Wellbeing
Meditation
Until recently the practice of Meditation was considered hippy dippy , most certainly not mainstream . Its current popularity is due to a number of factors . One is the fact that scientific research has shown that it does really have a beneficial affect on the body , brain and general wellbeing . This coupled with the fact that is has the ability to slow down the ageing process , makes it of real interest . Other factors contributing to its growth in popularity is the decline and cynicism towards formal religion , this coupled with the realization that materialism is not the complete Goddess . Something is lacking in our pursuit of happiness .
If you look everywhere for happiness , and you still can ’ t find it , maybe there is somewhere we haven ’ t thought about to look . Meditation suggests we look within and this novel idea has borne fruit . The theory being that we create our own heaven and hell , or at least one ’ s mind does . If the mind is undisciplined and out of control , as it is in most instances , then distress , fear , worry and anxiety are the outcome . All this emotional turmoil is transferred to our body causing stress and dis-ease . This begs the question what actually is meditation and how does it influence the mind ?
Swami Rama answers the question much better than I could “ Meditation is a definite process for resolving conflicts . It is the simple and exact process of become aware of who you are . It is learning to know yourself as you really are . Meditation is a practice of gently freeing yourself from the worries that gnaw at you , so that you can be free and respond to the needs of the moment , and experience the joy of being fully present . Meditation is not what you think , because it is beyond thinking . You do not meditate on your problems in order to solve them , but through meditation you see through the problems you have set up for yourself .”
In essence , the mind is the problem . The mind is the source of our misery and happiness . Events happen , we can ’ t control them , but if we have control over our minds , which currently we don ’ t have , we will be able to react appropriately .
We have to be aware , consciously aware of what is happening all the time in order to be in control of how our mind reacts . This state of awareness is developed by the practice of meditation , a bit like the grand concert pianist practicing his scales . We get to know our mind – how it works and how it flits from one instance to another . Believe it or not the mind can focus on only one thing at a time . If the focus is concentrated the mind is fixed .
The actual technique of formal meditation is relatively simple in theory . A little more difficult in practice , because neither the body , nor the mind like the stillness that is required . Essentially all you need do is sit , back straight , head up with chin slightly lowered , eyes preferably closed . Relax the body , become aware of the breath coming in and out from the nostrils . Don ’ t consciously breathe , just watch your breath , or at least feel it going in and coming out .
The focus of the mind is on the nostrils where you feel the air is passing . Focus on this point .
Within a very short time you will find the mind resisting . Thoughts will arise . Be aware of them and return to focusing on the breathing . The body will feel uncomfortable , it will want to move . Resist this temptation . Keep the focus on the breath . Now in the first practice session of say five minutes you may get 20 seconds of concentrated focus and this is how you begin to meditate . The old adage , practice makes perfect , is almost true but perseverance is required to discipline the mind to stay focused .
The aim initially would be to get to at least 15 minutes of meditation in the morning and 15 minutes later on in the day . Couple this with trying to become aware of what you are doing . Repeatedly ask yourself . What am I doing ? Where is my mind ?
The mind should be in the body and the more it is , the more wonderful will your life become . Keep practicing and be gentle on yourself . Till the next time .
Nerja Meditation Group meets every Wednesday from 12 noon to 2pm . The venue is Esencia , c / Los Huertos 74B , Nerja . For further information email herondo @ gmail . com
Tony Downey M . Ed ., Dip Spec . Ed . DASE .
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