1-28-15 post

1-28-15 Post:

Question/comment:  You said I might benefit from meditation. What is it? Why should I do it?

Response: Please, note that the following is not an exhaustive list of the types of meditation practice or of the reasons for meditation.  

Meditation is a way of focusing the mind. Basically, it begins with concentration, moves into an expanded linear awareness and then becomes a meta awareness.  Moving outside the box, so to speak.

There are many different methods all of which create new pathways in the brain and allow for greater ability for using your mind power.  There are methods that entail observing the breath without attempting to control or change it.  A simple matter of observation. There are methods that entail repeating a sound or word silently.  Other methods have people listen to relaxing music or other recordings. Some may have subliminal messages underlying the music. There is a method that calls for simple observation of what is. It is done from a sitting position and can be done as a walking exercise also.

There are many reasons people choose to meditate.  Many people just want to relax. Someone skilled at this type of meditation, can relax anytime, anywhere.  Some want to expand their awareness or mental abilities. Often people who have difficulty focusing their attention will use mediation for this purpose. It can also assist people who want the mental ability to multitask.  There is also meditation for the purpose of ”enlightenment.”  Enlightenment may mean different things to different people. Some people feel they have reached enlightenment when they feel a kind of euphoria and peace from meditation.  Others feel enlightenment is more about simply observing what is.  The primary focus here is on knowing one’s own self.  The good, the bad and the ugly as they say.  But, the emphasis is on not judging. One only sees the reality of what is.  When the seeing is clear, changes can be made to what is seen if the meditator chooses. This process of choosing to change, making the effort to change and noting the results of the effort all become part of the meditation. It all becomes part of what is observed.  In other words, daily life goes on and the meditation practice, the change process and everything else are all part of what is observed.

Some forms of practice that fall under the meditation label are easier than others.  The results achieved may be equal to the effort the practice requires.