By Elyse Allen M.F.T.
I started meditating about twenty years ago. As a Buddhist, I sat in daily meditation primarily chanting or reciting the sutra. A little later, I challenged myself to sit daily in silence and simply breathe. These silent meditation sessions resulted in increase self-awareness, a greater sense of groundedness and overall sense of well-being. The practice stuck and I've been meditating ever since.
The benefits of a daily meditation practice are numerous. You can easily customize your own meditation practice to fit your lifestyle and personal needs. You only need two things to get started:
1. An inner commitment to develop your personalized meditation practice
2. The willingness to set aside at least 5 minutes daily for your meditation practice. You can commit to longer periods of time as you progress.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation allows you to go within to a deep state of calmness and relaxation. Meditation practices promote inner stillness as a means of getting in touch with yourself and the bigger picture of life. Whether you practice a sitting or moving meditation, the exercise is one of singular focus and peace.
I like to think of meditation as a form of listening. Meditation practice encourages listening at a deep level. In the quiet focus of your meditation time you can learn to listen for your inner guidance. Your awareness and ability to observe the road signs of life increases dramatically. Meditation is an experience and so it's difficult to describe just how this happens--but it does!
Our days are filled with so much activity and noise. We are constantly distracted by this thing and then another. Meditation is a time to stop and focus. It's a time to slow down and listen for that gentle reassuring voice within.
Types of Meditation Practices
There are generally two types of meditation practices--sitting and moving. Most of us are familiar with the idea of a sitting meditation practice. Moving meditation practices involve physical movement such as walking, yoga, tai chi or a self-styled movement. What makes it a meditation is your intention to make it so and the mindful way in which you engage in the practice.
Sitting practices include meditation in silence or with sound. You can sit and breathe deeply, accompanied to music or other sound. You can sit and produce a sound such as chanting a mantra or reciting spiritual texts. It's all good. The choice is yours and depends on what appeals to you the most.
Some days I like to sit quietly and take in the silence. Other days, I enjoy chanting along with my Native American meditation CD. It depends on my mood and my surroundings. I love that when it comes to my meditation practice, I always have options and all roads lead to a good place.
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