Serenity in Meditation

Serenity refers to a state of peacefulness where the mind is calm and unruffled by the external environment. This higher spiritual echelon, or inner peace, is accompanied by a sense of contentment and bliss. Human beings are distinct from all other life forms due to their intelligence and consciousness. The conscious mind perceives the external world and feels various emotions based on experiences and perception.

These feelings, emotions, and sentiments, in turn, determine our inner equilibrium or "inner life." Consciousness, which stems from internalization of social values and morals, also plays a major role in directing the inner equilibrium. Most of the time, the inner life or equilibrium of a human mind is in a disturbed state. The mind is never at peace, and chaos reigns due to anger, shame, feelings of guilt, and sadness. The human mind strives to achieve the right balance or equilibrium. The eternal quest for the ultimate goal-bliss-proceeds in many directions.

Some seek respite in various forms of addiction, or others by passionately submerging themselves in work or pleasure. These paths, however, never satiate the true desire for peace or tranquility. Serenity, or peace, is achieved by striving for inner peace first. The most important step in this direction is to recognize the inner child of the mind. The second step emancipating the inner child from all forms of abuse and loving it unconditionally, like a child.

Self-love is the key to serenity. Self-love doesn't require one to be directed by the inner child. One should take control as a conscious being and love one's self, yet not be dictated by it. Some find serenity in nature; for others, serenity is found in visiting with family and friends. True serenity is achieved by empowering the inner life and allowing it to reflect the external life.

Meditation Basics: Counting breaths is not like counting sheep

"Just close your eyes and count your breaths," they say. How simple can it be? "Don't think about anything else though. Just concentrate on your breathing." Well, anyone who has tried this "simple" meditation knows that it just isn't that easy.

There are many obstacles to this seemingly effortless task. Our minds tend to wander naturally. If we try to completely focus on anything for more than a few seconds, random thoughts take over. And breathing is boring; let's face it. How can you concentrate on something so mundane when there are much more interesting things racing around in your head?

A typical session might go like this: I close my eyes, sit comfortably, and begin counting. Inhale one, inhale two, inhale... "Am I doing this right? I guess so, I'm already on... oh three." Inhale four... "Now, am I supposed to start over at one or just keep going?" Inhale one, inhale two, inhale three, inhale four. "Wow, I'm really getting the hang of this. Oops." Inhale one, inhale two... "Did I remember to pay the phone bill? I'm sure I did. I'm really good at staying on top of my bills. Not like Susan, she's always... Darn, I did it again." Inhale one, inhale two...

The good news is it does get better with practice. The bad news is it can still be a struggle for experienced meditators, especially during busy or turbulent periods in one's life. Luckily, there is more good news. There are some specific things you can do to help you focus and reduce the frustration in your meditation practice. In this article, I would like to offer three tips to help you with your practice. They are: Observe don't control, be compassionate, and enjoy yourself.

First, don't force or try to control your breathing. This is a mistake that a lot of beginners make. Many inexperienced meditators consciously or unconsciously alter their breathing in an effort to focus on it. What results is an exaggerated and often irregular breathing pattern. This can actually inhibit your meditation rather than help it.

What you want to do is just "watch" your breathing. You don't have to exert any additional effort at all. If you just wait and observe, you will breathe. Then, you can count. Of course, we all know this but many people still find themselves forcing it. If you catch yourself controlling your breaths, just gently remind yourself that it's not necessary and then wait for the next breath to come naturally.

This brings me to the next tip, compassion. In this case I mean for yourself in your meditation practice. As we've been discussing, it's not an easy thing to do to concentrate on one's breath. It's very important not to scold yourself when your mind wanders or you catch yourself controlling your breathing. If you think about it, the time you would spend reprimanding yourself for breaking your focus is just more time away from your meditation. It is best to softly bring yourself back to your practice as soon as you notice you're wavering. Don't get down on yourself and start thinking, "I can't do this. This is never going to work for me." These negative thoughts do nothing to help your practice and waste valuable time. Be compassionate. Just brush it off and return to your meditation.

Another way to look at these wanderings is to realize that they are an important part of your progression. Meditation is a skill. And like most skills, it requires practice. A baseball player doesn't step into the batter's box for the first time and start hitting homeruns. He makes mistakes and corrections, and improves over time. He can then gauge his progress by the reduction of errors. Even after he is an experienced batsman, he will still strike out more often than he would like. But his hits should increase as well.

In your meditation practice, your mind will likely wander more in the beginning. But don't give up. It will get better. Just like the baseball player, you will realize fewer mistakes over time and you will learn to recover from them more quickly. Sure, you will still have challenges and even slumps from time to time but you will also have more successes.

The final tip I would like to offer is to find enjoyment in your practice. Even though it may be tough at times, daily meditation can greatly enhance your life. Don't rate yourself and expect to progress or improve to a particular degree or within a particular timeframe. Unlike baseball, mediation is a life-long experience. Remember, this is your time. Let it be your oasis not a chore. No matter what else is going on in your life, your meditation time can be your escape. As a Zen master once said, "It's just you and your breath and then it's just your breath." Breathe in, breathe out, and forget about the world around you. Even when you're busy or preoccupied with some problem, even if you can only find ten or fifteen minutes to be alone with your breath, enjoy it.

I hope these tips will help you to enhance your meditation experience. They have certainly proved to be invaluable in my own practice over the years. Of course I still struggle from time to time with the very same issues we've discussed here. But through observing rather than controlling, being compassionate to myself when I falter, and enjoying my special time alone; I have made my life fuller and happier.

Sahasrar Chakra and Brahmarandhra-Centers of Divine Powers

Sahasrar Chakra and Brahmarandhra-Centers of Divine Powers

The human body (Microcosm) is said to be a small sample of the cosmos (Macrocosm). The entire body of a big tree is hidden in a tiny seed. In a small sperm lies the cast of the entire human body. The manner in which the mutual attraction and activities of the planets of the solar system are executed, can be seen albeit at a microlevel within the atomic family represented by electrons, neutrons etc. In the same way the entire cosmos can be seen in a microform within this small human body. Whatever is visible / invisible in this gigantic cosmos is present within this tiny human body. All the special characteristics of earth too are found in the human body.

All the energies, special qualities and glories of earth are found in the point of balance i.e. the North and South Poles. From here all movements /activities of earth are controlled. As a result this earth is an active ball and a playground for all creatures. If the North / South Poles lose their balance or they undergo some change, the entire earth will look like something totally different. It is said that even if a minor fist blow is executed on the point of center of balance in the 2 Poles, the earth will change its orbit by leaps and bounds. As a result this very nature of days, nights, seasons etc. will change and take up a new extreme form. Further this minor fist blow can induce earth to dash into other stars, galaxies etc. and thus get powdered to pulp. The cause is very clear. In that the 2 Poles control all the movements of earth. It is their energy centers that induce our earth to dance to its tunes like a puppet. All earthly activities are given the necessary capacity and inspiration to function aptly. The 2 Poles are the central points of earth's activities and energy centers.

Just as the planet earth attains energy and activities from the 2 Poles, so too the human body has 2 Poles. The North Pole is Sahasrar Kamal in the Brahmarandhra (center of the brain). The South Pole is the Mooladahr Chakra of Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power center at the base of Sushumna (near the genitals). According to Indian Mythology, Lord Vishnu sleeps on Lord Shesha (1000 hooded serpent) in the Ksheersagar (ocean of nectar). This Ksheersagar is nothing but the intense white ocean of love in our brain. Sahasrar Kamal is that atom which instead of being round like other sheaths is like serrated teeth of a cog-wheel. These teeth are compared to the petals of a lotus. The central point of energy lies in this atomic Pole. This Vishnu Pole or Sahasrar Kamal (1000 petalled lotus in the brain) is the very basis of attainment of sensory and extrasensory knowledge pertaining to the innumerable conscious and unconscious units of the brain. This region is the central point of all spiritual practices like meditation / trance / self-reflection / Yoga of devotion alongwith will power, soul power and Sidhis attained due to a strong power of resolve (Sankalps).

The North Pole lies in the central point of the head called Sahasrar Chakra. In the center of the head is a subtle 1000 petalled lotus and is called the Sahasrar Chakra. Within it dwells divine energy or Shiva. It is over here that Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power rises from the South Pole to merge into Shiva in the North Pole. From this area all bodily movements are controlled just as a puppeteer seated behind a curtain, controls his puppets via mere finger movements. It is also called the region of the soul etc. All energies and its sub-categories that create movements in this gigantic cosmos are found situated around the Sahasrar.

Sacred scriptures say that Kundalini is the very life force of all energies and Sidhis. A person who activates the otherwise latent (sleeping) Divine Serpent Power becomes the Lord of infinite grandeur of this world. In India this has been discovered right since ancient times. There is no end or limit to the potency of Kundalini Shakti or Divine Serpent Power.

But activating the Kundalini is not the ultimate goal of a living being. The ultimate goal of all creatures is to attain salvation (Moksha) i.e. merging the individual ego into the cosmic soul (God). The aim of any human life is to merge into Brahman / God/ cosmic soul. Yoga and other spiritual practices are meant exactly for this purpose. The same holds true for Kundalini too. This has been commented upon in Hathayoga Pradeepika as follows –

"Just as a person tries to open the lock of a bolt, so too a Yogi finds the path of Sushumna via Kundalini based practices. He then enters Brahmaloka so as to attain salvation (Moksha)."

Only when a spiritual aspirant enters this Sahasrar Chakra, can he experience the joy of immortality, vision of the cosmos, control of cosmic powers and Samadhi or trance. The Brahmaloka mentioned in the above lines is nothing but the Sahasrar Chakra. It is very difficult to reach this Chakra. Majority of spiritual seekers get stuck in the lower Chakras and merge into the lower type of bliss that they get in that region. Hence Sidhis (extraordinary powers) attained during preliminary Kundalini awakening are said to be obstacles. Just as a man thinks the material world to be the ultimate goal of life because of having immense wealth, grandeur and a beautiful wife, so too a person who activates his Divine Serpent Power thinks that Sidhis like hearing far off words, seeing far off objects, knowing other people's thoughts, predicting the future accurately etc. attained while activating the lower Chakras, is the be all and end all of life. Thus he totally loses sight of the supreme goal of rising upto the last Chakra i.e. Sahasrar and merging into it.

Even if a person reaches the Sahasrar Chakra, he cannot dwell in this region for a great length of time. How long can a spiritual seeker dwell in the Sahasrar Chakra? This depends on the nature of spiritual practice which he follows and how much inner spiritual energy he possesses. Many spiritual seekers dwell in the Sahasrar Chakra for a certain length of time and then get demoted into lower Chakras and their levels of lower bliss. But he, who steadfastly "ripens" his Sahasrar Chakra, attains the omnipotent Lord and thus experiences infinite bliss eternally.

The Sahasrar Chakra lies 2 inches within the ears and 3 inches within the eyebrows. Its form is that of a ball of light in the hollow portion of the upper region of an opening called "Mahavivar" of the brain area. Via the process of Divine Serpent Power awakening, this Mahavivar opening has to be widened so as to enter the state of divinity. Hence it is called the "10th door" or Brahmarandhra too. In the Dhyanbindupanishad it is said that –

"A Yogi is one who knows the light akin to a jewel in the brain. That jewel akin to 7 golds that is lit up by an electrical like stream, is found in the lower region of Meru and 4 fingers above the fire region. It seeks shelter in the Svadhishthan Chakra and is subtle sound manifest"

The scriptures while describing the powers attained in reaching this region say –

"Such a person knows the ultimate knowledge, he becomes omniscient (i.e. knower of past, present and future) and can do anything he wishes. He may perform any action, yet no sin accrues. None can gain victory over such a person."

In one way Brahmarandhra is the head office of a creature. It is a laboratory which helps us attain whatever we see in this visible world and all those things which are beyond our knowledge. According to Indian philosophy over here there are such rare auras of light made up of 17 principles which cannot be seen in the visible world with our gross eyes. All nervous elements and air tubicles come out from this area and spread out into the entire body. The Creator seated in this white lotus, sends and receives orders and messages from any part of the body via any nerve. He can create movements in any area. He can clean and create a rain of vital force in any area without any technological paraphernalia which we limited creatures can never even dream of doing. All this takes place because of emission, contraction and relaxation of auras of light. It is this ball of light that induces the nose to smell, the ears to hear, the eyes to see, the tongue to taste and speak. This ball of light is under the direct jurisdiction of Almighty God dwelling in the Sahasrar Chakra. In the initial stages of meditation, this light is seen either as glow-worms, twinkling stars, shining petals or half/ full moon. Slowly and steadily its divine nature is experienced. As a result the gross sense organs become lax and the working arena of the soul shines brilliantly in the entire world. An ordinary individual can worry only about his immediate family members. But a Yogi enfolds the entire world in the embrace of his soul and extends upto other Lokas (worlds) too. He also has to ascertain whether there is any imbalance in the movements of planets, galaxies etc. In a gross manner denizens of our planet earth too are influenced by these activities. Hence even unknowingly such a spiritual seeker, who enters the state of Godhood, can work only for the well-being of all creatures of the cosmos. Whatever rights and omnipotency is attained by such a great soul is taken up as a gigantic responsibility by him. He may seem to be having a human body yet he has no body consciousness at all. He knows everything. He sees and hears everything and can predict future events very accurately.

The substratums of the Intellectual Sheath and Mental Sheath viz. the intellect and mind dwell in this region. They unearth news of objects lying far away or those beyond the ken of the sense organs of knowledge. When one's soul resolve progresses into the intellectual arena after leaving the mental arena, one attains divine wisdom. It comes out from the Ajna Chakra so as to unite with the different types of rays of the cosmos and thus attains its knowledge. Just as with the help pf electrical waves, space shuttles can be directed to the right or left of planet earth (called traversing), just as with the help of a television you can see scenes of far off places so too man can see scenes in my part of the world or obstruct one's cosmic movement with the help of the rays of his resolve (Sankalpa). In the Mundak Upanishad (Chapter 2) and Chandogya Upanishad (Chapter 9) details of this self-realization have been given as follows –

"A self realized saint subtly experiences that God without Kalas (divisions) in the form of a light that is whiter than white and is present in the Golden Sheath."

Many forms of Sahasrar based spiritual practices like Pratyahar (disallowing sense organs to contact their respective objects), Dharana (focusing of mind), Dhyan (meditation) and Samadhi (trance) have been put forth as studies. A description has been given about the good results attained due to their successful execution. The deep import of the success of that region has been given in the form of material and spiritual progress.

Today even modern scientists accept that there are extraordinary energy centers in the brain. According to research studies conducted by the brain specialist Smithy, a pure intellect is controlled by different centres of the human brain. It is a production of a cooperative endeavour of all of them. This is the gist (region) which creates a human character and nourishes it. A mental level is created by memory, analysis, synthesis, selectivity etc. Where does its admixture and production take place? This has not been aptly deduced yet it is clear that this area should be in the cerebellum part of the brain. This is that very sensitive spot which if undergoes ripening, can induce advancement of one's inner personality. Spiritual seers of yore had discovered this center and had named it Sahasrar.

While deeply analyzing the brain so many layers are discovered which not only help us think but also creates our very character. This region of special capabilities is the "Frontal lobe". In it one discovers man's personality, imagination power, ambitions, social behaviour, experiences, sensations and other important functions. It is not possible to influence this area by medicines or surgery. Only those spiritual practices like Dhyan (meditation), Dharana (Concentration) etc. can be made use of which is a part of Kundalini i.e Divine Serpent Power awakening.

In the above paragraphs we have merely made a minor reference of only one center of the brain. Yet it is well-known that the brain abounds with infinite mysterious powers. The conclusions drawn by today's modern scientists specializing in brain research, is very much in tandem with the discoveries of ancient Indian seers.

From a grosser type of classification, the brain can be categorized into 5 parts 1) Cerebrum 2) Cerebellum 3) Mid-brain 4) Pons 5) Medulla Oblongata. The last three parts that is mid-brain, pons and medulla oblongata together form a single unit called the "brain stem."

According to Spiritual Sciences, 0.33 billion demigods dwell in heaven represented by the brain. But 5 of them are chief representatives. All of these control various divine centers. The 5 regions of the brain listed above can be said to be the region of the 5 demi-gods. With their help the 5 energies of the 5 sheaths are produced and controlled. The 5-fold spiritual practices of Gayatri help evolve these 5 in unison. As a result a creature dwelling in Brahmaloka or heaven, experiences a heavenly atmosphere.

So far our discussion revolved around a certain type of classification. Many scholars right since ancient times have been describing this very fact albeit in various ways. Even today this type of discussion continues. This one single precept pertaining to the classification of the brain and Sahasrar Chakra are described in various ways.

The Sahasrar Chakra is also called the "pot of nectar". It is said that Som juice emanates from it. The demi-gods drink this nectar and become immortal.

According to modern brain anatomy, the brain is filled with a special "Cerebro-spinal fluid." This fluid nourishes and protects the various centers of the brain. It drips from the brain's membrane and is absorbed by various centers of the brain and the Sushumna (subtle spinal nerve).

The "pot of nectar" has 16 coverings. In the same way at certain places the Sahasrar is said to have 16 petals. These are nothing but 16 important centers of the brain. The Shiva Samhita too says that the Sahasrar Kamal has petals.

"One should meditate on the Sahasrar Chakra made of 16 Kalas situated in the centre of the brain and which shines like the moon."

-YOGA MANJUSHA

These 16 Kalas of the Sahasrar are the 16 points of the brain related to the cerebrospinal fluid. If the previously 5 grossly classified parts of the brain are classified more minutely, they will add upto 16 in number as follows –

1) Cerebrum 2) Cerebellum 3) Medula Oblongata 4) Pons 5) Mid brain 6) Corpus Colosum 7) Corpus Stratum 8) Pituitary Gland 9) Pineal gland 10) Thalamus 11) Hypothalamus 12) Subthalamus 13) Metathalamus 14) Epithalamus 15) Corad plexuses 16) Ventrilces.

All these above parts have centers full of ESP (Extra Sensory Potential) that control the body. By activating the pot of nectar of Sahasrar, we can make the brain more active and thus attain extraordinary benefits. The scriptures have clearly said –

"Due to activation of the Sahasrar Kamal, a Yogi's psyche becomes equipoised and thus merges into his soul. He overcomes bondage of the material world. He is full of all-round potential. He moves freely everywhere and his speech becomes nectarine."

- SHATCHAKRA NIRUPANA

"One must meditate on the Ksheersagar ocean in the core of the forehead and on the moon-like light in the Sahasrar Kamal (1000 petalled lotus)."

- SHIV SAMHITA

"That Yogi who continuously drinks the nectar emitted by the Sahasrar Kamal can bring in a law to 'kill death'. Meaning death is no longer death for him because he lives a life that has gone beyond death. It is in the Sahasrar region that Kundalini merges itself. At that time the 4 types of creation merge into God and everything becomes Godlike."

- SHIV SAMHITA

"That Soma juice of Sahasrar Kamal which purifies Richas, Samveda, Yajurved, Brahmanas, may it purify me too."

- YAJURVED

What exactly is the Sahasrar? This answer according to anatomists is that the electrical onrush from the center of the brain which controls bodily movement does not get emitted from a substratum but that a special center is responsible for it. This is not man's own creation but is a divine blessing. The liver, heart and other organs function as a result of this energy attained from a divine center. The blood nourishes various bodily organs and it is a fact. It is also true that the lungs are responsible for respiration and the stomach for digestion. Yet the question arises that when these organs carry out various tasks, where do they get the necessary energy to do so? It is not correct to say that respiration, digestion etc. give us the energy to survive because if this were to be true, man could only die because of hunger or choking of breath.

This electrical onrush continuously gets emitted in spurts in the central region of the brain. It can be said to be an extraordinary electrical spring. From there a fire-worklike light is emitted in spurts. The heart experiences such rests in between heart-beats. There is a rise and fall even in wave-flows of heat, sound etc. The same holds true for the activities of the fount of energy in the central point of the brain. Scientists opine that the energy spurts are the main basis of the activities of various centers of the brain. This very principle has been elucidated by Indian Yogic scriptures in their own way.

"In the center of the brain is a jewel-like light. From that, electrical streams are emitted akin to heated gold. He is a true Yogi who understands this mystery."

- DHYANBINDU UPANISHAD.

"The light of Brahman (God) dwells in the Brahmarandhra as fire. It purifies our spiritual practice. This it self is fire of Yoga."

- MATSYA PURANA

This brain dwelling energy fount can be called Sahasrar Chakra according to anatomical sciences. "Sahastra" means 1000 but here it means infinite. The Lord is said to have 1000 heads, 1000 legs etc. The sparks of energy emitted from the brain fount are not 1000 in number but are infinite in number. The number of drops of that shower is not 1000 only but connotes infinite number of drops. On the basis of this description this "1000" is the fount of energy called Sahasrar.

Today's modern science accepts that infinite streams of electricity flow from the brain. As per requirements those streams flow in infinite special nerves in infinite directions. Based on each one's function, scientists have classified these nerves into various categories. For example, Ascending Reticular Activating System, Descending Reticular Activating System, Specific Thalamic Projection, Defused Thalamic Projection and Brain Stem Reticular Formation. From the standpoint of Yoga, the combined influence of the above systems can be seen in the form of thousands of streams of electrical onrushes in the brain.

This is the very basis of the Sahasrar Kamal (1000 petalled lotus) and Lord Shesha (1000 hooded serpent). The form of Lord Vishnu sleeping on Lord Shesha abounding with Kundalini Shakti in the midst of the Ksheersagar or Brahmaloka, is meant for understanding the state of Sahasrar. Ksheersagar means marrow of the brain. The coiled 1000 hooded serpent means the teeth of the axle of Sahasrar Chakra. A wheel of a cart too has an axle. The Lord's Sudershan Chakra (disc weapon) too has teeth. Thus Sahasrar can be correlated to the abovementioned details.

The Sahasrar has been compared to the sun (1000 rays) too. It is the energy that lights up the solar system and induces various activities in them. Every unit of human existence is influenced by the brain energy. Hence if the sun is said to be the presiding deity of the ball called Bhuloka (earth), it definitely is apt. The divine existence of Sahasrar has been compared to the sun –

"O Deveshi! Within the stalk of the great lotus Sahasrar dwells the soul akin to Mercury. Although it radiates likes crores of suns, yet during emotions it is comparable to crores of moons. This supreme material is extremely grand and oozes with the Divine Serpent Power."

- SKAND PURANA

"This sun is nothing but the divine principle and its material symbol is the material sun."

- YAJURVEDA (23/48)

"Your indwelling nectar is one who is the indweller in the sun whom the sun does not know, whose body is the sun and who controls the sun by dwelling within the sun."

- BRIHADARANYAK UPANISHAD

Just as our solar system gets energy from the sun, in the same way the brain gets the necessary capacity for various functions from the energy source of Sahasrar Kamal. Many machines are used in mills, factories etc. These machines are attached to motors, transmitting electricity. When the motor functions, it transmits energy to the machine. But the electricity does not belong to the motor. It comes from another source. The brain is our motor and the bodily organs are small / big machines. The energy required for smooth functioning of mills, factories etc. comes from somewhere else. It is akin to the flow of grace attained by earth from its polar regions. This is a gift of interplanetary energy. A man is free and the author of his own destiny. Yet the energy that creates man's inner personality is said to be divine grace. The moment this stream of energy is obstructed, man dies instantly. Even if the heartbeats have stopped completely yet via artificial means it can be re-activated. But the moment the electrical onrush of Sahasrar stops, know for sure that this is ultimate death. Despite the fittings of a bulb being appropriate, if the electrical connection is cut off, we face darkness. Despite the bodily organs being healthy, if the brain energy flow stops, we cannot remain alive.

Grossly we may describe birth and death of creatures in a certain manner, yet according to subtle sciences like Yoga, birth and death are totally dependent on the activities of Sahasrar Chakra. This is not the end of the discussion because a lot more follows hereafter. Sahasrar is not merely the source of life but it is from here that the nature of one's character and level is charted out and determined. Even a little extra tilt, will change the course of flow of rain. When a particular form of slant that induces rain water to enter a particular river is changed, this rain water will enter another totally different river. At the beginning of the slant there was a difference of only a few inches yet when the rain water enters a totally new river, the difference in number of miles of area covered amounts to thousands. Many trains standing in queue at a railway junction travel in different directions because of change of levers. The changed levers are separated by the few inches only yet the trains that travel in different directions are separated by thousands of miles. The same holds true for the Sahasrar Chakra. In that, even an infinitesimal change in the Sahasrar, can induce amazing transformations; both within and without.

For a modern scientist even to think of reduction / addition in the grants given by interplanetary space to earth, means facing fearful worries and turmoil. Even a mere thought of taking one step in this direction, induces jitters in their minds. Even a slight bit of topsy-turvying can induce massive destruction. As against this if some conducive solutions are found it will greatly benefit all denizens of earth. Thus we can become lords of unimaginable comforts. Today scientists refuse to take big steps in this direction because of lack of knowledge. They have merely taken minor steps in conducting research on the earth's polar region. They have yet not found the earth's axis and nor have they made serious efforts in this direction.

But no such danger is encountered when we talk of the Sahasrar which is the axis of the brain situated in the polar region of the human body. Material / worldly energy is like a demon. Even minor misuse of electricity, fire etc. can kill many people. As against this no major calamity comes in the way in the relationship of a body and its doting mother. This is the material difference between soul consciousness and material consciousness. Sahasrar is a center of union of the individual soul and cosmic soul i.e. God. This is a consciousness based give and take. Within it overflow high leveled sentiments. The nature of spiritual practices has been conjoined to the wealth of good-will. This divine grace of greatness overflows from it.

The Sahasrar Chakra is related to the Brahmarandhra. Brahmarandhra is the 10th door. The 9 doors are the 2 nostrils, 2 ears, 2 eyes, 1 mouth and 2 openings of faeces and urine. The 10th door is Brahmarandhra. Great Yogis give up their life by passing through this 10th door. The very reason behind which the "Kapal Kriya' (rite) is carries out after death, is that even if a bit of vital force has remained behind, it should pass out from this 10th door and thus induced go to a higher state.

A newborn baby has a bit of a hollow space in the center of the scalp. In it there is a tissue instead of bone. It is situated between the parietal and acivital bones. As the body grows the bones too augment in size and cover the above mentioned hollow region. The Yogic scriptures say that divinity or cosmic consciousness enters the human body through this hollow region.

From the standpoint of bodily design, this region is not merely made up of bones because below its frontal area there are other principles. There is also the cerebral cortex beneath the bones of our forehead that covers the brain region. Within it are carvings akin to those seen when a farmer ploughs his field. Thus it categorizes the brain into various parts. These parts are called sulks. The cortex is partitioned lengthwise by the longitudinal fissure and breadthwise it is called central cortex. The crossing or point of union of both these corresponds to the Brahmarandhra of Indian Yogic scriptures. In front of this Brahmarandhra, lies the most mysterious gland in the upper region of the brain called the Pineal Gland.

This Brahmarandhra is a very special doorway for the individual's bodily soul to establish a bond with the cosmic soul (God). Great Yogis give up their life force through this very doorway at the time of death. Thus they merge into the cosmic soul or God. It is very clear that while their bodies are alive the Brahmarandhra of great Yogis execute tasks of give and take of divine experiences and divine powers via the medium of Sahasrar Chakra of the brain. The Sahasrar Chakra and Brahmarandhra work in tandem like a unit. Thus in Yogic practices they are influenced and utilized in unison.

Dream Interpretation - Common Symbols And Their Meanings

Dream interpretation has many forms; it can be done be done for the sake of fun, hobby or can be taken up as a serious career. Psychologists and therapists are already incorporating dream interpretation into their practice. They find it as a very useful tool to gain access to hidden desires and deep-rooted personality issues of a dreamer.

Symbols and objects frequently encountered in dream state facilitate dream interpretation.

Here is a summary for ready reference.

1. Dreaming of Colors:

· Red – symbolizes either passion or anger.

· Pink – denotes healing power of love.

· Black – symbolizes fear of death or aging.

· Grey - symbolizes confusion or fear.

· White – signifies fear of death or new surroundings.

· Green - symbolizes healing.

· Blue – stands for sadness.

· Yellow - symbolizes peace, calm and hope.

2. Dream about numbers: Dream interpretation has helped in assigning meaning to some numbers.

· One - stands for unity.

· Two - symbolizes equality, spiritual or gender balance.

· Three - stands for unity, harmony or spiritual fulfillment.

· Five - stands for a change both in positive or negative context.

Likewise, dream interpretation for remaining numbers needs to be evolved on your own experiences.

3. Dreaming of a baby or a pregnancy: Dream interpretation of such dreams often points to new experiences in life.4. Dreaming about various other objects:

· Accident - represents fear of physical or mental break down.

· Awakening - symbolizes openness to new ideas or experiences.

· Brother - signifies betterment or strained relationship.

· Climbing - stands for attaining new mental, spiritual or physical goals.

· Desert - dreaming of a desert or being lost in desert stands for loneliness.

· Door - symbolizes better opportunity. If you are afraid of opening a door in the dream, it means that you are afraid of new challenges or trying on new things.

· Eating – stands for nourishment or need to be taken care of.

· Falling - means loss of control or being unable to maintain position in life.

· Jumping - stands for achieving higher goals.

· Ladder – symbolizes growth.

· Military - denotes desire for authority.

· Rain - represents depression.

Thus, you can now see how dream interpretation becomes even more fascinating by analyzing the symbols.

Prerequisites for yoga-Foundations of Yoga

Foundations of Yoga: Yama and Niyama

"Knowledge (Jnana) does not come about from practice of yoga methods alone. Perfection in knowledge is in fact only for those who begin by practice of virtue (dharma). Yet, without yoga as a means, knowledge does not come about. The practice of yogic methods is not the means by itself, yet it is only out of that practice of yoga that the perfection in knowledge comes about. And so it is said by the teachers: 'Yoga is for the purpose of knowledge of truth'" Thus wrote Shankara.

All things rest upon something else-that is, all things are supported by another. This is because a foundation is needed for anything to exist. Being Himself the Ultimate Support of all things, God alone is free from this necessity. Yoga, then, also requires support. As Trevor Leggett says in his introduction to Shankara's commentary on the Yoga Sutras: "This is yoga presented for the man of the world, who must first clear, and then steady, his mind against the fury of illusory passions, and free his life from entanglements." Patanjali very carefully and fully outlines the elements of the support needed by the aspirant, giving invaluable information on how to guarantee success in yoga.

The first Yoga Sutra says: "Now the exposition of yoga," implying that there must be something leading up to yoga in the form of necessary developments of consciousness and personality. These prerequisites may be thought of as the Pillars of Yoga, and are known as Yama and Niyama.

Yama and Niyama

Yama and Niyama are often called "the Ten Commandments of Yoga." Each one of these Five Don'ts (Yama) and Five Do's (Niyama) is a supporting, liberating Pillar of Yoga. Yama means self-restraint in the sense of self-mastery, or abstention, and consists of five elements. Niyama means observances, of which there are also five. Here is the complete list of these ten Pillars as given in Yoga Sutras 2:30,32:

1) Ahimsa: non-violence, non-injury, harmlessness

2) Satya: truthfulness, honesty

3) Asteya: non-stealing, honesty, non-misappropriativeness

4) Brahmacharya: sexual continence in thought, word and deed as well as control of all the senses

5) Aparigraha: non-possessiveness, non-greed, non-selfishness, non-acquisitiveness

6) Shaucha: purity, cleanliness

7) Santosha: contentment, peacefulness

8) Tapas: austerity, practical (i.e., result-producing) spiritual discipline

9) Swadhyaya: introspective self-study, spiritual study

10) Ishwarapranidhana: offering of one's life to God

All of these deal with the innate powers of the human being-or rather with the abstinence and observance that will develop and release those powers to be used toward our spiritual perfection, to our self-realization and liberation.

These ten restraints (yama) and observances (niyama) are not optional for the aspiring yogi-or for the most advanced yogi, either. Shankara states quite forcefully that "following yama and niyama is the basic qualification to practice yoga." Mere desire and aspiration for the goal of yoga is not enough, so he continues: "The qualification is not simply that one wants to practice yoga, for the sacred text says: 'But he who has not first turned away from his wickedness, who is not tranquil and subdued, or whose mind is not at rest, he can never obtain the Self by knowledge.' (Katha Upanishad 1.2.24) And in the Atharva text: 'It is in those who have tapas [strong discipline] and brahmacharya [chastity] that truth is established.' (Prashna Upanishad 1:15)And in the Gita: 'Firm in their vow of brahmacharya.' (Bhagavad Gita 6:14) So yama and niyama are methods of yoga" in themselves and are not mere adjuncts or aids that can be optional.

But at the same time, the practice of yoga helps the aspiring yogi to follow the necessary ways of yama and niyama, so he should not be discouraged from taking up yoga right now, thinking that he should wait till he is "ready" or has "cleaned up his act" to practice yoga. No. He should determinedly embark on yama, niyama, and yoga simultaneously. Success will be his.

Yoga helps you lower blood pressure

Hypertension is a common disease nowadays, which, if it's not treated corectly can cause many damages to the other organs of the body. People who suffer from high blood pressure need to lower blood pressure in order to neutralize the effects of hypertension on their body.

Changing the life style and sometimes taking medicines is recommended for the people who need to lower blood pressure.

It is very helpful in the treatment of hypertension the yoga lifestyle, which can really help you lower blood pressure. Yoga exercises, called asanas, involve stretching and moving the body into various positions. During these exercises any tightness or tension observed in the body should be consciously relaxed. Yoga practice offers stress management techniques, which are essential to lower blood pressure. There are many yoga asanas, maybe hundreds or even thousands, but only certain asanas can help you lower blood pressure.

The most efficient for lowering blood pressure are the forward bends, which have a pacifying effect on the brain, the nervous system, the blood circulation to the brain, and they also help you reduce the stress. All these lower blood pressure. Furthermore, these asanas slow down the pulse rate, so they lower blood pressure.

They are also helpful to lower blood pressure the sitting asanas, such as Upavista Konasana, which remove the tension from the ribs and the intercostals muscles, and also help you breathe easily. Many hypertensives have difficulties in breathing and these asanas help them in this matter and they also lower blood pressure.

Other helpful asanas are the supine poses, like Supta Baddhakonasana, which relax the abdominal region and have a calming effect on the nerves, facts that lower blood pressure.

There are also recommended for those who need to lower blood pressure, the inversions, such as Halasana and Setubandha Sarvangasana, which have a refreshing effect on the nerves and reduce the sympathetic tone very fast. Usual practice of these asanas regularizes blood pressure, so lower blood pressure when it's abnormally high.

At these previous asanas you can add the pranayama and the Svanasana, which relax the mind and senses, and stabilize the blood pressure, so lower blood pressure in case of hypertension

Relaxing The Body And The Mind

Meditation is a state of being focused on a certain thought and involves the “quieting of the mind” as you concentrate inwardly, resulting to a more relaxed and calm feeling. This relaxation technique can help a person develop his personality through mental discipline as well as encourage his spiritual well-being by communing with God.

Usually associated with some ancient eastern religions dating back several centuries, meditation has been assimilited in western culture via spiritual practices and medical therapies which focus on different kinds of healing with the help of the mind and inner energy.

According to Dr. Borysenko, author of 'Minding the Body, Mending the Mind', “...through meditation, we learn to access the relaxation response (the physiological response elicited by meditation) and we become more aware of the mind and the way our attitude produces stress.” He believes that through meditation, one can also get in touch with the “inner physician” and allow the body's own inner wisdom to be heard.

In Taoism, the mind of emotions is controlled by the “Fire” energy of the heart. Unrestrained, this Fire energy flares upward and wastefully burns up the energy and smothers the mind. On the other hand, the mind of intent, or will power, is governed by the Water energy of the kidneys. Without direction, the “Water” energy is flushed down the sexual organs which drains its essence and spirit. However, when you are meditating, these flows of Water and Fire energies are reversed. The Water energy is drawn up to the head through the Central and Governing channels, while the Fire energy from the heart is drawn down into the Lower Elixir Field in the abdomen, where the energy is refined and transformed. This process allows the mind of intent, which is Water, to provide a soothing and relaxing effect over the mind of emotion, which is Fire. Hence, meditation relaxation occurs.

In today's world, where there is so much chaos and negativism brought about by man's pursuit of wealth and power, many have fallen victim to stress and anxiety, not to mention a variety of medical conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Meditation relaxation involves the body and mind. It is beneficial in providing relief to those suffering with anxiety disorders as it allows the person to experience relaxation and release negative energies stored in the body, allowing it to acquire a different form of healing that is not afforded by medications. But this method is a skill which needs to be learned properly. Training in the art of meditation relaxation is necessary to avoid getting distractions.

In Yoga Meditation, the key principles in this process are attention and breathing. These two work together naturally in allowing the relaxation of the physical body, as well as the mind.

There are times when the mind is restless that it could not keep itself from getting distracted and have the tendency to open the eyes or make unnecessary movements during the process. What some practitioners do is to make use of external device or stimulus like music or visual support to get to that state of relaxation. However, to train the mind means not relying on this external technique but directly working in the mind itself.

In order to train the restless mind, one must first acknowledge it as restless and that it will not easily come through. Give the mind something to do, something internal and real, not external or a fantasy. Focus on what is within the body and do not create something that isn't there. That's the beauty of Yoga meditation. So, whether the goal is to combat stress, cure illness or to gain higher spiritual experience, Yoga meditation as well as other relaxation therapies can help you find healing by training your mind to reach into your inner being.

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This new hypnosis program is being touted as the ultimate weight loss solution. So if you need to lose weight quickly and safely this could be the perfect program for you.


We offer FREE hypnosis mp3's and a growing selection of self-help articles. Hypnosis can help with problems such as quitting smoking, addictions, weight loss, phobias, lack of confidence, IBS, stress, insomnia and much more.

We are committed to providing high quality clinical hypnosis, that is accessible to all. The site contains many articles offering advice on various issues, as well as free hypnosis and meditation recordings to listen to.

If you do not see what you want here, then visit our store. There is a wide selection of beautifully crafted hypnosis audios, that are both pleasantly relaxing, and very effective. Buying these downloads helps us to fund expanding our collection of free hypnosis downloads, and will benefit you by providing you with a very specific session to more accurately cater for your needs.

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Here are some common worries and questions that people have on clinical hypnotherapy: -

Can I be hypnotized?
Most people can go into a hypnotic trance. The only types of people that cannot be hypnotised are…
1. Those suffering from psychosis or a thought disorder
2. A person with a low IQ
3. A person does not want to be hypnotised. It is very easy to resist hypnosis if you want to.

What is a hypnotic trance?
It is a normal and natural state that most of us experience several times a day. It commonly happens when people are driving. Have you ever driven somewhere and not really remembered the journey? It also often occurs when reading a book or watching TV. Sometimes you can be so absorbed in the book or TV programme that you are not consciously aware that someone is talking to you. Hypnosis is the focussing of the conscious attention in such a narrow corridor of influence. The conscious mind is so intensely focussed that other influences are not being critically analysed by the conscious mind. We still hear them, although we are not always aware. A good example of this is when you are in a place where there are several conversations going on at once. They may all sound like a mass of background noise. However if someone in one of those conversations mentions your name, you then consciously focus on that conversation. How did you know someone said your name? Your subconscious mind (which is far more powerful than your conscious mind) was listening to EVERY conversation AT THE SAME TIME! That is perhaps a reason why you can sometimes “just know” something. Your subconscious mind has absorbed it without you consciously being aware.



What does hypnosis feel like?
When in a trance you feel more mentally and physically relaxed. It is a very pleasant experience, and you can tell that you are still in control. You can still hear exactly what is going on around you, unless you choose to drift your attention away. You become aware that you can easily stand up, talk, or move whenever you want. A lot of people (me included) when they first experience a hypnotic trance move their fingers or hands in order to test whether they can move at will. Sometimes a patient can be a little difficult to wake up. This is not a sinister thing as it has been portrayed. No one has ever been stuck in trance. It is more a case that a patient just “can't be bothered” to wake up as it feels so pleasant. However they soon become bored and will wake up pretty soon. One trick the old hypnosis pro’s use is to tell the patient that they are charging for the time. It’s amazing how quickly they then wake up!

Is hypnosis dangerous?
A hypnotic trance is actually a very natural state that almost everyone goes into several times per day. In 1955 the British Medical Association set up an inquiry which favourably reported hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. It even recommended that it should be taught at medical schools. Hypnosis was also approved by the Council of Mental Health of the American Medical Association in September of 1958 as a safe practice with no harmful side effects. Since then there has been acceleration in the establishment of hypnosis societies for doctors, dentists, and psychologists. No one has been seriously hurt with hypnosis.

Can I be made to do things against my will?
You could never be made to do anything against your will or contrary to your value system. If this was actually possible, would there not be criminals learning the art of hypnotherapy in order to hypnotise their bank managers to opening the vaults and handing over a large sum of cash?! In a trance, you would not unknowingly reveal your deepest secrets. You can even lie when in a trance, which is one reason why testimony in hypnosis is not permissible evidence in a court of law. It is only used by police to help with the investigation. A person will only act upon suggestions that serve them in some way or reinforce an expected behaviour, anything else their subconscious will just ignore. Most people develop these misperceptions from seeing or hearing about a Stage Hypnosis show. However they largely achieve their results from showmanship, selection of the more extrovert people, and peer pressure.

How long will it take before I notice a change?
In one session, you can expect to become more relaxed than you are right now. Most people do not relax enough, and some people never seem to relax! Being more relaxed can help most mental and physical problems that you may have. I have often had patients report back to me that people noticed that they seemed more relaxed after just one session. In the past I have significantly helped problems such as IBS, skin complaints, and addictions, simply by doing relaxation work.

Hypnosis can bridge the gap between your head and your heart, making your goals much more emotionally compelling, and therefore increasing your chances of permanent change. Good health links body and mind to focus on a common goal. Depending upon the intensity of your session and the number of times you have listened to the recording, you will notice suggestions for the desired behavioural changes spontaneously popping into your conscious mind almost immediately.

Thank you for spending the time reading this and we trust you will benefit from having discovered this site.

Breathing Meditations For Excelent Health

Correct breathing can make a huge difference to how we feel. It is very difficult to feel upset or angry when you are breathing slowly, deeply and quietly. It is also a great way to help you sleep.

If you will, try taking a deep breath right now.

Do you feel more alert and energized now? Lack of oxygen in the blood makes us feel tired, and can cause headaches.

A few deep breaths can lower anxiety, ease mild indigestion, and help us wake up and go to sleep.

Meditation, which is similar to hypnosis, is also very effective at reducing stress. Try this simple breathing exercise daily, or at least when you are feeling stressed and need some time out.

Get yourself comfortable, you may wish to lie or sit. Make sure you not get disturbed for about half an hour. Subdue the lighting. Close your eyes if it helps you concentrate, or better still keep them half open.

Breath as naturally as you can, and count each out breath up to ten. Repeat this for about 20 minutes. Notice how your breath is warmer when exhaled.Listen to the sound of the breathing through your body. Enjoy!
Optional Extra

When you are in a relaxed and comfortable state, tell yourself a keyword such as “relax”. Tell yourself that whenever you say your keyword, no matter where you are or what you are doing, you will return to this current state of relaxation.

Try this in various different situations in your day to day life, you will be amazed at the results!

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The Alternative Nostril Breath

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Breath in through the left nostril (you may need to use a finger to keep your right nostril closed), and how for a relaxed ten count. Now exhale gently out of the right nostril. Now repeat this breathing in through your right nostril with your and exhaling out of the left. The whole process should be repeated about 5 times

This is great for energizing and relaxing, and for clearing sinuses.

The Simple and Powerful Meditation That Can Change Your Life

There are so many kinds of meditation that it's easy to become lost. Everyone can activate something inside you, increase your awareness.
But here is a basic and one of the most important meditation techniques. We will call it "the Meditation of Absolute Presence " or "Meditation of listening". By practicing it, you practice being in your natural condition - totally, free being.
This is how you do it:
Sit comfortably. Close your eyes and decide to be absolutely present in the next few minutes (at the beginning it can be 5-10 minutes).
Now your mission is to be in the condition of acceptance, to open all your senses. To be aware of all sounds, feelings, and emotions that are passing through you. Don't concentrate on something specific. If you pay attention that you've attached to any specific sound, feeling in your body or thought, open your senses wider to let all the rest enter also.
You will see that again and again as your mind takes you out from that very moment that you're present that second. It will take you to the future, to the past. It will start to explain you why should you stop doing that "stupid" meditation. Every time your mind tries to explain, to define what the sound is that you're hearing.
What you should do when all this happens, is:
- Recognize it as quickly as possible
- Come back to listening.
When you're listening, you cannot think. When you're thinking you cannot listen.
Only when you're absolutely here and now, you really exist: you're connected to your power, to unlimited potential, to creation ability. You're one with all existence, you're free and you have unconditional endless love.
The more you practice being in such a condition, the more magic and wonderful your life is becoming. This is the only way you can start experiencing absolute freedom. If you constantly do this meditation, after some time you'll recognize that it's not so easy to influence you anymore. Your self-love and self-esteem will increase. You'll start feeling much happier and freer.

Types of meditation

Types of meditation

There are scores of different types of meditation techniques that are practised by people from all walks of life, while holding to the fundamental principles of reflection and quiet thinking to bring about a state of rumination. The different types of meditation that are acknowledged worldwide include transcendental meditation, prayer, Zen meditation, Taoist meditation, mindfulness meditation, and Buddhist meditation. Quite a few of these various types might call for the body remaining completely still or to be stimulated with controlled deliberation, where other types will let free movement of the body. Although we are conscious of these various types of meditation the end objective is of course to train our busy minds to quieten, releasing our minds of stress drawing on calm contemplation and reflection.

If you are not accustomed with meditation, you may well still be thinking, “What is meditation?” In our frantic lives and increasingly rapid pace of life to put very simply an approach that everybody and anybody can utilize to help them cope with health troubles, stress, trauma and anxiety by way of thought, contemplation, and reflection.

Transcendental meditation was introduced to the western world by a religious teacher named Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1958. It is extremely effortless to learn and practise, yet it will lead to immense practical benefit to all areas of life. Of all the different types of meditation, this particular method gives a rare quality of rest to the mind and body, releasing stress and fatigue in a very natural way. Transcendental Meditation is a very realistic and easy form of reaching a state of rumination and appropriate to all people, especially those who find it tough to set aside time, as some methods may demand an hour and more to practice. 15-20 minutes twice daily sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. This can even be done on the bus, coach, lunch hour, to a large extent anywhere that is not dangerous for you to sit with eyes closed for those 15-20 minutes.

Vipassana meditation was discovered and taught by Buddha thousands of years ago. The word vipassana meaning ‘to see things clearly’ was taught to people as a way of healing the body and mind, by means of cleansing both of impurities and toxins. These days though, this style of meditation is not solely practiced by individuals with a Buddhist upbringing, it is used by people of various traditions and background. To practice this practice however in order to benefit fully from the extreme level of cleansing and rumination, it is strongly recommended that professional support is essential.

An alternative type of meditation practised worldwide is Zen meditation, this is the practice of sitting in preparation of relaxing the body and mind as well as opening oneself up to discovering insight into the nature of your being. In effect this means that as you sit in the various positions prescribed, closing your mind to thought and images; you will observe after a interval of time, your heart speed will begin to slow down. Inhaling will become shallow, and you will pass into a meditative state. Thought will become isolated and deliberate awareness on the present moment is all you will be concerned of. Any thoughts of the past and the future will be held at bay thus focusing and reacting to what is happening in the present. There will be no rumination on the things you should have finished or the things that still need to be done. This will result in a brilliant escape from the constant chatter of the subconscious mind.

Taoist meditation is a type of meditation which has several points in common with Hindu and Buddhist techniques. Although the taoist method is noticeably less abstract furthermore far more realistic than the contemplative traditions that originated in India. The chief characteristic of this type of meditation is the generation, transformation, and circulation of inner energy. Once this stream of energy is accomplished known as “deh-chee”, this can then be useful in promoting better health and longevity or whatever the meditator chooses. The Taoist type of meditation uses Breath and Navel meditation to teach beginners. This is the oldest system on record in China and India and works precisely with the natural flow of breath in the nostrils and the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. This type of meditation is a excellent way to improve focused attention and one-pointed awareness.

Mindfulness meditation is a simple type of meditation training us to be mindful and alert of everything we do in our lives giving deliberate thought and concentration to all we do. This will encourage a better awareness of the diverse situations and surroundings we find ourselves in resulting in a much more relaxed body and nervous system. This type of meditation trains your mind and body to meditate on the things in life that you are not able to change, with a great deal of reflection and rumination on the total idea. It can be useful to every aspect of life, from eating to exercising, to just breathing and living. Here is an example of practicing mindfulness meditation for instance with a person who has digestive problems. Whilst eating, give deliberation to everything about your meal, why you require it, and what it can do for you. Mindfulness meditation is all about being mindful, or aware, of the things in your life that you have influence over.

Picture having full control over your mind as a replacement for of the other way around. Buddhist meditation can offer you that, if you undertake the correct discipline to do so. This type of meditation is said to carry your mind, body and soul to a natural balance. Buddha practiced the state of mindlessness through deliberation and rumination right through his life. The idea was to diminish the mind’s need for selfishness and the hankering for material matter to become a happier person. During meditation, you are in complete awareness of your physical body and each movement it makes. You are what's more very conscious of your state of mind and how it can change so rapidly in time - a minute, a day. Buddhist meditation is an tremendously disciplined practice and should be done on a frequent basis to benefit the mind, body and soul. If practised properly and consistently you will in next to no time begin to notice very apparent changes, such as the mind bit by bit becoming free from worry. Your focus and concentration all through the day, each day will grow to be far more superior than previously. There will be no concerns or worry in your mind, no link to this physical world, no cares.

Along with all the diverse types of meditation, there will always be bewilderment as with anything as to questions such as; ‘Is it safe?’, ‘How to decide which technique to practice’, ‘How much does it cost?’ On the other hand once a decision is reached and you commence to practice the preferred type of meditation appropriate for you, it will become an important part of your new daily life. You may possibly wonder how you previously survived without it!

Top 5 healthy relaxation techniques

Top 5 healthy relaxation techniques

Stress is a very common word these days, as people blame stress for many of their problems. People have a hard time to relax. In this article I'd like to summarize the best 5 ways for a healthy (and legal) relaxation, in my opinion.

Relaxation technique 1: Breathing to relax and to calm down

The most basic skill you need to allow yourself to calm down quickly and relax is controlled breathing. Taking your breathing under conscious control for some time distracts from other stressful thoughts you might have. Some breathing techniques have fast tranquilizing effect. I suggest the following breathing exercise:

* If possible, lie down or at least sit comfortably.
* Close your eyes and concentrate your attention on your nostrils, where air enters the nose.
* Take a slow and deep breath in through your nose. Notice how the air is cold, entering your nose.
* Hold your breath for a seconds holding your attention on the same spot.
* Breath out slowly and quietly through the nose. Notice how the air is warm on your nostrils on the way out.
* Do this for a few minutes, until you let disturbed thoughts go and feel relaxed.

The above exercise uses several techniques to calm you:

* Closing eyes and getting in a comfortable position already induces a little relaxation.
* Slow breathing with a stop in middle reduces the heard rate. It is especially useful when you feel agitated for some reason and need to calm down fast. You might do this at times of pressure, without all the preliminary steps, if there’s no time or place for them.
* Concentrating on the cold and warm air moving through the nostrils occupies the mind and distracts you from other, negative thoughts, you might have. See also technique #8, Thought substitution for calming and relaxation.

Relaxation technique 2: Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is a known relaxation technique. It was developed by American physician Edmund Jacobson around 19391. The argument is that since muscular tension accompanies anxiety, relaxing muscular tension will reduce it. While performing the exercise, don’t tense the muscle too much and don’t tense muscles that are not at the specific group mention at each step. The muscles should be more relaxed after releasing tension than before it was applied to that group. Sit comfortably in a chair or lie down. Do a number of slow breaths. Then move in the following progression2:

1. Hands. The fists are tensed; relaxed. The fingers are extended; relaxed.
2. Biceps and triceps. The biceps are tensed (make a muscle – but shake your hands to make sure not tensing them into a fist); relaxed (drop your arm to the chair). The triceps are tensed (try to bend your arms the wrong way); relaxed (drop them).
3. Shoulders. Pull them back (careful with this one); relax them. Push the shoulders forward (hunch); relax.
4. Neck (lateral). With the shoulders straight and relaxed, the head is turned slowly to the right, as far as you can; relax. Turn to the left; relax.
5. Neck (forward). Dig your chin into your chest; relax. (bringing the head back is not recommended – you could break your neck).
6. Mouth. The mouth is opened as far as possible; relaxed. The lips are brought together or pursed as tightly as possible; relaxed.
7. Tongue (extended and retracted). With mouth open, extend the tongue as far as possible; relax (let it sit in the bottom of your mouth). Bring it back in your throat as far as possible; relax.
8. Tongue (roof and floor). Dig your tongue into the roof of your mouth; relax. Dig it into the bottom of your mouth; relax.
9. Eyes. Open them as wide as possible (furrow your brow); relax. Close your eyes tightly (squint); relax. Make sure you completely relax the eyes, forehead, and nose after each of the tensings.
10. Breathing. Take as deep a breath as possible – and then take a little more; let it out and breathe normally for 15 seconds. Let all the breath in your lungs out – and then a little more; inhale and breathe normally for 15 seconds.
11. Back. With shoulders resting on the back of the chair, push your body forward so that your back is arched; relax. Be very careful with this one, or don’t do it at all.
12. Butt. Tense the butt tightly and raise pelvis slightly off chair; relax. Dig buttocks into chair; relax.
13. Thighs. Extend legs and raise them about 6in. off the floor or the foot rest but don’t tense the stomach’ relax. Dig your feet (heels) into the floor or foot rest; relax.
14. Stomach. Pull in the stomach as far as possible; relax completely. Push out the stomach or tense it as if you were preparing for a punch in the gut; relax.
15. Calves and feet. Point the toes (without raising the legs); relax. Point the feet up as far as possible (beware of cramps – if you get them or feel them coming on, shake them loose); relax.
16. Toes. With legs relaxed, dig your toes into the floor; relax. Bend the toes up as far as possible; relax.

Relaxation Technique 3: Calming visualization

Visualization is a powerful mind tool. Research showed that the subconscious mind can’t differentiate between real events and visualized ones. Because of that visualized imagery can have a profound effect on the mind.

* Sit comfortably or lie down. Close your eyes and do a number of slow breaths. Allow yourself to be undisturbed by turning off communication devices near you.
* Imagine being in a quiet, calming place of your choosing. It could be on a quiet beach, in the woods, sailing on a boat or any other place that generally makes you feel relaxed.
* Hold that image and imagine experiencing the bliss of the moment, all the positive feelings that come being at that place.
* The more realistic your imagination is, the more positive you will have.
* When you feel comfortable and more relaxed, slowly get out of the visualized world and return to the real one.

Relaxation Technique 4: Inducing alpha and theta levels using audio programs

The human brain operates at different states of consciousness and attention. The different levels differentiate by the frequency of the brain waves, as can be seen on EEG (Electroencephalography1). These are called using letter of the greek alphabet. The general agreement regarding the brainwave patterns is as follows:

* Beta – 14Hz and higher. Alert, active state of mind. Associated with thinking and being awake.
* Alpha – 8 to 14Hz. Relaxed state of mind. Associated with daydreaming, general relaxation.
* Theta – 4 to 8Hz. Deeper relaxed state. Light stages of sleep. Hypnosis. Meditation.
* Delta – below 4Hz. Deep sleep. No conscious awareness.

The alpha state was discovered to be a very healthy state of mind as it is associated with relaxed brain activity. It is also used a platform for advanced mind control techniques such as meditation, Jose Silva Method, and similar.

It is possible to induce alpha brainwave activity using special audio recordings, utilizing binaural beats2 effect to directly affect the brain and bring it to work at the desired frequency. One such recording that gives good relaxation results is Immrama Institute’s Insight CD. It provides the benefits of binaural beats to reduce stress layered over the sound of falling rain, which by itself has a tranquilizing effect.

There are many other recordings available that utilize similar technology but some are said to be better than the other.

Relaxation Technique 5: Entering alpha state of mind by yourself
It is also possible to learn and enter the alpha state of mind by yourself, without the aid of special audio recordings. Of course, it requires some learning but has the benefit of allowing you better control over your brain. Jose Silva1 has dedicated his life to develop a technique to better utilize the human potential. His work is based on knowledge to enter and stay in the alpha state of mind. There are several ways to induce alpha state. Here’s one that works well for me:

1. Sit comfortably or lie down, closing your eyes. Perform a number of deep breaths.
2. Visualize the number 3 and say to yourself “Three” 3 times.
3. Visualize the number 2 and say to yourself “Two” 3 times.
4. Visualize the number 1 and say to yourself “One” 3 times.
5. Visualize the number 10 and say “I’m relaxing”
6. Visualize the number 9 and say “I’m calming down”
7. Visualize the number 8 and say “I’m relaxing more and more”
8. Visualize the number 7 and say “I’m calming down more and more”
9. Visualize the number 6 and say “My consciousness is clear and tranquil”
10. Visualize the number 5 and say “My whole body is relaxed”
11. Visualize the number 4 and say “I’m so relaxed so that I can’t feel the weight of my body”
12. Visualize the number 3 and say “I’m totally calm”
13. Visualize the number 2 and say “I’m totally relaxed”
14. Visualize the number 1 and say “I’m totally calm and totally relaxed. I’m at alpha.”

When you get to this point, you’ll be at alpha and should feel very relaxed. Note, that if you perform this while lying in bed and a bit tired, you can fall asleep even before your reach the end of this exercise. If you have trouble falling asleep, this is a good exercise to do every time you lie down and intend to sleep.

This post is part of ProBlogger.net group writing project

Breathing Meditation

Breathing Meditation - How to do Breathing Meditation?

The purpose of breathing meditation is to calm our mind and to develop inner peace. Breathing meditation is useful to reduce our distractions.

First, choose a quite place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. You can sit in the cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable to you. If it’s inconvenient for you to sit in traditional posture, then you can sit in a chair. You have to keep your back straight to prevent your mind from becoming sleepy.

You can sit with your eyes partially closed and turn your attention to your breathing.

You breathe naturally.

You breathe through your nostrils.

Don’t try to control your breathing.

Try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils.

Now try to concentrate on this sensation.

This is our object of this breathing meditation.

Try to concentrate on this sensation only.

In the beginning, there will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise. But, you should resist this temptation and remain focused on the sensation of the breath. If you find that your mind has wandered and is following your thoughts, you should immediately return it to the breath. Repeat this whenever your mind becomes wandering.

By doing this continuously, your distracting thoughts will subside and you’ll experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. When your distracting thoughts are calmed through concentrating on the breath, your mind becomes clear.

When the distracting thoughts are subsides, your mind becomes still. You can feel a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within yourself. Stress and tension normally comes from our mind.

By doing breathing meditation, you will be able to reduce this stress. You will experience a calm mind and your usual problems will fall away. You can easily deal with your difficult situations in your life. You will naturally feel warm and your relationships with others will improve.

By doing breathing meditation regularly, you’ll lead your life peacefully.

To know more about other meditation techniques by Bendz (M.S.Benz), Visit simple meditation technique for various meditation techniques.
I recommend visiting this site for info regarding meditation technique

The Laws of Attraction-three Things That Build It Simple

Regrettably, Generally, persons only suppose that acquiring loads of money, cars and luxury homes will gift happiness, and nothing could be farther from the truth. Usually, a heap of currency will merely enlarge what's by now occurring in your existence.
Below you may pay for a uncomplicated three step progression to set the laws of attraction to travel to work for you.
Defining The Real Desires-As indicated above, customarily individuals just long for things, while not in fact giving it a ton of planning. The important processes to get that $one,000,000 or Ferrari are hardly explored.
Mainly people just do not possess the data to answer that argument of how do I in actual truth get it. Individuals mainly daydream as regards to it and not anything in fact becomes of it.
The laws of attraction are more equal to putting along and accomplishing goals. At the outset, determining the definite passion that lives locked away among you is necessary. Cash isn't the real want. For the most half people would argue that statement, however answer this question.
If that individual received their million greenbacks, would they simply let it rest in the bank perpetually? After all not, it's what the money will do for them that's the authentic yearning.
Buying Rarely is it merely money. You just have to be exceedingly specific.
Daily Concentrate on the Identified Want-Beginning every daybreak with a vision board is something I used to do. Right now I build use of a laptop program that's bespoke for my individual goal or desire.|Looking each day at a vision board which you have created or making one utilizing a program that creates on your computer screen is crucial.
You are in command of attracting awareness to the ambition daily and often.As a result of of the one,000's of but constructive sights and sounds dripping into our subconcious minds day by day, we should counterract these pictures and audio pessimism with constructive aspects. Reading and saying affirmations I've jotted down myself on an index card all the way through the day will help you keep on on track because it did me.
Girls, have you ever been searching for that lone dress for the extraordinary occasion and narrowed it down to two or three choices, with one in truth being your favorite one in the rear of your mind, solely to start noticing that dress being bought everywhere your city It nearly appears you have become a magnet and this car is currently interested in you. Guess what, you have. The method isn't distinct here.
Be Praiseworthy-Heaps of people have an idea progression that does not allow them to take on the reality that they deserve revenue of $20,000 per month.
Of us have hassle picturing that many zeros going behind the figure. These figures they merely cant comprehend at this point. The miscroscopic proportion of folks earn mammoth checks online determined a very long time ago that they deserve it, and you must as well. The three% of people that create huge amounts of cash on line lastly set they were valuable.
In basic terms, in life and in this method, you acquire or flip out to be what you replicate concerning all the time. Unhappily, a heap of persons tolerate that and say, "thats all I mirror regarding amount".
The moment at which folks fall short executing the laws of attraction in their lives, is truly immediately out of the gate if you will. Nearly everybody simply will not execute the small, straightforward, however substantive processes divulged in this text The profitable, purely do what the unsuccessful will not take the hassle to do, whether or not it just takes ten-fifteen minutes a day.

Anger Management For Men With A Challenge

The kinds of assistance that work well for ladies typically aren't as effective for men. Several men have issue identifying or talking regarding feelings or their feelings of inadequacy in situations. This will be especially true when a man has been the only support in the family and suddenly circumstances have changed that has required different family members to assist.
In most cases, anger is rooted in fear. When circumstances suddenly amendment, it is scary. When a state of affairs feels like it's expanded beyond our control, we tend to get mad. Most people get verbal after they are annoyed. The event that is making the negative behavior might have nothing to try to to with what you're extremely mad or scared of, this can be just an chance to let it out. Sadly, the individuals who are the recipients of that verbal tirade sometimes get their feelings hurt, which makes you feel worse, which makes you angrier, that makes you're taking it out on someone else.
Breaking the cycle begins with acknowledging what the $64000 emotion is behind the feelings that are causing the negative behavior. Take a moment before you yell or offer an individual the "mad" look and take into account whether you're obtaining to yell regarding the event that is occurring or the event that you cannot control.
Before you begin acting negatively, go for a walk. Establish a key word with your family members. When they feel that you're getting prepared to act badly, they can say the key word. Once you hear the key word, whether or not you do not assume you are mad, go for a walk around the block.
A cooling off amount is important. Many times loved ones will acknowledge you obtaining irritated before you do. Having a key word and going for a walk around the block will offer you a probability to run off the energy that has been building up and give your loved ones a chance to breathe a small amount and calm down.
Another way to avoid behaving badly is to induce within the habit of thankfulness. Each time you bit your front doorknob, think to yourself, "Today is the day I'm going to be happy about...." It does not should be a huge thing. As a matter of reality, it can be as straightforward as "These days is the day I'm visiting be happy regarding getting a donut." It's nearly impossible to be irritated when you are giving your brain positives.
There are various resources accessible that deal effectively with anger management, for men in particular. Many individuals find that obtaining some coaching in effective exercises, tips and methods for working through anger can help to alleviate stress and give you back the ability to feel additional in management of your life.

Yoga helps you grow taller

If you use the Internet to search for information on how to grow in height, more than likely you will notice the benefits that yoga registered in this area.
Everyone understands this growing taller process differently and thus the information received may have either a positive or a negative effect. If you’re looking for a successful method to lengthen your bones then yoga is not the answer to your problem.
At least not by itself. Once the puberty period is over, the adult bones cease to grow.
If you want to grow taller and keep the normal length of the bones in the same time then you must definitely follow the yoga road. Yoga will turn you into a stronger and healthier person and your body will thank you for this every second.
First of all, yoga will strengthen your spine by correcting your posture. No more curvatures… your body will be line straight from now on. Many people consider this a height increase because in their eyes you’ll be looking much taller now. And vertically speaking, this is the truth.
On the other hand, yoga stimulated the production of the HGH (human growth hormone). In case you didn’t know, HGH is the main responsible for our heights and if you want to grow taller you should consider this aspect very strongly.
To sum up all the above, yoga will help you correct your posture and will turn you into a taller person very fast. It sounds fabulous but remember: you must only do yoga under the supervision of a professional trainer or by watching some trustworthy lessons stored on a multimedia disk.
Also, you might want to keep a friend or a family member nearby just in case because there are some difficult positions in yoga and the risk of falling or hurting yourself while doing them is pretty high. Don’t worry, there are many other safe exercises that were tested and retested by many people and that won’t put you in any danger. Give them a try!

Meditate For Beginners - Straightforward Way to Begin Today

How to Meditate For Beginners - Straightforward Way to Begin Today

Making the selection to learn a way to meditate is a superb decision! Bravo! Learning how to meditate for beginners is fairly simple once you get a basic technique underneath your belt. From there it's just apply, practice, practice.

Any type of meditation you'll be able to do each day is going to benefit you in ways you never thought possible. The emotional, mental, physical and spiritual balance you will expertise can function proof your efforts are improving your health.

There are tons of various ways to meditate. However to induce you started, lets keep it straightforward and begin out by specializing in breathing. It is necessary to understand there's no wrong or right manner to meditate. Some ways are more effective for a few and not for others. Explore and realize the proper technique for you with no worries and no stress.

The subsequent is a variation of a method I learned some years back. It is an effective meditation and additionally a grounding exercise:

1.) Realize a quiet comfortable place to sit down down where you are ready to position your feet on the ground.

2.) If your muscles are tense, wiggle around a little bit to slow down, shake it off.

3.) Visualize roots growing out of your feet, deep into the earth. Envision the earth's energy being immersed through your feet and revitalizing your body.

4.) Envision a string connected to the high of your head. This string is gently being pulled upward, lengthening and straightening your spine. Be aware to not become stiff or rigid.

5.) Begin by inhaling through your nose filling your lungs with recent, clean oxygen. Visualize "peace" filling your lungs and being distributed to any or all cells in the body.

6.) Exhale through your mouth. Visualize "love" being exhaled from within. Envision a pathway or walkway in front of you and this love filling the path.

7.) Permit your breath to fall into an identical pattern and permit it become natural and rhythmic.

8.) Take regarding 10 minutes to solely focus on your breath, continuing the rhythm of "peace" and "love". It becomes a mantra of sorts..."peace (inhale)... love (exhale)"... repeat.

It's all about respiration, energy flow and oxygen intake, this is your ultimate goal.

Take a little or as a lot of time as you would like to perform this meditation. Only you may grasp when you're prepared to conclude the exercise. Before you finish, build the decision to be gift and aware during your day. To measure within the moment.

The consequences sometimes are immediate and sometimes they take roughly 20 minutes or so. Create no mistake, if you are taking as very little as 10 minutes out of everyday to meditate, your life can improve in ways you did not understand were possible.

This can be a nice place to start and now that you've got started meditating it's up to you to develop the previous fashioned discipline to try and do it everyday.;) A nice means to start your day is to add an further fifteen-thirty minutes of meditation time to your traditional morning routine. Just like physical exercise, the a lot of you constantly do it, the higher results you may see.

History Of Meditation - The Age-Old Follow

Archaeological findings reveal yogic figures within the Indus Valley Civilization, that proves that meditation existed thousands of years ago. The Indian scriptures dating back a lot of than 5 thousand years talk regarding different methods of meditation! As times developed, this became more structured. Throughout its history, meditation has been perceived as faith-connected, however now, its health benefits are being recognized and appreciated.

Subsequently the next massive thing within the history of meditation is credited to Buddha in five hundred BC. He initiated his students and followers into the principles of meditation and this reached out across Asia, turning into very widespread in China, Japan, Tibet, and alternative Asian countries. Different ways evolved as this happened. Slowly other elements of the world developed their own ways of meditation.

Among the simplest-known forms is Buddhist meditation and Hindu meditation. This became well-liked in the western countries over time and the advantages of meditation were esteemed highly as individuals were practicing it all over the world.

Meditation And Its Benefits

People who often created a practice of it have achieved ease, physical and mental balance. Folks who are depressed and anxious will lose their condition through meditation. In today's world when stress is a method of life, meditation is the sole factor which will facilitate achieve peace while not any harmful facet effects.

There's proof that individuals even give up drinking, smoking and drug abuse. In terms of health benefits, meditation practitioners are able to lower their blood pressure and found it easier to relax, thereby enabling themselves handle life during a higher way. Pregnant girls are suggested to observe meditation therefore that they can bear labor pain better.
Those who have undergone surgery are suggested to create use of meditation to reduce the employment of drugs and to recover and heal a lot of faster than they might while not meditation.

During the past events of meditation, the body and mind have achieved abundant advantages. There is no restriction on where one will meditate because it's possible to try and do it at home or at work in a very quiet environment.

The event of meditation has given rise to varied kinds of meditation these days of that the foremost well known, other than Buddhist meditation are Chakra meditation, transcendental meditation, active meditation, kabbalah meditation, Chinese meditation, Zen meditation and so on. After all, meditation is completed to the accompaniment of music to facilitate the process. The most recent discovery is binaural meditation that produces use of audio brain entrainment to help the person meditate through sound recordings.

Meditation is aware of no age bar. Individuals of all ages and ranks can reap the benefits of meditation through regular practice. Nowadays, meditation may be a worldwide phenomenon that's essential for man to survive the pains of his quick paced life.

Tips On Hypnosis Plus Stress Administration

Meditation and Visualization - Tips On Hypnosis Plus Stress Administration

Part of a strategy for Stress Administration may consist of either being put under hypnosis or self-hypnosis, as an easy method to reduce and get rid of your symptoms of tension. Somebody under hypnosis is experiencing a trance desire state, and allows them to enter into either your ‘theta” or ‘delta” states of consciousness.
These states are the equivalent of either light or deep sleep, and let for the hypnotized person to undergo an “changed state” of a different consciousness.
Hypnosis might be efficient in managing stress, whether or not the state of hypnosis is helped by a approved Hypno-therapist, or no matter whether your state is caused by your person getting into the hypnotized state.
Given that many individuals are uncomfortable with the idea of being hypnotized by somebody else, self hypnosis is often used as part of a stress administration plan.
To ensure that self hypnosis to take place your character have to be in a very confortable position position, plus be free from outside distractions. The personality should start with some relaxing techniques, for example deep breathing in, followed by being rid of any stress in your muscle tissues, one at some time, beginning with your feet as well as toes, in addition to continuing over your whole body.
As soon as entering into a self hypnosis state the person is simply permitting your subconscious mind to take over, while the conscious mind goes into an “changed” or “quiet” state of being.
That allows self hypnosis to be helpful, your cognizant psyche ought to impart a “purpose” or “intent” to your subliminal, before the actual hypnotic state is accomplished.
It's also vital that you set a limit on your hypnotic state, normally fifteen to twenty minutes. The subconscious mind will answer the suggestion, plus because your personality to return to the ordinary state of a different consciousness at your prescribed time.

Jake Brown likes to write concerning the art of meditation, visualization and identity progression and now you could browse at his internet site at www.visualizationmeditation.org

Meditation Techniques for Newbies

People turn to meditation for a range of causes. A lot of are drawn to it because they desire to learn to relax and eliminate redundant anxiety and tension in their lives.

The result of meditation can be like taking a holiday, when you come back, you are refreshed and re-acquainted with yourself and you've gotten a new perspective on your life and troubles. except unlike luxurious holidays, meditation costs nothing and needs only a couple of minutes of your time regularly.

Imagine the stream of thoughts that endlessly flows through your head all the time you are wide awake. When you are unaccompanied, and your mind is not alert on any particular activity or chore, these thoughts will have a tendency to dart in all directions, more or less at random.

The fact is, numerous of these thoughts will be unconstructive or anxious; they will be tinged with a mixture of emotional responses, as if someone had emptied bottles of dye into the stream of your consciousness; they will probably keep you tense or even make you stressed.

Meditation puts us closer up-to-date with our minds as well as our bodies and helps us to recognize our unconscious motives and desires - it enables us to make out negative thoughts and emotions and to work through and eliminate those feelings that are unhelpful to us. Once we realize the unconscious forces working in our inner lives, we are able to make alterations for the better.

The realistic and physical benefits of meditation are well recognized. Correct breathing, good posture and deep relaxation support the body to function more effectively and can help relieve troubles such as restlessness, high blood pressure and low energy levels.

Meditate in a spirit of open-mindedness and you might find that you have got a clearer understanding of how your body works and who you are. you'll in all probability start to feel more relaxed, and be able to concentrate better. You could even see your problems in a clearer perspective.

In linking with the truth at the deeper ranges of your mind, you will burn off the haze of illusion. you might see what it is to be human, and as a result come to be grateful for others more. you might see the connectedness of all life.

Expressed simply, meditation is the creation of a relaxed state of understanding of mind and body.

Under ordinary conditions, we experience relaxation and consciousness as separate states, not all together, and our focus is regularly directed to the outside world, for instance, when driving a car, our thoughts are focused on what is happening on the road. In meditation, our attention is directed inward to our undisclosed thoughts and emotions.

Established Eastern meditation emphasizes the need to empty the mind of its swirling chatter so as to unite with a greater reality beyond. However, we will be taking a a little different approach. We will launch not by clearing the mind, but by filling it with a wide range of thoughts, images and feelings. In doing so, we attach more wholly with our inner being and acquire a deeper knowledge of our true personality. We will be meditating not on a higher spiritual realm except, to a certain extent simply, on ourselves.

Having familiarised ourselves with the necessary principles and meditation techniques we are at this time geared up to investigate more deeply into the mental and spiritual resources that we will need to draw upon as we set off on our path.

At this step, we should recognize that meditation can become a way of life, sitting down and focusing your mind is just a small part of the experience. You will determine that change arises naturally in all areas of your life when you initiate meditation. And even though you do not necessarily need to adjust your lifestyle dramatically to benefit from meditation, a certain level of devotion is needed. The extent of this loyalty is wholly up to you.

At this time we are going to discover, among other things, the concept of “mindfulness”, that is, of giving our full attention and realization to the thoughts and feelings that take place in our minds and bodies.

for instance, we can become “mindful” of the instinctive drives that control our eating habits, our attitude to keep fit, or our abuse of our bodies through smoking and drinking.

By completely encountering these drives and impulses and becoming more conscious of them, we take a step toward improving the quality of our existence..

Initiate your meditation journey with an open mind. Have no expectations. Be patient and welcome any positive changes that come into your life.