Meditation: A Spiritual Journey Inward

Meditation is a spiritual journey inward, a tour to the next dimension, dynamic equilibrium. It reduces stress, disciplines the mind, and improves overall health. Meditation is a wonderful commencement to a new day, but the truth is, life happens and sometimes we have to prioritize and find balance in a day with only 1,440 minutes. Consider how much of your time is spent on-line with Facebook, Twitter, or other technology. The benefits of a meditation practice far outweigh the excuses we offer.

Scientific and spiritual benefits of meditation are supported by Medical Research and include the following: increased immunity, emotional balance, increased metabolism, lowers blood pressure, decreases inflammation, calms and creates balance in life.

The epiphany in all of this is that by observing and responding instead of controlling and reacting we can change our life through the practice of daily meditation. There is NOTHING in this world we can control and so when we meditate, we trade our bondage and suffering, which is self-induced, for peace and harmony.

To begin your meditation practice, follow these guidelines:

1. Meditate first thing in the morning (be consistent with your time).
2. Find a quiet, comfortable place where you will be undisturbed.
3. Set an intention and decide on a time for your mediation (start with five minutes and increase in smaller increments).
4. Sit in a comfortable position (you do not have to be bound in Lotus, you can sit in a chair) the most important thing is that you are relaxed and your torso is balanced.
5. Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath.
6. Include visualization as a focus (a beautiful aspect of your life, nature, etc.). I visualize my walks on the beach with the moon’s reflection on the Gulf.
7. Include a mantra, if your mind wanders, recite your mantra to regain focus. If my mind wanders, I recite “Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu” a reminder that all living creatures deserve peace and love and I am a reflection of that love.
8. Finally, scan your body and focus on relaxing each body part.
9. Keep a Meditation Journal and record your feelings and sensations about breath, focus, physical and emotional responses.
10. Most importantly, remember, this is a journey and it is your journey.