Meditation

​Meditation is a word which is being used increasingly, but what does it actually mean?

Meditation is the act of resting the mind, allowing all of your busy thoughts, worries and stresses to take a back seat for a short time. Meditation is not a religion, however it is a science which produces positive results that can, and have been, scientifically measured and proven to be of benefit. 

​The more you silence and still your mind, the deeper your meditation becomes and the calmer you feel throughout the rest of your day.

When your mind is filled with worries and stresses, it is not in a state of peace and will struggle to find happiness. By  allowing ​your mind to go into a regular state of stillness, you allow your brain to go into a much more peaceful and healthy state, which with practice, can remain in that state all the time. This will then allow your brain to control it's negative, unhappy or stressful thoughts and turn them into a more positive state, allowing you to feel true happiness.

​Allowing your mind to become peaceful and calm can be done through meditation.  Regular practice is what allows your brain to remain in that calm state at all times, but it takes practice and commitment.

SO, HOW DO YOU MEDITATE? 

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• ​Firstly, do any chores that are on your mind and that you won't be able to relax until they are done (eg. making a phone call, taking dinner out of the freezer etc.)
• ​Ensure you won't be distracted by hunger - if so, have something light to eat first.
• ​Ensure you go to the bathroom before you start, so you don't  need to interrupt your meditation
• ​Find a quiet place where you can relax and feel comfortable, without being disturbed. 
• Ensure you are wearing lose, comfortable clothing.
• ​Take a timer with you so you can set the time you want to meditate for, to ensure you don't have to come out of your meditation to check the time.
• ​Sit somewhere comfortable - a chair, cushion or on the floor. Don't be too comfortable, so a cushion on the floor is ideal. You want to be able to sit upright, with your back straight.
• ​Set your timer for the length of time you wish to meditate for. This can just be a few minutes at first, though aim for five minutes if you can.
• ​Silence your phone so you are not disturbed.
• ​Sit with your head tilted slightly forward, as if you are looking at the floor - this position allows your chest to be fully open.
• ​You can keep your eyes open or closed, whichever you prefer. Closing your eyes allows you to shut out other distractions.
• ​Now, focus on your breath. Just your breath. You can focus on feeling your breath come in through your nose, feeling the air in your nostrils, then focus on the breath leaving your mouth as you breathe out. If you prefer you could focus on visualising your lungs expanding and contracting as you breath, or visualise yourself on a deserted beach or whatever your idea of bliss would be.
• ​If you lose focus and find your mind wandering or thoughts creeping in, simply go back to focussing on your breath. If it helps you can count your breath and if a thought creeps in, go back to counting from one again.
• ​Don't give up if you find it difficult to quieten your mind. Don't assume you "Can't do it" because you can - it just takes practice. Our minds are so used to having so many different thought to deal with, that it can be difficult to shut it down.
• The more you practice, the better you get at stilling your mind .
• ​The better you get at stilling your mind, the less anxiety you feel during the rest of your day.
• ​The more you practice, the more it becomes a habit
• The better the habit you make meditation, the more serene, stress free and peaceful your life becomes.
• ​The more peaceful your life is, the more you feel true happiness.
• ​Now all you need to do is........go try it

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​If you struggle to do the type of meditation described above, there are guided meditations, where you can let someone talk you through a guided visualisation. You could also watch the flame of a candle flicker and each time your mind starts to wander, take your focus back to the flicker of the candle. Don't think anything about it, just watch it without any thoughts. You can also do a chanting meditation, one of which you can find below. 

These meditations all have the same effects as what I have described above. There are hundreds of these to be found on the internet. I have included a few at the bottom of this page.

​Enjoy your journey to a calm, peaceful mind and life.

​The benefits of meditation
​

Better focus
Reduces anxiety
Improves memory
Reduces stress
Slows ageing
Encourages a healthier lifestyle
Increases immune health
Gives you a precious few minutes to yourself every day
​Increases positive thinking
Improves self esteem​

​​What is the difference between Mindfulness and Meditation?

​Mindfulness is paying attention to each moment you are in, whilst meditation is allowing yourself to switch off from the outside world and focus inwardly. However, both have immense benefits and can be used on a daily basis.​