Meditation

Everyone seems to agree that meditation is a great technique for improving yourself. Not many people take it up, however, and that’s a shame. It would seem there are some misconceptions that need to be addressed, and then you too can benefit from this valuable method of deliberation. 

There is no one true way.

While some meditation techniques use certain positions, mantras, or visuals, the focus on breath is key. So, you can be “meditating” even while moving or working. My favorite meditations are walking meditations, hiking meditations, meditations where you observe your environment and narrate what’s around you. 

Concentration and awareness of the “self” in the “now” is the only requirement. In fact, we can meditate all the time, putting the mind on an object of focus for an extended period. The point of meditation is to meditate on something that will change our lives or help us grow in some way. Meditation stops the fight-or-flight response and brings us to the present where we can work on responding, rather than reacting.

Meditation is never about the mind’s stillness

Meditation can calm some people, but can also cause anxiety when thoughts occur that are obtrusive. The purpose of meditation is not to get your thoughts to stop or to feel zen-like and peaceful. It’s an opportunity to practice a new way responding to thoughts, emotions, sensations or distractions, and rewire your brain for new habits and patterns. The more we practice, the better we get at not getting caught up in thoughts. 

People can benefit from five-minute meditation breaks. 

Need a mental recharge? Stop, pause, and gently close your eyes. Count your breaths without trying to alter them, in and out, until you reach a count of five, then start over again. After this brief pause, you will feel like a new person. 

Written by the GBS Web Services Team