fulfilment? We remain so busy in our materialistic accumulation that we often ignore to take care of our emotional health. Human psychology is too peculiar to predict. We often find ourselves to be caught up into some crazy mazes of life. Therefore, our insight used to be darkened with the thick cloud of depression, anxiety, anger. We fail to realise that these are also the parts of our life. At the end,the journey of life (whether it leads to success or failure)matters. We may have some enriching experience, some sore experience in our life. But we continuously try to discard all the bitter experiences though life itself includes these experiences. Life is full of juxtaposition and we just deny to acknowledge the fact . However here lies the power of meditation that helps us to control our abusive reactions towards life.
What is meditation?
Meditation is an approach to train our minds in a positive way. It is one of the most effective practices to connect with innate qualities, to awaken our slumbered soul. As we go for doing cardio or iron training as physical exercises, meditation is a kind of mental exercise that revolves round psychological balance.
Why should we do meditation?
1. Promote positive energy- Meditation on a regular basis can promote positive energy. It can empower us with the virtues of empathy and kindness. It encourages us to explore the positive insight of mind to gain a new perspective of life.
2. Better understanding of self- During the session of meditation we may have the proper self-reflection. We try to connect to our core through this practice. Naturally, we become more aware of our own thought process. As a result, we get a clear picture of our mind and it helps to intensify our sense of “self-worth ‘ and “self-esteem".
3. Enhance cognitive power- The practice of meditation improves the power of the brain in respect of problem-solving and decision-making strategies. Thus,it may bring a positive shift in our professional life.
4. Stress-manager- One of the most prominent benifits of meditation is a more balanced nervous system and harmonal levels which may eliminate the psychological disorder like stress or anxiety. In short, meditation may lead to a calmer life.
5. Improvement of the power of concentration- Meditation helps to achieve a tranquil state of mind and it encourages mind to focus on the present. This practice pushes a person to become more settled, satisfied with their responsibilities, more patient and accepting of the things beyond his or her control. Meditation crowns a person with enriched concentration power that acts as a system of personality modification.
How to do meditation?
1. Let yourself be comfortable at first.
2. Try to sit or lie comfortably.
3. Close your eyes and breathe naturally.
4. No need to control your breath forcefully.
5. Be focused on the breath and how the body reacts and moves with each inhalation and exhalation.
Types of meditation
• Transcendental meditation- It's a unique form of meditation that is practised by many people. This kind of meditation is helpful for abstaining from diverting thoughts and imparting a condition of relaxing mindfulness.
• Mindfulness meditation- Mindfulness meditation helps a person to pay attention at the present moment without any judgement. One should try to practice it daily for fifteen to thirty minutes. During this kind of meditation your thoughts may wander. But it's quite normal. Just try to focus on your breathing as a tool to ground yourself in the present moment.
• Mantra meditation- In this form of meditation we focus on a mantra to gain the static flow of mind. This mantra could be a syllable, word or phrase. The vibration associated with the repeated mantra encourages a positive change to mould the moral character of a person, sometimes in the form of an increased self-confidence or increased compassion for others.
• Spiritual meditation- In spiritual meditation we seek a deeper connection with God or Universe. This type of meditation is a positive tribute to silence and is very similar to prayer. It can be practised at home or in a place of worship. It is very beneficial for those who seek spiritual growth.
• Movement meditation- Movement meditation is an active form of meditation where the movement itself is a guide to you. It is good for people who find peace in action. However, movement meditation consists of walking, gardening and other gentle forms of motion.
• Loving-kindness meditation- This form of meditation helps to emerge the feeling of unconditional love, a love with wisdom. It is believed to shift a person’s basic view of the self in relation to others and increase empathy.
• Focused meditation- In this form of meditation we learn how to calm the mind amidst the daily multi-tasking life.
• Visualisation meditation- This form of meditation is very helpful where an imagery is used to relieve stress,solve problems and improve self-confidence.
• Yoga meditation- Yoga meditation is about unlocking our inner bliss. It is concentration practice. The recommended object of concentration is God,represented by the divine sound “Om",but may change depending on the disposition of the mediator.
However, I hope the above article will provide clarity to those who fail to understand the basis nature of meditation. Meditation does not drive away a person from his or her responsibilities, rather it cultivates in him or her the power of detachment from the negative emotions by blooming the vigorous energy to promote in a positive way.
