Most Americans today acknowledge that meditation is an element of most Eastern religions. Meditation has been practiced for over 5,000 years. This very effective ancient art teaches us how to slow down and come back to ourselves. When we are aware of ourselves we are better able to truly experience our lives more fully.
I am most certain everyone has heard of meditation in today's Western world. After all it has become more popular than ever before. In the past 10 years it has risen in popularity and has become supported by media and the medical field.
Most of us Westerner's know that meditation can be relaxing but did you know that it can actually transform your mind?
Meditation shows us how to become more objective and less emotional. Don't worry, practicing meditation will not turn you into a heartless mind machine. In fact, it will do the opposite and help you to see clearly the larger scheme of things.
Individuals who practice meditation have reported that it helps them to see more clearly how their thinking can affect their daily lives. Meditation is a personal journey into our inner selves. It will even transform your mind by allowing you to be more aware of your thinking patterns. As you begin to let go of unhealthy thoughts, you may soon find yourself eliminating negative thinking patterns and opening up a whole new way of of experience daily living.
As you learn to silence your mind, a beautiful discovery is made. You begin to experience mindfulness. Mindfulness has also been around since the dawn of time and was often taught to Zen students. It is similar to meditation but can be practiced anywhere at any time.
In contrast to meditation, which is often practiced while sitting or lying down and focusing all your attention on one thought or thing. Mindfulness allows you to be aware of everything in your environment. Mindfulness is about deep listening.
For example, when you wash dishes after dinner, what is your mind doing? Is it listening to the sounds of the birds and the rustle of the wind or is it planning tomorrow's grocery list?
Meditation teaches relaxation and awareness of thought and mindfulness teaches us how to apply what we learn during meditation. We learn how to be fully present.
In today's modern world, we certainly can use more relaxation and awareness. You don't need a a guru to practice meditation. You don't even need to enroll in a class, although that would probably be extremely enjoyable. All you need is a few moments each day. Start quieting your mind by resting your eyes on a beautiful scene or listen to wordless music. It may take some practice but if you keep at it, you will find that by quieting your mind you will become more empowered in your daily life.
