Do Yoda Proud: Meditation 101

Meditation means to be in a state in which your body and mind are aware and relaxed and centered. People who faithfully practice this art testify to an enhanced understanding, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual controls. However, you don't have to be a monk or mystic to take pleasure in its benefits. And you don't even need to have a special place to practice it. You may even attempt it in your own front room!

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the essential principles remain the same. The most significant of these principles is that of doing away with obstructive, negative, and drifting thoughts and fantasies, and soothing the mind with a deep sense of being centered. This clears the mind of rubbish and readies it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have - those of loud neighbors, bossy officemates, that parking fine you received, and irritating junk mail- are said to contribute to the polluting of the mind, and shutting them out allows for the "purifying" of the mind so that it might focus on cleaner, more important thoughts.

Some practitioners even block out all sensory input - light, no sounds, and anything touchable - and try to separate themselves from the commotion surrounding them. You might now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal. It might seem unbearable at first, since we are all too accustomed to always hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise you will find yourself becoming more conscious of all that is around you.

If you find the meditating practices you see on television threatening - the positions with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions - no worries. The point here is to be in a comfortable position favorable to concentration. This might consist of sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even strolling around.

If the position allows you to stay calm and become centered, then that would be a positive starting point. While sitting or standing, the spine should be straight and aligned, but not so as to be uncomfortable. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, breathable clothing makes a big difference in the process since ill- fitting clothes have a tendency to bind you up and leave you feeling tense.

The location in which you practice your meditation should have a relaxing atmosphere. It might be in your front room, or bedroom, or any other area that you feel comfortable in. You may want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more centered doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You might want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.

Absolute quiet helps most people become at ease and meditate, so you might want a quiet, undisturbed area far from the ringing of the phone or the swishing of the washing machine. Sense friendly scents also assist in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles is not such a bad idea either.

The monks you see on television humming those monotonous sounds are in reality just performing their mantra. This, in layman terms, is a statement of belief, of sorts, a simple sound which, for these individuals, holds a mystic value.

You do not need to practice or do such exercises; although, it would be beneficial to note that centering on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of awareness.

The principle here is focus. You may also try becoming centered on a certain object or thought, or even, eyes open focusing on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to - during meditation - silently name every part of you body and centering your awareness on that part. While doing this you should be conscious of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize letting go of this tension. It works like magic.

In summary, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or the lack of effort - don't forget we're relaxing).

Studies have shown that meditation does have beneficial physiologic effects to the body. And there has been an increasing agreement in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So soon, who knows, that spiritual, obscure thing we call meditation might become a science itself!