What is Meditation?

Meditation is a mental practice by which one works on getting beyond the habitual and reflexive, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation and awareness. Different meditation practices emphasize different goals — from achieving a relaxed and peaceful frame of mind, greater focus, creativity and self-awareness all the way to higher state of consciousness.

Meditation can be characterized by ones concentrated focus upon a single object. The chosen object can be anything from a candle, a mantra, a chakra or probably most common, one’s own breath, also referred to as breathing meditation. In the process of this single minded focus the mind is brought to rest by focusing on one item and not allowing the mind to wonder. When this is done, over a period of time, a deep calm pervades body and mind. A deep state of tranquility starts to settle in.

This phenomenon can be compared to a glass of dirty water that is no longer stirred. Over time, the dirt slowly settles and the water becomes clear again allowing you to see trough the clear glass. It is this clarity that allows you to see what is actually happening, both with your own mind and body.

As you begin your mindfulness meditation you will be surprised how little control you actually have over your own thoughts. Every couple of seconds another thought will come in and demand your attention. You will notice that these thoughts are greedy. They want 100% of your attention. You are not in control. Your thoughts are.

Click here to see how long you can rest your mind upon your own breath.

On some level we sense this lack of control. This is the reason we feel unsure at times, or in extreme situations even paranoid. We know on some quite and deep level that we cannot rely on our selves.

Everything we experience, everything we want to achieve, the quality of every relationship we have depends on how skilled we are with the workings of our mind. No matter how many self help books we read. No matter how many wealth and money consciousness seminars we flock to. No matter how many time we watch “The Secret”. The level of success with these endeavors all depend on our ability to tame our mind and harness its amazing potential.

The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this life. For it is only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature, and so find the stability and confidence you will need to live, and die, well. Meditation is the road to enlightenment.- Sogyal Rinpoche, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying^[17]

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