What does Meditation mean?

Ever heard of prana? It means breath, breathing wholesomely in our own right. Meditation is a breathing discipline. You may hear the phrase “mind over matter”. Meditation tackles just that.

When starting out, it’s easy to compare yourself to the next person. Remember: focus on yourself. Once we start comparing, in whatever we do, whether it’s our jobs or social events, learn to stop that niggling voice in its tracks.

With the new year underway, most of us have some form of reawakening, desperate to make some change in our lifestyle. Gyms all over the country experience a membership surge as people join up with wild abandon in an attempt to get fit, lose the fat and build lean muscle.

We may tackle what’s ‘not right’ with us on the outside, but how often do we tune into how we feel on the inside? Meditation is mind gym; flexing the brain and getting rid of the mental chatter ticking over in our minds every day.

Practising meditation on a daily basis will leave you feeling more in control of your random thoughts and feelings. You will begin to feel empowered, react positively in different situations and tackle problems effectively. In fact, if you are aware of how you breathe and observe your thoughts, in some shape or form you are meditating. How simple is that!

Search the net and you’ll find countless definitions. All have one common thread: all define meditation as a state we chose to be relaxed and calm, taking time out from our busy lives. Here are two definitions.

Meditation is a non-religious activity, a journey of self-discipline to attain a sense of calm.

The second defined in the web’s Wikipedia, is for us pragmatists, who like to know in black-and-white, what meditation is:

Meditation refers to a state in which the body is consciously relaxed and the mind is allowed to become calm and focused. Several major religions include ritual meditation; however, meditation itself need not be a religious or spiritual activity.

Notice meditation does not have to be religious or spiritual, it is a practice which has many benefits.

Scientific studies have found regular meditation can reduce chronic pain; reduce anxiety; reduce high blood pressure; reduce serum cholesterol level and lower blood cortisol levels initially brought on by stress.

Popular systems of meditation are of Eastern origin and exist in Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Meditation techniques have come to the West from Eastern practices, particularly from India, China, and Japan and are found in most cultures around the world.

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