We rarely allow ourselves the luxury of stillness. We have too much to do and our minds are constantly interrupted by mobile phones, i- pods, computers and TVs. We are so used to being stimulated that we don’t allow ourselves to rest; we have developed the habit of doing and forgotten the pleasure of being.
Meditation is a wonderful antidote to this, but sadly many people are needlessly deterred by the spiritual nature of the great traditions like Buddhism or Hinduism. Meditation does not have to be spiritual. At its simplest, it is the blissful experience of a totally still mind; free from thought, free from worries and without the endless show reel that most of us allow to play in our minds.
In the yoga tradition we learn to still our mind by developing concentration, using the breath, sound, mindfulness or visualisation. The technique is simple but the benefits are countless.
Research shows that people who meditate regularly sleep better and experience lower levels of anxiety. It can lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and ease the symptoms of auto immune conditions, but the benefits are more than physical.
Meditation has a powerful effect on the psyche, generating patience, tolerance and increasing levels of satisfaction with life in general. People who meditate frequently become happier and can sustain healthier relationships with friends and family. This is because by turning inwards and letting go of distractions, we learn to let go of worries about past and future and to live more joyfully in the present moment.
There are many great books about meditation, but I would advise finding a teacher in the first instance. Everyone's experience of meditation is different and it can be reassuring and helpful to have some personal support and guidance in the early stages.
Meditation teaches you stillness of being which is incredibly important in this mad world we live in and as Ekhart Tolle says:
“When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself, when you lose touch with yourself; you lose yourself in the world”
Don't lose yourself, start meditating today. You won't regret it.
