How To Relax With Meditation

In our stressed out society, it is helpful to find effective tools to help us relax body, mind and spirit. Many individuals find that using a meditation technique can be a real lifesaver, primarily when you are in the midst of a difficult or troubling period of your life.

How do I Meditate? Is Meditation Difficult?

It's not as hard as you think. The idea revolves around focusing your thoughts on a particular relaxing image or experience over a specific time-even just a few minutes per day. This way, your mind is able to de-stress. Your stress is relieved so your body can recuperate and relax; toxic build ups are also decreased.

You will find that while you're meditating your breathing slows, your blood pressure is reduced, the muscles relax, apprehension and irritability are reduced. Stressful thoughts and lactic acid are eliminated, clearing your mind and heart. Headaches and stress are also lessened. These are only some of the documented mental and physical advantages to meditation.

Concentrating on just a single thing is the basis of meditation. Meditation is usually done for about 30 minutes, so be sure that you're in a comfortable position wearing comfortable clothing. You can lie on your bed, sit on your favorite couch, or select any position that you're very comfortable in.

Focus your attention on your breathing, an object, a sound, or even an object such as a beautiful flower. Keep your eyes closed or open, as you prefer. Whichever you choose, it is best to remain focused. If you experience any distractions or repetitive thoughts, simply notice them and let them settle down on their own. This is natural when you're just starting out; you will always feel your thoughts wandering but as you continue practicing meditation, you will soon improve. Your thoughts will never disappear totally, unless you become enlightened! What will improve is your reactions to your thoughts, and your feeling of being consumed by worries, anxiety, jealousy, pain and other disconcerting states of mind and body.

Try the following uncomplicated exercises and incorporate them into your meditation so that you can attain total relaxation.

Tense Relax. With this meditation technique, start by clenching your fists, then pull forearms firmly against the upper arms. Keep your leg muscles muscles tensed. Clench you jaws and close you eyes tightly. Breathe deeply and hold for about 5 seconds. Then let go of everything at once. Feel the sensations while your tension is being released.

Heaviness/ Warmth. This is done by feeling your legs and feet feeling heavier and warmer by the second. Envision that you are wearing lead boots. Try to envision that your central body area is also feeling warmer and relaxed. Tell yourself that you're forehead is getting cooler and relaxed. Breathe easily and regularly. Just feel all the heaviness and warmth cover your entire body.

Ideal Relaxation. In this process, close your eyes and try to imagine a heavenly relaxation spot within your mind. Choose any place, whether it's imagined or real. Envision that you're in that place. Feel mellow and comfortable in your imagined and ideal relaxation place. Enjoy that positive, special moment for as long as you want.

There isn't simply one meditation technique. Meditation is an ancient art, and books abound on the methods and practices used for centuries by a multitude of cultures and spiritual traditions. With practice, you will be able to recharge your energy and still your mind by using your breath. Your capability to feel the rewards of meditation will improve if you make a commitment to meditate daily. By simply sitting for a few minutes each day, feeling your body sensations, feelings and emotions without judgement or attachment, you will be cultivating mindfulness, and creating a path toward serenity, self-healing and stress reduction.

For more information, check out Absolute Natural Health - Meditation Guide. Unlock your free report on Alternative Medicines at Everything You Wanted To Know About Alternative Medicine. Copyright 2008 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.***

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