A Brief Introduction
In the Oriental World meditation is a common practice, a daily ritual that is completely normal. Meditation is used as a way to sit quietly, pay attention to the present moment, whilst observing. In more recent times meditation has also become important in the Western world.
Meditation and The Body
The power of meditation helps us to change our brain waves. By entering into an altered state, we rest our minds and allow our bodies to restore themselves. When we take our attention off our environment (thoughts, the external world, people, places and things we do on a daily basis), we allow our nervous system to function properly.
What are the benefits?
Consistent practice of meditation, even just 10 minutes a day, can have an influence on our lives. Meditation has a lot of benefits for mental, emotional and physical health. For example: a better mood, a greater understanding of oneself, of our emotions, of interaction with the external world, the reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, better relationships with others, and strengthening of the immune system. The practice of meditation helps us to maintain greater concentration and focus in our daily lives and we become more creative.
Science and huge amounts of research are backing meditation. We are changing our lives, getting healthy and taking back our self-control.
Auto – Pilot
We spend a large part of the day in auto-pilot. For example once we know how to drive and we know the route home we do it automatically. Suddenly twenty minutes have passed by, we haven’t noticed but we’re standing at our front door. By meditating we become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings.
Reactions
How many times have we reacted to a situation in a way that later we wish we hadn’t? Meditating allows us to disconnect from our automatic reactions, thought patterns and behaviours. Through consistent practice we can change our reactions, become more self-aware and change old habits.
Techniques
Many meditation techniques exist in the world. From mantras to observing the breath, listening to relaxing music to group meditations; these are just some of the options. With technological advances in the XXI century there are also applications such as Headspace, Insight Timer and Calm available for your devices.
Some techniques are discussed below in more detail.
Vipassana
Vipassana involves withdrawing yourself for 10 days from your environment, committing to noble silence. A vipassana student is required to complete several meditations on a daily basis. The first days are given for paying attention to the breath and later time is dedicated to practising the technique Vipassana.
Traditionally Vipassana has been practised by Buddhist monks on their path to enlightenment. However Vipassana courses are available worldwide in many languages.
The technique is having such an impact to the extent it is even used in some prisons in the USA.
Mindfulness
Paying more attention to the present moment. Mindfulness accompanies individuals to observe their own thoughts and feelings and acknowledge the world around.
Reconnect with your body and the sensations you experience. This is a technique employed across many sectors; it is readily available for all of us to practise.
Some easy simple instructions for how to get started are available here.
Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza was caught in a terrible bike accident when he was twenty years old. He broke 6 vertebrae with multiple compression fractures, and was left with bone fragments on the spinal cord. He was told he would need Harrington Rod surgery to be able to walk ever again. Joe denied the surgery and meditated his way back to health.
Dr. Joe has gone on to become a leading researcher, author, doctor in neuroscience, lecturer and educator.
Dr. Joe has various workshops and books for purchase. Podcasts and discussions are available on Spotify and YouTube.
The Space 