by Bipin Baloni,
Contributing Author, Conscious Reminder
If you have been using words like “Why can’t I get a break? Why it always happens to me?
I am tired of this, it will never work” etc. you have trapped yourself in a room of negative thoughts. It reflects that you are a scapegoat of disappointment, dissatisfaction, depression, etc.
Such feelings will deteriorate your mental as well as physical health. It may cause prolong depression, weight gain, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. that may lay the foundation for serious health issues in the future. Therefore, one should stop victimizing himself from such things.
To overcome the negative thoughts, the best way is to divert your mind. It can be done by engaging yourself in an activity; it not only distracts your mind, but also brings peace and tranquillity. Meditation is one such platform that fulfills the same.
This ancient tradition is practiced in every part of the world irrespective of various religions and cultures. It brings peace of mind and harmonizes the mind and soul. It also develops awareness, consciousness, calmness, and peace. Some other benefits of meditation are:
Increases production serotonin that improves mood and behavior
Activates the inner source of energy to enhance the energy level
Detoxifies the mind, brings clarity and develops intuition
Balances the sharp mind, enhances creativity, confidence, and productivity
Releases tension from the mind as well as body and cures body pains
Prepare your mind to practice meditation for 20 minutes each day to experience these benefits. You can find a practice that suits you and compliments your personality.
Here are a few meditation techniques you can choose to practice from:
Mindfulness meditation: This meditation practice originated from Buddhist teachings and is, therefore, quite popular in the west. It doesn’t need a teacher and hence, best suited for those who want to meditate alone. This practice involves focusing on thoughts without judging or manipulating them. Observing and analyzing each and every thought improves concentration and develops awareness. In the beginning, you may find it difficult to focus on thoughts; try to synchronize your breath with the thoughts and bodily sensations. It will help you achieve the same. Practice mindfulness in a disciplined posture and erect back; it will reduce stress, anxiety and even depression. Moreover, it encourages resilience that helps you cope with strenuous situations.
Spiritual meditation: Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Christianism considers spiritual meditation as an essential part. If you are a spiritual person who seeks spiritual growth and wish to develop a deeper connection the divine; practice this meditation. To get the most from this practice, try to choose a venue that offers calmness and serenity such as home, a place of worship or in the midst of nature, etc. This type of meditation is focused on self-realization and self-achievement. It develops qualities such as benevolence, kindness, compassion, etc.
Focused meditation: This practice improves your concentration using any of the five senses. You may concentrate on your breathing pattern, stare at a candle flame, listen to a song, count beads, etc. The idea behind this type of meditation is focusing on one thing rather than multi-tasking. Doing so not only improves concentration but also helps you focus on the crucial or positive of life. It brings back focus as well as the wandering mind if you are distracted in between. Consistent practice of this meditation help you overcome negative thoughts, rediscover self and bring joy to life.
Movement meditation: This type of meditation focuses on the movements in the body. If you think yoga is the only movement that can be combined with meditation; wrong. Since the focus is on the movement of the body, it may include walking, gardening, swimming, playing golf, etc. This is an active form of meditation where the movement guides you. It will help you develop awareness, consciousness, and peace in the mind and body. Moreover, it decreases the level of blood pressure, improves digestion, delivers tension from the muscles and joints, etc.
Mantra or chanting meditation: Hindus as well as Buddhists are firm believers of this type of meditation. This type of meditation provokes the mind to focus on the sound of the words and melody. You may use a repetitive word, sound, phrase or a mantra that helps you clear the mind, enhances strength, develop spirituality, and give a soothing and calming effect to the mind, body, and soul. Regular practice of this meditation cultivates a peaceful, calm yet alert mind. It also benefits you mentally by releasing stress and anxiety, boosting brain power and focus, brightening your disposition and preventing mental illness.
Transcendental meditation: Apart from being one of the most popular meditation techniques, it is also the most scientifically studied around the world. This practice is preferred by only those who are serious about maintaining a steady meditation practice. It is more customizable than chanting meditation as it uses a mantra or a series of words that are specific to each practitioner. It decreases stress and anxiety, brings satisfaction to life, resilience to handle situations, etc. Scientifically, it has been proven that transcendental meditation helps in lowering the risk of cardiac arrest, improving intelligence, controlling the level of blood pressure, etc. It also aids in alcoholism treatment as well as quitting smoking.
Whether it is about reducing stress, overcoming negative thoughts, improving physical and mental health, engage yourself in meditation and relish the benefits.
About the Author: Bipin Baloni is a yoga teacher from India and his core specialization is in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. He organizes program Yoga retreats in Thailand and 200 yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Bipin Baloni conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Health. Website: https://www.yogaretreatinthailand.com/
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