Meditation As Our Inner Astronomy
The first step in learning to meditate is understanding the concept. The Western notion of meditation is “to focus one’s thoughts or ponder over.” However, the Eastern idea of spiritual meditation is “the all and the everything,” says writer George Gurdjieff. Instead, meditation becomes the absence of thought, judgment and distraction — but rather, the absorption of a sense of serenity and love. Some Westerners hesitate to get involved with meditation because these concepts seem too lofty, but once the mental and physical benefits of meditating are realized, it’s hard to resist.
Meditation study emphasizes position when students are learning how to meditate because, they stress, sitting upright allows energy to flow straight down the spine and back up again. Participants are able to take deeper breaths and remain mentally alert, even as the body moves into a deeper state of relaxation. There are two cushions the meditation group may use: the zafu and the zabuton. The zafu is a thick, pillbox-shaped cushion that is usually round. A zabuton is flatter, more like a dinner table seat cushion. There are also gomdens (taller square cushions), kneeling benches and yoga mats used in meditative practices. Visit www.samadhicushions.com for some ideas on meditation accessories you may purchase to get the full experience.
One obstacle many people face when learning to meditate is drowsiness. Many new meditators feel they will be most comfortable lying in a darkened room. However, once heart rate and circulation decreases while meditating, sleep chemicals like melatonin and dopamine will also be released. The end result will be a state of sleep-hypnosis and not true meditation. Meditation instruction trains your body to be as if sleeping but your mind to be fully aware. Your teacher will probably instruct you to sit on a floor cushion with your legs crossed and your eyes open, cast slightly downward.
When you’re first learning to meditate, you may want to start working 15 minute sessions in the mornings and nights. Over time, you will want to reach about 40 minutes per day to achieve the maximum benefits. As you learn more, try to bring some of the techniques you’ve learned in your meditation classes over into daily life. Practice mindfulness in everything that you do. Choose settings and locations that make you feel more positive. Once you begin to understand how meditation works, you will notice positive changes taking place in your life.
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