Meaningful Meditation for Rest and Relaxation

Image: MRO.org

I've been a serious practitioner of Buddhism for about three years now and a fundamental part of practice is meditation. Meditation can be defined as focusing the mind for the purpose of attaining higher spiritual awareness. This does not mean that you "space out" but requires sincere attention on the object of meditation (the breath, a sound our repetition of a word or phrase called a mantra are typical objects of concentration).

More than just a way of connecting with higher levels of the self, meditation is an effective tool for promoting a sense of relaxation for the body; it can be used to "recharge" after a long day of work for example.

ON SITTING:

The most important aspect of meditation – besides the technique itself – is posture. Below is a link to several recommended positions to use during your practice. If any of the positions prove to be too uncomfortable use the chair position.

http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/meditation.php

You can also download a PDF version here: http://www.mro.org/zmm/teachings/zazeninst.pdf

ON PRACTICING:

For most meditation practices you will want to find a quiet place free of external distractions. Select one of the seated positions mentioned in the link above ensuring that your posture is as erect as possible (if you find it difficult to do even the seated position you may lay on the floor – it's suggested that you do not practice while lying in bed).

The easiest way to relax is to concentrate on the breath. Breathe in deeply through your nose and into your lower abdomen extending it like a bellows. As you do this, mentally say the word Peace. Exhale fully allowing all the air to leave your abdomen out through your nose; again, mentally say the word Peace as you exhale. Doing this for about 5 – 10 minutes will allow you to begin feeling more relaxed and able to handle stressful situations more calmly. Another "byproduct" of meditation is increased energy. The energy that was once used to maintain your level of stress will be repurposed to other areas of your body including your overall energy level!

With continued practice you will begin noticing all sorts of additional perks while meditating. For more on the subject I recommend reading Moon Over Water by Jessica MacBeth. It's an excellent book with many examples of simple to use meditation techniques. Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER:

The meditation information in this article is offered primarily for reference and personal enrichment. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the advice of a licensed health-care practitioner. Since the actual use of meditative techniques is beyond the author's control, NO expressed or implied guarantee as to their effects can be given, nor liability taken.

Have a PERFECT day!

Michael

MIIS

The Importance of Letting Go

People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.
-- Thich Nhat Hanh

We've all done it. Stayed in a negative relationship long after we knew it was poisonous to us. Persist with a job we know is unfulfilling. Continue to call someone friend who is clearly the opposite. Why? Why do we continue to accept unnecessary pain into our lives?

Surely we are worthy of more than the heartache we carry with us each day and yet we persist in holding on to it with every fiber of our being as though we would be less without it.

My martial arts instructor said something to me many years ago that shook me out of my need to hold on to painful people and situations: "How long would you continue to place your hand into a fire before deciding you no longer wanted to feel the pain?"

I've personally, held on to a relationship that was just like the fire my teacher spoke of, continually accepting the pain as though it were suppose to be part of me. It wasn't until I heard those words that I realized I didn't have to continue to burn myself in a relationship clearly headed nowhere fast.

Examine your lives, your friendships, your partnerships. Which ones are fulfilling, providing you with love and encouragement. Which ones are depleting, taking away from you the very essence and will to do better in life. Keep those that are nurturing to your continued growth and peacefully, let go of those that are not.

Keep in mind also, that you shouldn't rush your way out of these situations before your time. Regardless of how painful a situation my be each offers a valuable opportunity for growth that shouldn't be overlooked.

In some cases, as it was with me, you won't have to do a thing. The Universe has a way of removing those forces from our lives automatically but only when we've made the conscious decision that we are worthy of more the lack we've accustomed ourselves to.

Here's a passage someone sent to me a while back that applies; I hope it provides you with the push you need to begin attracting healthy relationships into your life.

As I Let Go

I easily let go of the things I don't need.

I easily let go of my old, immature concepts of what life is.

I easily let go of all unhealthy addictions. I let go of any desire to control or to manipulate people.

As I let go, I make room for all the good things which Life has prepared for me.

Michael

My II Sense