Meditation offers a plethora of benefits. Unfortunately many people do not meditate because they are fearful of the perceived demands. These perceived demands include—sitting in a perfect lotus position with fingers held in a mudra pose. This traditional Hindu or Buddhist posture is not required.
The truth is—the way you are envisioning meditating is not the Right Way—It is One Way. The best way is the way that works best for you. Sitting in a comfortable position is recommended not because it is the right way, but because if your body is comfortable you will be able to sustain a period of concentration as long as you like.
Any repetitive action or thought is a meditative practice which aids in clearing the mind and can help you to find a deep, peaceful, quiet state. For example—knitting, sewing, running, walking, hiking, gardening, vacuuming, dusting, cooking, or gently humming or softly singing. Knitting and sewing involve not only physical repetition, but a conscious or unconscious repetition of a phrase—such as pearl one, knit two. This is no different from repeating a mantra which is used during Hindu or Buddhist meditation. While these every day life activities lead to a meditative state, most people do not necessarily reach the same depth that formal meditative practitioners reach. It is important to become aware of activities that bring you to this state, appreciating what you are unconsciously doing for yourself, and examining how you might expand on the possibilities.
People often have their minds running with a continual cacophony of babble, thoughts racing through at dizzying speeds. Thoughts of yesterday, tomorrow—next week, next year – If Only, Why didn’t/don’t, shoulds, woulds, ought to, have to, must and coulds. Some people are so busy worrying about what, who, why and therefore, that they spend virtually no time enjoying the present moment. Too little is appreciated in the moment until it is past, and then we realize the missed opportunity and bemoan what is lost. This insidious cycle is played day after day.
Practicing is the most important step. The more you do it, the easier it becomes and the more effective your meditation is. Find the best way for you through experimenting. Determine what brings you to a place of peace and quiet. Practice at least 10 minutes every day. Some people think that unless one meditates for half an hour or more it is useless—short meditations can give as much benefit as longer meditation. It is helpful to alternate from short to longer meditations.
Repetitive prayers, like Hail Mary’s are a form of using a mantra, which helps to quiet the mind and allows you to open to the Divine. A reported asked Mother Teresa what she said during prayer, Mother Teresa responded, “Nothing, He is listening.” The reporter asked, “What God said and Mother Teresa responded, “Nothing, He is listening.” Her response exemplifies one of the deepest levels of meditation, no different from the Hindu or Buddhist. Did Mother Teresa sit in the lotus position? Maybe—Maybe not.
• Meditative practice helps to slow your thinking and clear your mind of all the useless thoughts that cloud your thinking process.
• On a conscious level it allows one to be in the present moment and appreciate what you are experiencing in the now.
• Subconsciously it frees your mind to search for deeper truths and answers.
• Meditation gives one the opportunity to connect with ones higher self, God, the Divine, Universal Wisdom, Tao or whatever label your belief system places on an eternal source of truth and wisdom.
• Meditation frees the conscious mind to analyze and act clearly and confidently, and opens the subconscious mind to inspiration and creativity.
You have, no doubt, noticed some people, whether they are religious figures or ordinary people have a common thread. They have a gentleness to their character—a calmness and peacefulness in their manner of being. These characteristics allow them to manage the stormy vicissitudes of life with a strength and grounding that allows them to be centered and think calmly about what they need to do and how they need to be in response to any situation.
You need to decide, What Do I Want to Create? Do I want to be harried by life’s waves and tsunamis, or do I want to be calm, serene and rooted in Universal Knowledge—rooted in the knowledge and truth that exists in my central core.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life—it is never too late to give yourself the gift of peace of mind.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, motivational speaker and inspirational leader specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening.
www.drdorothy.net
