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Are you new to meditation, still trying to figure out how to start your practice? Or are you someone who knows how to meditate and are looking for methods and tools to take your practice to the next level? Well, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, this article has something for everyone. By the time you finish reading this piece all your doubts regarding meditation will be answered.
What is Meditation?
Meditation may mean different things to different people. It all depends on the end result you wish to achieve. Some meditate to reduce stress, while some do so to increase concentration, discipline and willpower. There are some who meditate to achieve success and prosperity. While some wish for peace and tranquillity. Then there are seasoned practitioners who have sharpened their extra-sensory perceptions like clairvoyance (seeing events of the future) through rigorous and intense meditation.
Meditation aids in healing, like recovering from trauma or stress. It also helps practitioners leapfrog obstacles in their spiritual journey. While there is no exact definition of meditation, every definition is acceptable.
How to get started with Meditation?
If you are a complete beginner, clueless about where to start, try with some basic breathing exercises. Just sit in a comfortable position and focus on the breathing – notice the inhale and the exhale. Be aware of the movement of your breath. Practice this exercise for a couple of minutes and you will notice that you feel more relaxed and calm after the session.
There are a few simple things you need to take care of. Posture, breath, and relaxation are the three basic factors you need to work on from the beginning. Your posture should be comfortable but not rigid. No need to start with difficult sitting postures in the beginning. Sit in any posture that make you feel relaxed and easy. Comfort should be of utmost importance for beginners.
Focusing on your breath is the easiest way to reduce stress. By becoming aware of your own breathing, you are focusing on the present moment only – not the past; not the future. In the present moment, there is no stress.
Relaxation can be the goal of the meditation or a part of a larger scheme. To relax the mind, body has to be relaxed and vice versa. Body scan is a potent tool that releases tensions that you may have gathered in different parts of your body during the day.
Best time for Meditation?
Research has shown that meditating at the same time of the day in routine gives better results. So it’s always advisable to sit for meditation at the same time every day. The time of the day you wish to meditate is completely up to you. It can be early in the morning or in the evening right before you go to sleep or any other time of the day that suits you. However, if you can’t allocate a fixed time slot, practice whenever you have time.
When it comes to the time of the day for meditation, another thing to keep in mind is the purpose. Depending upon of our circadian rhythm, we feel more alert and active during certain parts of the day. Some feel the most active during early morning while some have better attention during evenings. So if you are aiming for goal achievement or higher concentration, meditation should be done at a time of the day when you are quite alert. It should not be relegated to the laziest part of the day. However, if you are meditating for better sleep and relaxation, practicing in your bedroom at night is obviously the most suitable option.
What’s the Goal?
There must be clarity to about the end result you wish to achieve. Is it to attract wealth and prosperity? Or is it for physical health and wellbeing? Or is it mental peace that you are seeking? The reason can be anything. It must be clear before you sit for meditation. Now the question is: what if you can’t think of any reason to meditate, does that mean you don’t need to sit for meditation? The answer is that you must try meditation even if you don’t yet realise the need for it. How would you know how the pie tastes like unless you try it out? Start your practice and try out different methods. Don’t need to worry about finding the right technique. The right technique will find you when you are ready. What’s meant for you will sync in automatically.
When to expect results?
Meditation, like the best investments, doesn’t give instant results. You need to build on to your practice to see the actual benefits of meditation. Initially you might find it difficult to sit for long durations but once you get the momentum going, your sessions will become more fruitful. It would be unfair to expect to see dramatic results straight away. Organic and natural growth is always slow. So, hold on tight, and keep practicing. Have patience. Change may seem slow but it will be effective and long lasting.
Just like lifting weights is the exercise of the body, meditation is the exercise of the mind. The more you meditate the better control you have over your mind. Even on days you are too busy, try finding out some time to sit in solitude. When on vacations, allocate a time of the day, either morning or right before sleep, for meditation. It’s important that you don’t break the routine because when you miss a few days of practice, getting back on track becomes a lot harder. So, make it a rule in your life that you will find time and space for mediation, no matter where you are and how busy life gets. In the long run, this one habit will take you farther than you can imagine right now.
If you are a beginner, you need to trust your intuition. You might not understand anything in the beginning but as you practice with sincerity the results will come, sooner or later. When it comes to developing your intuition, keep in mind that magic can happen anytime. What’s important is that you stick to your practice and follow your gut feelings. Go where the meditation leads you. Enjoy the process. One of the most effective ways of developing intuition is to surrender. Just leave it up to divine to show you the path. When the time is right, you will know what your gifts are.
Which Malas can Boost Meditation Practice?
Every crystal or gemstone that you find in the market or online, serves your meditation journey one way or the other. There are crystals that protect your aura (black tourmaline, rudraksha, smoky quartz, selenite, obsidian, etc.) and crystals that amplify the healing (clear quartz, amethyst, etc.). If it is your first time looking to purchase a crystal, following are the three most safest and all-purpose healing products for you.
Clear Quartz: Clear Quartz is one of the most popular and versatile crystals. It is the favourite crystal of energy healers as it amplifies the healing and provides protection to the healer. It is a self-cleansing crystal and can also be used to cleanse the energies of other crystals. Since it amplifies the energy of crystals it is placed with, clear quartz is widely used while preparing crystal grids.
Clear quartz is associated with all the seven chakras and also aids connection with the higher realms. It helps in the balancing of mind, body and spirit. It also improves concentration, clears thoughts, and promotes healing. It is a perfect first crystal for beginners.
Amethyst: Amethyst is a stone with many benefits. It offers protection against evil forces. It helps clear the mind and release stress. It promotes inner peace and calmness. It also helps improve communication skills. If you wish to develop psychic powers, amethyst is the stone for you. It connects you with the higher realms and establishes divine connection. Keeping amethyst by your bedside during sleep will help you receive divine messages through your dreams.
Rudraksha: Rudraksha mala beads have been around for quite a long time. They are widely used in prayers, healing and meditation. Rudraksha creates a protective layer shielding your aura against negative and unfavourable energies. It harmonises physical and mental being as well. It also aids spiritual growth and is the first choice of saints and sages. It is also known to promote tranquillity and peacefulness.
Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is a very beautiful and powerful crystal. Since it is associated with the heart chakra, it deals with love, compassion and empathy. It is also a protection stone and helps deflect the negativity of others. Wearing a rose quartz necklace or mala helps heal the heart and soothe the senses. Placing raw rose quartz in your home helps to improve bonding and love among the family members. It can also be worn in the form of a bracelet. Rose Quartz is the perfect choice for those looking for romantic relationships. It heals all types of relationships, be it work, family, or friends. Since it is not possible to know about the real intentions of those who claim to be your-well wisher, the protective powers of the Rose Quartz can come to your rescue. It keeps at bay all those who harbour ill-intentions for you like jealousy or hatred. Rose Quartz has the quality to attract the right people who can play a positive role in your life.