MP3 Meditation - Useful Or Not?

Through the centuries meditation has used gongs, chimes, bells, chanting, music and rhythm as aids during meditation. Om is the underlying hum of the universe. (Interesting thought, isn't it?) MP3 meditation is a twenty first century adaptation of these principles. Sound has always been a crucial element of meditation healing and the various meditation techniques. The idea of MP3s is to assist in guided meditation. To settle the incessant, inner chatter that we all have and allow us to seek the outer, within.

My problem with meditation is quieting my mind. I sit in a darkened room, sometimes with a candle for company, and think about not thinking. Although I have meditated on and off for years, I must admit that often meditation can be a chore. My mind wanders to what I am having for dinner. Have I fed the dog. What do I have to do at work tomorrow. Occasionally, I will realize that I have been elsewhere for a time. But not very often.

MP3 meditation downloads use Binaural, Monaural and Isochronic tones to induce a deep meditative state. In a later article I will discuss the differences between these tones. For now, if you are interested, I suggest you Google them. They are a repetitive tone, somewhat like the soft whoomp! of a ceiling fan, which pulses in the background to a soundtrack of music, water and wind. The effect is both soothing and hypnotic.

What I notice is that one of two things happens while I listen to the download. Either, before I know it, the download has finished and I realize that my mind has been somewhere else for the previous 30 minutes. Or, the sounds seem to go on for hours and I return to them occasionally and think, "Still going."

From successful personal experience, I can say that the MP3 meditation downloads are a very useful aide to both beginners meditation and for the more experienced.

Martjn P Kerrigan is the author of two books. The Adventures of Princess Lau, the funniest and wisest book you will ever read. And Uluru Dreaming. The most frightening book you will ever read. He is a student of wing chun kung fu for twenty one years so far and continues to improve. One day he may be very good. His interests are esoteric, spiritual, Star Trek, Buffy and Angel. For samples of mp3 meditation downloads go to: http://mp3meditationstore.com.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_P_Kerrigan

View the Original article

Finding the Right Meditation Techniques For Beginners

Meditation refers to a process in which an individual trains his mind for realizing some kind of benefit. Meditation is very good for the overall health of people. However, meditation cannot be done by a person perfectly until and unless he knows the right way to begin it. If you really wish to start meditation and know about various meditation techniques for beginners then you should read on.

Hemisync Gateway experience

A large number of people love to read Robert Monroe's books as they are quite fascinating. "Gateway experience" which is a home cassette series, has helped a lot of people to get more aware. It has changed the lives of many people who wish to meditate. You can expect to get your brain trained with the help of hemi sync gateway series. It will help you in understanding what meditation really feels like.

Meditate after Yoga

Power yoga DVDs can easily be purchased by people these days. You would be able to know about the corpse pose after watching such a DVD. The sequence of relaxation might be of shorter duration. Such sequences are good for those people who have just started meditation. Once you get accustomed to the corpse pose, you would start getting a lot of satisfaction from it.

People should attend some yoga sessions or try doing it at home. It is a fact that yoga Postures helps in preparing the body for meditation.

Ignoring the disturbances

While meditating, if some kind of noise breaks your concentration then you do not need to give up. You should deal with it and try to get back to the meditative state in a short period of time. You do not need to think that once your meditation breaks, you will have to start from the start.

Focus on getting comfortable

It is not a new thing to know that meditation poses are largely over rated. You do not need to pay more attention to difficult hand positions (referred as Mudras). Beginners need not worry about the position of their hands while they meditate. Instead, they should stay centered to meditation while maintaining comfortable poses.

The cost associated with meditation

It is true that meditation does not always cost a large amount of money. Over the internet, there are numerous websites which help people to learn meditation easily at a very less cost. Meditation is meant for training the mind so that it can over look various problems and change all the negative energies in to positive.

What beginners need to accept?

People who wish to start meditation need to understand that it would surely take time for them to learn. No one can learn meditation and reap its benefits in a very short period of time. Patience plays a very important role for all those people who are new to the world of meditation. For beginners, there are several eBooks which offer the best meditation techniques for beginners.

Click Here: Meditation Class At Home Videos To learn more secret techniques and tricks on how to do meditation.

Bob Marsh travelled the world and used meditation techniques to become more efficient, creative, focused, and have more energy and drive throughout the day! He writes extensively on meditation issues.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Marsh

View the Original article

Meditation and Skin Disease

In today's world, many people are having to cope with huge amounts of stress. Whether it be financial, bought on by the world economic slowdown, emotional - the result of relationship breakdown for example, or having to work longer and longer hours at work and at the same time worry about whether they will be the next to be "downsized", the threat of stress related illness is very real.

Indeed much research has been carried out which seems to confirm a strong correlation between stress and serious illness, cancer and high cholesterol for example have been cited as being contracted as a result of high levels of stress.

Another illness that has been shown to be exacerbated by stress is psoriasis. This condition therefore offers an excellent opportunity to prove that meditation can have a positive effect on this disease.

The journal, Psychosomatic Medicine, published a study in 1998 that had been conducted by the famous bestselling author who founded the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre. The goal was to find out to what degree mindfulness meditation could help cure the disease.

37 individuals suffering with psoriasis who were due to have some light medical treatment administered were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group were to have the light medical treatment only, whilst the second group would still have the treatment, but combined with mindfulness meditation based stress reduction between treatments.

The results were impressive. Not only did the group who had the mindfulness meditation in addition to their medical treatment respond better to the medical treatment, their psoriasis cleared up more quickly, by a factor of 4, than those who had had the medical treatment alone!

James enjoys playing guitar for relaxation. Visit his new website about Martin Backpacker Guitar where you will find information and deals on the Martin Backpacker guitar.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Rutherford

View the Original article

Does Meditation Improve Your General Health?

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Over the course of the 20th century, teachers and researchers have taken a good deal of the mystic aspect of this practice and separated it from the actual practice itself, to help those in the West receive its benefits without the need to involve them in the spiritual aspect.

Of course, many in the West who practice meditation do involve themselves with the spiritual side, and this is something that many become interested in as their journey goes forward, but the fact is, anyone can enjoy the benefits of meditation, and there are many.

But how can you find out if those who meditate are generally healthier and suffer less disease than those who do not?

An experiment was designed at Maharishi International University in Iowa which studied those who practiced meditation and those who did not, to see which group spent less time in hospital, or visiting their doctor.

The study, later published in the Psychosomatic Medicine journal, used a group of 200 meditation practitioners and 600,000 non-practitioners and studied how those in both groups used their medical insurance over a 5 year period.

The two groups were broadly similar in terms of benefits and coinsurance payments, and the proportion of men and women in the two groups.

It was found that in all the categories that the insurance covered them for, those who practised meditation were less likely to use their medical insurance. In fact, in all age groups, the meditation group had nearly 50% less inpatient and outpatient days than the non-meditation group.

OK, it's fair to assume that those who practised meditation were more likely to live a healthier lifestyle, not to smoke and eat healthy food for example, but even given this factor, the difference between the two groups is still such that the medical benefit to overall health shows that meditation is good for you. It is a simple fact that cases of mental disorder, infections and cancer, hospitalisation was far less than the norm in the meditation group.

For relaxation, James likes to play guitar. See his latest website about the Martin Backpacker guitar where you will find amazing deals and tips on the Martin Backpacker guitar.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Rutherford

View the Original article

How Can I Always Be Happy? - Here is the Key to a Joyful and Peaceful You!

If we could all have one wish, all of us would want that we could always be happy. After all, our every thought, word and deed stems from this basic desire. However, most of us are looking for happiness in places where it can never be found. Once we understand this, we can look in the right places and start to cultivate our natural inner state of joy and happiness. Everybody can do this with some practice. So, how do you get to that place where you can always be happy?

Having More is not the Way to Peace and Happiness

We often think of happiness in material terms. If I had a better car or a bigger house or a new partner then I would be happy. If I didn't have to work or if I wasn't in debt or if I could afford a holiday this year then I would be even happier. However, happiness does not come from the material world. How often do we get that one thing that is going to make us happy only to find a short time later, that we now hanker after something else which we need to make us happy?

If something is a true cause of happiness then the more we have of it, the happier we will be. However, there is nothing in the material world that provides this. Lets take the example of chocolate, or alcohol or food. When we have something nice to eat or drink we feel that this increases our amount of happiness but if we just continue to eat and drink and do not stop then we will not become increasingly happy, we will start to feel sick.

Doing More is not the Way to Peace and Happiness

We also have lots of things which we do to keep ourselves busy. Watching television, compulsive working or constantly staying in touch with friends via instant communications technology save us from being lonely or bored. We see these things as making us happy but really they are just distractions from our awareness of our empty, undernourished inner selves.

Over the centuries technology has developed to such a degree that many menial tasks have been reduced or eliminated and communication is now possible on a worldwide scale. This has enabled us to achieve more in a shorter time scale than ever before. We can now do and have more than was ever previously possible. However, we are no happier or more peaceful. We are never satisfied, we just end up striving for more and more.

This is because happiness and peace do not come from having or doing. They are internal states of mind which incorporate positive habits of thought and attitude. The happy peaceful person does not expect life to be perfect. They are just able to accept and deal with whatever happens to them in their lives without letting their mind become agitated and unpeaceful. They do not try and control life but understand that it is subject to powers beyond their own comprehension. They tend to believe that in some way everything that happens is for the greater good.

Being is the Way to Peace and Happiness

To find peace and happiness we need to develop our own internal states of inner calm and tranquillity. Take a "time-out" on having and doing and start learning just to be. The very best way to take control of our minds and attain unshakable inner peace and happiness is by meditation. When we learn to meditate, we start to peel away the outer layers of negativity and dissatisfaction and attain inner peace, well-being and spiritual awareness. Meditation quiets the infernal chatter in our minds and lets our natural calm and joyful state bubble up to the surface. We can attain happiness and inner peace when we meditate our way to a more peaceful, happier life.

Meditation is a powerful tool to aid stress relief and well-being. Used regularly it can help you to clear and calm your mind. You do not have to be a spiritual practitioner to meditate. Many people are now taking up meditation as a way of reducing stress and restoring their inner peace.

Try the easiest way to meditate with a free stress relief meditation download and experience the benefits for yourself. For further help in creating a you that can always be happy get more information on how to meditate.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenna_Beneck

View the Original article

Guided Meditation For Gratitude, Expectancy and Faith

Guided Meditation can help bring you what you desire.
Guided Meditation can help you work less and earn more.
Guided Meditation can help you enjoy your life and work more.

Doesn't that sound great?

Well, there are a couple important questions that naturally come up.

Who does the Guiding?
Ultimately, it is YOU.

But sometimes, as we are starting out with this new practice, it is helpful to "borrow" another person's ideas, or thoughts or energy to get us going.

A good guided meditation should bring you something: More Energy - Personal, Emotional and/or Spiritual Energy. Maybe more peace or ease. Whatever it is that you want, you should be able to find a guided meditation or you can create one for yourself.

Sometimes it is also helpful to read along as you are learning a new meditation. I like to provide .pdf files along with the .mp3s of audio meditations I create.

But if you are building something new in your life or business, Guided Meditation may be just what you need to create a solid, energetic foundation.

Here are some guidelines and benefits you might look for especially if you are in business or an entrepreneur looking to build your energy and build your business. Enjoy!

Good guided meditations can help you break through the Mental Blocks that stop most people before they even get started making BIG CHANGES in their lives and further help you:

* Discover what all ancient spiritual traditions knew about the Power of the Mind

* Learn how to harness the Power of Your Mind

* Move past the Built-In Resistance of the Mind

* Use what shows up in your world to reveal the content of your limiting beliefs

* Re-Train your Mind to Focus on what you enjoy and what you desire

You can also uncover the Emotional Patterns that SAP YOUR ENERGY and learn how to live from what LIGHTS YOU UP!:

* Discover the Keys to Happiness and Fulfillment

* Learn how to Create Your Day with the emotional quality that you want to enjoy

* Add the Power of your Emotions to the power of your mind & knowledge

* See how you mastered to "Expect and See" what is in your life, and shift your relationship to "Expectancy"

You can also ReConnect with your Spiritual Center - Learn to Balance Heart and Mind:

* How simple practices of Gratitude can open you up to receive more

* Develop Compassion for yourself by "seeing" your mind at work

* Create practices to connect your heart and mind

* Learn a powerful technique to Build and Focus your Faith

* See how to unplug and disconnect from old reactions and habits that no longer serve you

* Learn how a simple change in perspective can eliminate all the emotional poison you create in your life

Learn the 5 Simple Steps to Design and Create Your Own Prosperity:

* Learn how to boost and magnify Your Daily Energy - your greatest resource

* Connect your heart and your business - get clear about Your Business Impact you want to create for clients and the world

* Attract Ideal Clients through simple to follow practices - and then learn to attract Ideal Partners who bring you your Ideal Clients

* Build simple yet powerful Business Systems that provide consistent quality and results and let you work less

* Discover the 4 Step Method to bring any Transformation you want

Here is a great resource for you to build your personal energy and then be able to deploy that increased energy in your business or in your projects:

http://www.earthandlight.com/guided-meditation/

Kevin F. Murray is an author, Mentor Coach and Toltec guide in the lineage of don Miguel Ruiz. He is President of Sebago Energy Conservation Corp. and EarthLight Consulting, LLC. Kevin is a lifetime entrepreneur and has practiced sacred traditions for over 25 years. He is a husband and father living in Connecticut.

visit earthandlight dot com
home of Energize Your Business
"tools for prosperous lives"

Free Ebook download "Energize Your Business with the Law of Attraction - 5 Simple Steps to Design and Create Your Own Prosperity"
http://www.earthandlight.com/free-ebook/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_F_Murray

View the Original article

Beginner Breathing Techniques in Meditation

Your breath is your link to health and vitality. Learning to breath correctly forms the cornerstone of all yoga and meditation techniques. Known as pranayama, (control of the breath) breathing techniques can be used in a variety of ways in meditation.

Meditation is an ancient practice that brings about inner peace, balance and clarity. Originally, the domain of spiritual seekers and monks, meditation has become popular in mainstream culture, workplaces and even in schools. When you meditate, you strive to achieve a state of inner calm and balance. This helps you to focus, be more productive and agile in your thoughts.

As a beginner you may feel overwhelmed by all the advise and guidelines surrounding meditation and even wonder what breathing has to do with meditation. Pranayama and meditation form part of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which offer you philosophical, spiritual and practical understandings on your path to enlightenment.

Meditation is the process whereby you are able to still and quieten your mind. During meditation you travel inwards and with practice, you are able to fully experience a deep sense of calm, clarity and conscious connection with all humanity. Meditation has been liken to observing the sea on a calm and clear day. You sit and see beyond the horizon and grasp a glimpse of your true potential.

There are various meditation techniques available to beginners, ranging from using your breath to focus your mind through to walking active meditations.

Three Beginner Breathing Techniques In Meditation

Your breath forms the link between your mind and your body. Have you noticed that when you are sad or unhappy you gulp and sigh or when you are angry and frustrated you tend to take sharp intakes air?

To help you learn how to use your breathe to calm and steady your mind, practice the three following beginner breathing meditations. Once your thoughts are steady, it is easier for to make decisions, think clearly and even priorities commitments.

1.Observe Your Breath. Sit in a comfortably position. Make sure your back is straight and body relaxed. You can sit on a chair or on the floor in a comfortable cross-legged position/meditation cushion. Take a steady breath in through your nose and slowly exhale through your nose. Gradually, turn your attention to your breath and just observe the way you are breathing. Don't change or force anything. Just sit still and focus on the movement of your breath - from your belly to your ribs and upper chest.

Anytime you notice your attention wandering away from observing your breath, simply acknowledge your thoughts and gently bring your awareness back to the breath. Stay still and continue in this practice for 2-5 minutes.

2. Counting Each Breath. Sit as before in a comfortable position. Become aware of your breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose and count "one". Slowly breathe out and count "two". Breathe in and count "three", breathe out and count "four".... Continue counting your breaths up to number 10. When you reach number 10, go back to number one. Repeat for 2-10 minutes. If your mind wanders during the practice and you lose concentration, just return your attention to the breath and begin counting from number one.

3. Cleansing Breath Meditation. This meditation helps you to release negative feelings and frustration and replace them with a more positive and uplifting energy. Sit upright in a comfortable position,hands resting on your lap. Tune into your breath and spend a few moments gently breathing in and out through your nose. On the next inhalation breathe in the word "love" and as you breathe out "love"....continue with breathing in and out the phrase "love" for 5-15 minutes. Slowly open your eyes and remain still and be aware of the sensations and energy flowing through your body.

As a beginner in meditation, practicing these three breathing exercises give you a solid foundation into using your breathe to calm,clear and balance your mind.

Ready to discover more yoga tips to help you rest and take care of yourself? Then I invite you to claim your Free Special Report "Energize Your Day - Top Ten Yoga Exercises To Jump-Start Your Day" when you visit http://www.yogainspires.co.uk

Peace and Blessings, Ntathu Allen, Yoga Teacher

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ntathu_Allen

View the Original article

Improve Your Way of Life Through Various Meditation Techniques

It's been a while since meditation techniques have been present. Lots of religious sectors use it to link the human world to spirits or convey signals. Another link is the power to aid us in different ways. There was a boom regarding this topic between 1960 and 1970. This was the time where people began to seek different ways of finding meaning in their lives. It was so famous among the people that the Beach Boys produced two songs dedicated to it.

No matter how things around the 1960s and 1970s faded, meditation techniques have lived up to the present. This is due to people pleased with it and receiving the value of mediation benefits. Truly, meditation restores and reenergizes a person after a long day of work and stress or taking care of children.

Now, the question is, how do we meditate? How does meditation work? Meditation is the act of releasing all your stress and challenges away. It is one way to achieve complete relaxation of the body and mind. As you ease this out your system, it releases all the tension going on in your body and makes you feel very calm and allows us to unwind.

A great time for meditating is during the interval period from work to the time you spend time with your friends or family members. The in-between time. By doing this, there will be separation from the stress you acquire from a long day's work and your life with your family. As a result, there will be a harmonious relationship within in the family.

There are a few who prefer doing some meditation techniques before they start their day. They will usually get out of bed, locate a serene spot where they can relax and meditate.

As soon as you start meditating, let your mind think freely and clearly on how you would want your day to evolve. Next set your intention on how you want things to turn out. Never include negative thoughts during this time, whether it is from people you may encounter throughout the day, or if it is about the stress that you will experience from work itself. Staying calm and present will give you the vibe to go through the entire day with ease and comfort.

Plenty of ill people or those who are addicted to a substance can possibly help heal themselves through meditation and get back to their normal life. The power of the mind is so strong that it provides a healing ability if you can do it the proper way. Examples are those patients in cancer treatment facilities that utilize and are encouraged to use the meditation process. It seems to help ease their pain and suffering. It is also an attempt to manage their outlook ahead into a better perspective of life. On the other hand, rehabilitation centers for addiction are using meditation techniques also to help their patients recover faster and eliminate the effects of addiction from their lives.

Meditation techniques are seen by some as a very awkward practice. But then again, it is popular for lots of people all over the world, generally. There are strong recommendations from practitioners to use meditation techniques to win the battle against stress, fatigue, and other negative feelings. The benefits of meditation will help make one's life easier, livelier, and more comfortable.

And now I would like you to claim your Free Instant Access [http://www.spiritualselfmastery.net/] to one of my audios on "Connecting to Your Higher Self". When you learn to hear your inner voice easily, you'll manifest faster and easier too.

From Penny Weaver, and SpiritualSelfMastery.com Penny Weaver, the "Energy Advisor" and author is a certified medium and master/teacher of many healing modalities of many healing modalities.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Weaver

View the Original article

Do the Best Meditations CDs Include Music?

Meditation is hugely popular these days, as more and more people discover the enormous range of benefits that a regular meditation practice can bring. There are many different ways to meditate, and a lot of people find it beneficial to listen to a meditation recording. Many such recordings include music, but is this always a good idea?

The point of meditation is to deeply relax the body and mind. Many people find mental relaxation especially difficult, especially those who are new to meditating. This isn't surprising really, as most of us have little or no experience with mind control techniques, and as a result have minds that jump around all over the place, racing from thought to thought.

The use of a meditation recording can make relaxation process much easier, because it gives the mind something to focus on. Furthermore, the actual sounds featured in such a recording can have a relaxing effect in themselves. This is why music is often included on meditation tracks; such music is typically very calm and mellow, and is specifically designed to have a calming effect on the listener.

There's no doubt that music meditation recordings can work extremely well. But the main issue with them, at least in my experience, is that no matter how pleasant and tranquil the music is, it's likely to become annoying with repeated listening.

Now, I'm a huge music fan, and can happily listen to music for hours on end. But meditation music is a bit different, because if you're meditating every day (as is recommended), and you're listening to the same meditation track regularly, then you're not listening for pleasure, your listening for a specific purpose. And chances are, you're not going to feel like listening to that particular music so often. If the music starts irritating you, it can become a distraction from your meditation - which is just what you don't want.

So this is something to be aware of if you're thinking of buying a music meditation recording. In my opinion, such recordings are better for occasional rather than regular use.

However, this doesn't mean you shouldn't take advantage of sound-based meditation recordings, as they have a huge amount to offer. Instead, it's probably best to choose a track which features ambient sounds for regular use. These have a similarly relaxing effect, but lack the irritation factor that melodic music can cause with repeated listening. Such tracks may feature nature sounds such as running water or crackling flames, pink/brown noise or synthesised sounds that are soothing in nature.

The best meditation CDs will also include brainwave entrainment technologies such as binaural beats. These are sounds of specific frequencies which actively encourage your brain to descend into a profoundly relaxed trance state. This makes brainwave entrainment recordings especially good for those who are new to meditation, as they make it much easier to relax properly and focus your mind.

Binaural beats and other similar technologies such as monaural beats or isochronic tones are usually combined with other sounds to create a very pleasant listening experience. The best recordings of this type that I've found so far are available from The Unexplainable Store. Their tracks offer a choice of conventional music and ambient sounds, so whatever your preference, you're sure to find what you like. For more information just go to http://www.brain-sync.com

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_Mann

View the Original article

Using Affirmations For Meditative Purposes

I turn to the Bible for affirmations to use for meditative purposes. Psalm 31 provides affirmations that help me meditate on the goodness and love of God. These verses affirm me as a dearly loved child of God.

In You, Oh Lord, I put my trust... Psalm 31:1 Troubles happen, crises occur, and the trust I put in others is not certain. I am not able to count on family or even dear friends in all situations. There is One, however, I trust completely. I sit quietly and place myself in God's presence, knowing that I will be guided, comforted, and helped.

You are my rock and fortress... Psalm 31:3 God is my rock and fortress. God will not slip away, nor be smashed to pieces, nor swallowed up into nothing. No matter how defeated I feel, or lost, or hopeless, my rock and fortress is present for me. I can let go and relax in the presence of my Beloved Creator. I have found my home, my safe place.

Into Your hand, I commit my spirit... Psalm 31:5 These are the words that Jesus spoke. These are also my words. In my complete trust in God, I commit my spirit. I know that no matter what, my God is with me, loving me, and caring for me.

I will rejoice and be glad in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have know my soul in adversities... Psalm 31:7 Countless times, my Lord blesses me while I'm in the midst of pain and struggle. A light shines and my spirits are lifted. I see a way forward. I am filled with peace and hope.

But as for me, I trust in You, Oh Lord; I say, "You are my God."... Psalm 31:14 Sometimes I forget, and I am distracted by material things. I might think, those electronic gadgets are interesting, I wonder if I can afford that computer or that iPhone? Fortunately, I usually come to my senses and realize that I'm seeking comfort and distraction from my problems in the wrong places. Once again, I sit quietly and place myself in God's presence and affirm, "You are my God."

Make Your face shine upon You servant; save me for Your mercies' sake. Psalm 31: 16 And God does save me and bless me. No matter where I go or what troubles I face, there is One who is with me and loves me, even when I lose awareness of God's Holy Presence.

Judy Brutz is author, spiritual director, retreat leader and speaker. She lives in Idaho with her family, and enjoys nature, knitting for peace, and volunteering. I would love to hear from you.

Email contact: comments.judy@gmail.com
http://judybrutz.net

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Brutz

View the Original article

Meditation Outside

Does it really matter whether you choose to meditate outside or inside? I think it does. Meditating outside for some of us can be a completely different experience than meditating inside. There is a number of good reasons for this. For some of us meditating in a very quiet room is the easiest way to focus, especially if you are a beginner.

If you meditate outside it can be vary hard to quiet the chatter in your head because there are many different distractions in your surroundings. The reality is that in life we are constantly being bombarded by all kinds of distractions, so if you desire the peace that comes into your life by meditating despite all the distractions, perhaps it can be beneficial to learn how to focus despite all the distractions that might be coming in. Five Minuets from where I used to live there was a high bank on a river.

I used to go to the a spot all the way to the top, that is where I would go to sit and meditate. It was may favorite spot because I could see fifty feet down, hear the water rushing down and smell the plants around me. Meditating in that spot wasn't only comfortable because of all the nature surrounding me, but its also different from meditating in my room.

Perhaps mediating there was more comforting because I was not worried that my phone was going to ring or someone would come knocking on my door, I could focus on my senses really easily. After I finished meditating I would open my eyes, then I would look around as if I was seeing for the first time. If you haven't tried meditating outside then try it next time, go to a place where you can be alone, sit in front of a tree or on a hill and experience it.

Andy J. has been writing articles for about two years now. Make sure to visit his newest website on Social Anxiety at http://socialanxiety101.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_J.

View the Original article

I Want to Astral Project

Astral projection is an interpretation of any form of OBE (Out of Body Experience). The assumption is that an astral body exists and separates from the physical body. The astral body can travel freely without the limitations of the physical body. The idea of astral travel comes from common religious accounts of an afterlife. But it is possible to leave the physical body without dying. It is believed that with intense meditation that a person's spirit body can travel into 'higher realms'.

A commonly held belief is that the astral body is attached to the physical body by a silver cord. The last chapter of the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes is often cited. "before the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be shattered at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern"

The expression astral projection was coined in two ways. Some say the meaning is the journeying to other worlds, heavens, hells, and other imaginal landscapes. Others say that they are travelling within the physical world. Usually those who experience the astral plane describe themselves as being in a place which is totally unlike the any physical place.

Environments may be artificial, natural, populated, or unpopulated. Most belief that one can access a library of mystical knowledge called the Akashic records. Many correlate the astral plane with the world of dreams. These people report seeing dreamers act out dream scenarios on the astral plane, unaware of what is around them. Some also say that dreams in which one is "falling" occurs during projection.

Chris has been experimenting with astral travel in the past few months. Here's his blog: http://chris-astralprojection.blogspot.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Schmalenberger

View the Original article

Meditation For Beginners - The Easy Way - As it Should Be

Meditation for beginners can often be a daunting task. How do I start? What should I feel? Am I doing it right? These are just some of the questions a beginner will ask him or herself when they start to learn to meditate. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to find a gentle and qualified teacher who can lead you on your quest to learn to meditate. Assuming you have the time to visit her or him within your busy life and the motivation to continue your course until you feel learned enough to meditate without assistance. Bearing in mind that your teacher may have a vested interest in prolonging your attendance.

Fortunately, there is a way that you can attain a deep, relaxing and effective meditation and achieve the benefits of meditation very simply and without effort on your part. Which is really the point of meditation. This has come about because of the explosion of information about the greatest supercomputer ever created. The one inside your head. The incredible human brain.

So how can a beginner, who wants to learn to meditate, go straight into a deep, meditative state that may normally take years of practice to achieve?

The answer is using brainwave entrainment. Specifically, the use of guided meditations in the form of mp3 meditation downloads that swiftly and easily train your mind to achieve true meditation. Without effort on your part. In fact, the less effort you use, the greater and faster your results will be.

The normal method is to use binaural beats, and this is still very effective. But just as vinyl records have been replaced by the ipod and mp3 player, brainwave entrainment technology has discovered that Isochronic tones are even more effective in inducing a deep meditation experience. Deep and clear to the point that you will have no doubt that you are meditating successfully.

Isochronic tones have a greater pulse speed, which causes the brain to synchronize with the rhythm much more efficiently. The Isochronic tones can be used in guided meditation to affect specific areas or address different problems by changing the pattern and rhythm of the pulse. Some of these areas may be: manifestation, chakra tuning, motivation, prosperity and even weight loss. The use of mp3 meditation via these tones, within minutes, calms the mind and creates relaxing, guided meditations that will change your mind.

Martjn P Kerrigan is the author of two books. The Adventures of Princess Lau, the funniest and wisest book you will ever read. And Uluru Dreaming. The most frightening book you will ever read. He is a student of wing chun kung fu for twenty one years so far and continues to improve. One day he may be very good. His interests are esoteric, spiritual, Star Trek, Buffy and Angel.

For samples of mp3 meditation downloads go to: http://mp3meditationstore.com

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_P_Kerrigan

View the Original article

Tai Chi and Its Health Benefits

If you are suffering from back problems, obesity and depression, or are simply stressed out, try tai chi. It could be the answer to a lot of health symptoms and issues. Tai chi is an ancient martial art reputedly created by a Taoist monk centuries ago. Originally developed in ancient China for self defense, this form of exercise uses gentle flowing movements designed to promote serenity and reduce both physical and mental stress by connecting the mind and body in one exercise routine.

Tai chi is often referred to as "mediation in motion". Its slow and deliberate set of movements provide the most effective form of aerobic and low impact exercise, making it quite attractive even among the elderly. Benefits of engaging in this exercise include better sleep patterns, a healthier circulatory and immune system, great stress control, gentle muscle and joint toning without damaging impact effects, and increased mobility.

Tai chi consists of 108 sequence combinations that will take probably three to six months to learn. The exercise routine is rather a long term investment rather than a quick fix solution to health problems. All forms involve rhythmic and flowing patterns that are coordinated with breathing to help achieve a sense of calm and serenity. There are varying intensities depending on the form or style as some are more exerting and fast paced, but most are well suited for everyone regardless of age.

Tai chi is more about technique than strength, so it is actually more suitable for adults and the aged as it is low impact. It does not require any special equipment so it is inexpensive to do. The most you should invest in are good-quality flat soled shoes and comfortable clothing, which you may already have in your wardrobe. It can also be done anywhere, so you don't have to go to a local exercise club or court to exercise. There are fun benefits of doing it with a group though.

To obtain the best results from tai chi, consider practicing it regularly. You will get the greatest reduction in stress levels and numerous other health benefits when you do it for the long term.

Andrea has written articles on many aspects of life for over 3 years and recommends that you check out coupon organizer as well as marketing strategies!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Dilea

View the Original article

What is Meditation and How Do You Do It?

What is meditation and why should you do it? In this article we'll take a look at the phenomenon of meditation, which is now more popular and mainstream than ever.

Meditation basically involves a deeply focused, calm state of mind, although there are many different meditation methods. Some of these involve giving intense, focused attention to something, such as a candle flame, a mantra or the breath. Other forms involve maintaining a detached state of awareness in which thoughts are allowed to pass through the mind, but without pursuing them. In most cases, the end result is that the chatter of the mind slows down or stops, and it becomes possible to access a deep sense of inner peace, your own internal guidance, and possibly altered states of awareness too.

Meditation plays a key role in many Eastern philosophies and religions, but in recent decades has become increasingly popular in the West as well. People have various motives for wanting to learn to meditate: these include releasing stress, mental relaxation, personal development, improved health and even the development of extra sensory abilities and the exploration of altered states of consciousness.

With so many meditation methods available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Probably the simplest way to begin is to just watch your breath. This involves sitting or lying down in a quiet place, closing your eyes and just putting your focus on your breath as it moves in an out of your nostrils. And that's it! There's no need to sit in the lotus position or purchase special meditation accessories or anything else like that. Simply sit, breathe and focus. It also helps to breathe deeply, as this further relaxes your mind and body.

With practice, you'll find that your mind begins to relax deeply, as your breath becomes the centre of your awareness and your conscious thoughts slow down. This simple process can be more challenging than it seems however, as keeping the focus on the breath can be surprisingly difficult if you've never meditated before. You'll almost certainly find your attention wandering, so don't beat yourself up when this happens. Just gently return your focus to your breathing, no matter how many times you have to do this. A 10 minute session should be enough to begin with, although with practice you might want to build up to 20 minutes or more each day.

You might also want to listen to the meditation recording that uses binaural beats or another brainwave entrainment technology such as monaural beats or isochronic tones. Listening to a recording like this while doing your breathing meditation can help to quieten your mind much more easily. Such recordings contain sounds of specific frequencies which have been shown to aid in achieving a deeply relaxed mental state.

If you decide to use brainwave entrainment for improving your meditation sessions, I suggest checking out the excellent 'Meditation' recordings from The Unexplainable Store. These are very popular, and are fully guaranteed. You can also get some free samples to download, so for more information just go to http://www.brain-sync.com.

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_Mann

View the Original article

How Meditation Can Help Stop Anxiety and Panic Attacks

If you worry about when the next anxiety or panic attack may come on, I have good news for you. I use to spend countless hours and days in a state of low level anxiety wondering when something might happen that would trigger an attack...and wishing I could do something to stop it.

What was most worrisome was the apprehension that I experienced every morning when I started my car. I had a severe panic attack while driving one Saturday afternoon and just barely was able to pull over to the side of the street and call my wife fro help. What would happen I fretted, if an attack came on and I was driving on a major freeway in Los Angeles where we live. I was certain that if one did, it might be a disaster.

The idea of meditating to control or end panic and anxiety attacks was introduced to me by a holistic practitioner who suggested that I learn how to mediate the right way and use it as a tool on a daily basis, and especially prior to driving, as a way to stop the onset of an attack.

My attacks were such an awful experience that I was willing to try almost anything. Had the practitioner suggested I eat pebbles and dance on my head I would have given it a try. Anything was better than having another attack...especially while driving a car!

I took the advice to heart, learned to mediate the right way and put it to work as a "tool", as suggested. Since incorporating this approach into my daily routine I am happy to say that I have not experienced another anxiety attack nor panic attack while driving. It's simple and ever so calming and peaceful.

Let's take a look at what mediation is and how you may be able to benefit as well

Meditation is a calming and relaxing tool that you may find is very helpful in dealing with the symptoms that trigger a panic attack or anxiety attack causing heart palpitations, difficulty catching your breath, dizziness or a sensation that you are about to faint or even die, accompanied by very intense anxiety and panic.

It's is a way to manage stress where you can envision calm and happy thoughts to soothe your brain, body and spirit. Learning how to deal with the stress inherent in everyday life via meditation may help you experience an inner peace and relief for the symptoms triggering an anxiety or panic attack.

Done regularly, you can eliminate negative thoughts and replace them with positive, serene images. This may help you lessen or eliminate the effects of negative stress which produce anxiety and panic attacks. Peaceful and stress free thoughts contribute to a healthy body and immune system, protecting you from sickness, disease and those ever unpleasant panic attacks.

Some forms of meditation, such as that which is practiced in the Raja yoga meditation philosophy emphasizes radiating peace and light to others and all the world. Practicing Raja yoga meditation may help you avoid anxiety and panic attacks.

If you experience inner peace in your brain, heart and soul, you will be positioned to fend off any potential negative stress factor that may trigger an anxiety attack in a person who has not become centered spiritually.

Here are the basics of meditation as taught to me:

�Enter a quiet environment where there are no distractions.
�Sit comfortably with your legs in a ninety degree angle.
�Breathe naturally.
�Quiet your mind and focus on peaceful happy thoughts and images.
�Start for fifteen minutes and gradually increase your meditation time.

Take some time and incorporate meditation into your daily routine. It's very powerful once harnessed and the benefits from this simple and almost ancient therapy is one that can help you stop your panic and anxiety attacks once and for all.

Give it a try. It worked for me, and may be able to help you as well.!

I suffered from debilitating panic attacks that kept me at home and in a sate of constant anxiety, until I learned how to stop the attacks.For information and tips on how to eliminate panic and anxiety attacks like I did and start living and enjoying life again, visit the Panic Anxiety Attack Site @ http://panicanxietyattacksite.info/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thurston_Wellington

View the Original article

How to Do Meditation During Breaks at Work

During the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to take short breaks, sit back, and reflect and meditate on the important things that really matter. With the number of deadlines and issues that need to be dealt with at the office or at home, we forget how to do meditation which will actually make everything run smoother and more effectively.

Learning how to do meditation at work will improve your overall tolerance to stress, and you will find that you will deal with things a whole lot better. Here are some ways you can learn how to do meditation:

� The first step to learn meditation is being in the right environment. Try to plan out your work schedule and dedicate a little bit of time each day as your break wherein you will commit to learning how to do meditation. Whether this be a short 20 minutes during your lunch break outside your office, or in the afternoon coffee break, it's up to you, but the most important thing is to place yourself in an environment you can focus clearly.

If you have a nearby park to your office you can walk to or a rooftop location in your building, this would be ideal place to do meditation.

� Once you have found a spot conducive to learning how to do meditation, try the approach of silence. All this involves is focusing solely on the space you are in, and every time you have a thought come in your head, acknowledge this and gently allow it to disappear into the universe. This will leave your head feeling clearer and more peaceful. After a few tries, you will find that this will become easier and will be more natural and you'll instantly know how to do meditation.

� If music is more your way of relaxing, you can use this to your advantage when learning how to do meditation during short breaks at work. For many of us, listening to something we enjoy provides mental escapism from problems and shifts our moods instantly. Try listening to some soulful and peaceful music for a few minutes during your break, and think about peaceful and joyful things in your life. You will notice how much more energizing you will be at work afterwards.

� Deep breathing will make a big difference when it comes to helping you relax and learning how to do meditation. Instead of the usual rapid and shallow breathing we often do during your break, focus and try to do slower and deeper breathing. As this brings more oxygen into your brain, everything else inside your body will function much better and you will feel great after doing this for a few minutes.

Once you've incorporated these changes into your work lifestyle, you will learn how to do meditation in just a few attempts. Notice how much lighter and better you will feel after, and you will deal with everything much better. Later on, you may even encourage your co-workers to do the same.

Neelima P, is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on meditation, yoga meditation, methods & techniques of mediation, visit his website: Meditation Info Guide

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neelima_P

View the Original article

Tips For Creative Meditation

Creative Visualization is used in meditation. Visualization is helpful in relaxing and becoming calm. Breathing awareness is part of the process of imaginative visualization. Creative visualization is also called guided meditation and guided imagery. The meditative process aids in knowing oneself and in knowing the Sacred.

Preparation. Either lie or sit in a comfortable position. Be in quiet surroundings where you won't be interrupted. Bring your awareness to your breathing, monitoring the movements of your breath in and out, and where you feel your breath.

Relaxing. Locate yourself in a comfortable position and tend to your breathing. When you are ready, imagine yourself resting in a hammock. The temperature is comfortable and you have the shade and sun light that is just right for you. As you rest, you hear the sounds of the breeze through the leaves. You feel your body relaxing and letting go all tension.

Calming. Locate yourself in a comfortable position and tend to your breathing. When you are ready, you imagine a river and you hear and see its flow. Listen and allow the river to carry away your worries. Listen.

Coping. Locate yourself in a comfortable position, and attend to your breathing. Visualize yourself in the Fall walking in the woods. You listen and notice the Fall colors. Leaves are different colors and shapes. Some trees are green near their trunk and turned colors on the outside. You kick the leaves on the ground. You listen to their sounds. There are lessons here for you, what are they?

Healing. Tend to your preparation, settling into a comfortable position, and being with your breathing. Healing takes many forms. It may be change in attitude. It may involve healing of emotions or healing in relationships. You walk into a peaceful and quiet garden. You sense the Presence of the Sacred. You sit quietly, just being aware and resting.

Discovery. Settle into a comfortable position and mind your breathing. Imagine that you are walking along a path and come to a clearing. In the clearing stands a two story cabin. There is a sign on the door that reads, "Please come in and make yourself at home." This is very intriguing. You feel comfortable in approaching and entering. There are rooms with open doors and rooms with closed doors. On a table there is a notepad with some writing on it. "You are welcome here. Stay as long as you wish. You will find something about yourself in every room."

Thanksgiving. The Spirit of God guides and blesses us in meditation

Judy Brutz is author, spiritual director, retreat leader and speaker. She lives in Idaho with her family, and enjoys nature, knitting for peace, and volunteering. Please be in touch. I want to hear from you. What did you find helpful in this article?

email: comments.judy@gmail.com
http://judybrutz.net

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Brutz

View the Original article

Developing a Breathing Practice For Meditating and Letting Go Tension

The preparation for meditation involves focusing on your breathing. Focused attention quiets the mind. Active attention to breathing helps deepen the breathing, and increases physical and sensual awareness. Deep breathing is relaxing to the whole body. Letting go of tension is aided by breathing practice.

Breathing Practice

1. Settle yourself in a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down. You want to be located where you will not be interrupted, and where it is quiet.
2. Bring your attention to your breathing. Notice the breath coming in and going out.
3. Follow the breath. Feel it entering your nostrils. Notice the breath as it enters your throat.
4. Then where does it go? Do you feel it in your upper chest? in your tummy?
5. Is your breathing shallow? raspy?
6. Take a deep breath so that your abdomen rises and falls. Be there with your breathing for awhile, noticing the movement of your abdomen.
7. Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose, hold your breath momentarily, then breathe out slowly though your mouth.. do this for a few minutes. You might fall asleep.

Letting Go Tension

1. Continue your slow breathing, in through your nose, and slowly out through your mouth.
2. As you breathe in, imagine the breath going to your toes and feet and circulating. As you breathe out, your breathing out the tension from your feet and ankles. Be with your feet and ankles, breathing in and out. How wonderful it feels to have the breath caress your feet.
3. You continue with your breathing and circulate the breath in your lower legs and knees. The tension breathes out. Whatever discomfort you have, lessens. Your lower legs and knees are feeling good.
4. You are ready for your sacred breathing to circulate in your upper legs. Slowly you breathe in and out, and the tension leaves. Your feet and legs are feeling very relaxed.
5. Your breathing now circulates in your hips. The bones and muscles need the caring touch of the Holy gift of life through your breathing. You feel the tension and any discomfort leaving.
6. Your breathing circulates to all the organs and systems in the torso, going wherever it is needed and as long as it is needed. All the stress, tension and discomfort is breathed out.
7. Now your breathing caresses your arms, hands and joints. Circulating, all the stress and discomfort is breathed out.
8. Your breath, really the sacred breath of life we all partake, circulates through your head, mouth, eyes, ears, nose and brain. All stress, tension and discomfort is breathed away.

Thanksgiving to the Holy One.

Judy Brutz is author, spiritual director, retreat leader and speaker. She lives in Idaho with her family, and enjoys nature, knitting for peace, and volunteering. How has this article helped you? Please let me know.

email: comments.judy@gmail.com
http://judybrutz.net

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Brutz

View the Original article

Meditation For the Non-Mystic

So I discovered today I'm for sure not a mystic. Oh, I'd suspected it for a long time-but I really do love to meditate, so I thought that maybe, in my own way, I might be.

Nope. Not at all. Mystics meditate into nothing. They have moved beyond emotional experiences. They turn away from insights. They stay with the silence-but only the silence. Listening, but never hearing. Emptying and opening--but never filled.

That is one way to meditate. And it may be the way you love--in which case, I'm glad you enjoy it. Maybe you are a mystic!

But if you can't get into meditation that way (or if you don't even want to try) then let me show you another path.

Because that's not the only way. There's a way of meditating that's more like knitting a soft blanket for the baby, or making a kitchen table from a plank of hand-rubbed wood. It's pretty normal, everyday stuff. And it's easy!

Oh, it's not 'thinking as usual'. Meditation puts you in God's embrace. Your mind grounded in scripture...your awareness moves down, opens out and takes in. There are thoughts in meditation, as well as spaces between thoughts. Emotions, and images. There are tender times, and times of pain. Times of emptiness and distraction, too. And sudden joyful surges of being held and loved. Sharp amazements of truth, bursting with glory.

Hum... Talking about meditation is a little like talking about music. No matter how hard you try, it's still just talk and not music! Yet though it's hard to describe meditation, the things I learn in meditation are very real, and comprehendible, even after the meditation is over.

Perhaps this kind of meditation is just ordinary, homely stuff. But to me it's lovely, special and important-and if you've never done it, you might want to try.

In your mind, just imagine sitting in a porch swing, in the evening... becoming aware of the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze... and a friend there beside you. A friend who is also God. Who knows your deepest heart, and yet still cherishes you. He is more wonderful to you than all the most wonderful people you can ever imagine-and He promises that more and more you will be like Him, living this very experience of loving, and being loved, out into the world.

Actually, I'm glad I'm not a mystic. I love the piercing sweetness of my world when He's in it with me. I love having God show me how different it all looks from the inside out.

Maybe you'd love it too.

"...the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:26-27.

Try a FREE guided Christian meditation by Dr. Kukal at her website, http://www.joyofchristianmeditation.com Learn to meditate and experience the healing joy of Christian meditation.

Dr. Deborah Kukal is a licensed psychologist, Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology. She has been teaching health based meditation in a hospital setting for more than 15 years, engaging patients from virtually every walk of life in the successful and rewarding practice of health focused meditation.

Dr. Kukal's Christian meditations nourish your physical health and enrich your emotional life, as well as deepening your intimacy with the Lord.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Kukal,_Ph.D.

View the Original article

How to Relax Your Mind More Deeply When Meditating

Meditation has wonderful benefits. It can help to improve your physical and mental health, to release stress, and even to tap into the deepest potentials of your mind and explore an exciting variety of altered states of consciousness. But to get the most from your meditation sessions, you need to be able to relax your mind properly - and this is where many people run into problems.

Most beginners know the frustration of sitting down to meditate and realising just how uncontrollable their minds are. Their thoughts jump around all over the place, and resist any attempt at prolonged focus on the object of meditation. And as for achieving that mythical state of 'no thought', forget it! It's very easy to finish a meditation session feeling that you've just wasted your time, because all that's happened is that your mind has run away with itself, rehashing problems or trivia over and over again.

All too many beginning meditators give up before they manage to move beyond this stage. And that's a shame, because if you give up, you'll never experience all the great things that meditation has to offer. With traditional meditation methods you just keep practising, day after day, and eventually controlling and focusing your thoughts becomes easier. But this may take months or even years.

Fortunately, modern technology can help you to obtain and maintain a state of deep mental relaxation more quickly and easily than is normally the case. Thanks to brainwave entrainment, you can start to experience the benefits of meditation sooner rather than later.

What is Brainwave Entrainment?

When you listen to a rapidly repeating sound of a specific frequency, the brain has a natural tendency to follow along, and match its own brainwaves to the frequency of the sounds it's hearing. This is called the 'frequency following response'.

When meditating, your brainwaves will slow down, until you're predominantly producing brainwaves in the alpha (8 to 12 Hz) or theta (4 to 7 Hz) regions. By listening to a brain entrainment recording which incorporates sounds in these frequency ranges, your brain will be able to access these states more easily - this is brainwave entrainment.

There are three commonly used types of sound-based brainwave entrainment: these are binaural beats, monaural beats and isochronic tones. All three work very well, although many people find isochronic tones to be the most effective. But it's always a good idea to experiment and see which type works best for you.

Regular use of a brainwave entrainment recording while meditating will make it easier to achieve a state of deep mental relaxation. And best of all, with consistent practice, your brain will become used to attaining this state, and eventually you may not need to keep using the recording at all.

If you want to discover how to relax your mind using brainwave entrainment or yourself, I suggest checking out the meditation recordings from http://www.brain-sync.com These are of great quality, and are fully guaranteed - and there are free downloads available as well, so don't forget to check those out while you're over there.

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_Mann

View the Original article

A Meditation Technique

This is a guide for a quick meditation. No, you don't have to sit cross-legged and start chanting. This one is easy so follow along and enjoy. The first step is to remove yourself from all distractions, this includes the telephone, loud noises, television, anything that is designed to grab your attention. We want to lower the amount of stimulus in the room so we can relax. Make sure you are sitting in a comfortable position before you start. The whole purpose of meditation is to alleviate stress. When you think about it, stress is a form of mental illness. There's nothing that stress can do for you besides cloud your vision.

In your mind you probably have a lot of things to do, and to think about. Lets visualize all those things and put them aside for now. We'll worry about them later, for the next 15 minutes we'll focus only on ourselves. Try to focus on only breathing, that's it. All you have to do is breathe right now. Sometimes we get so distracted by our busy lives that we forget to do what we are naturally inclined to do. Sit still for a few minutes and only breathe, don't let any other thoughts distract you. Breathe in for a count of 8, or whatever time is comfortable for you. Next, breathe out for 8 seconds. As you start to relax you'll find that you can breathe deeper and slower. Breathing slower is decreasing the amount of physical stress on the body.

After a while your heart rate will begin to slow down, and so will your breathing. Don't be afraid this means your body is relaxing. When your body is relaxed you tend to produce more body heat. Again, all of this is normal and shouldn't be worried about. These are all symptoms of you shifting into a more relaxed state of mind and body.

If you seem to have trouble relaxing, try tensing and then relaxing your muscles. Begin with your legs and move up to your head. At the end of this exercise your muscles should be fully relaxed. Remember to sit upright though. You don't have to sit straight up in a way that's uncomfortable, but don't slouch.

Some people prefer to visualize things while they meditate so that their focus can be limited to only one thing. I like to visualize myself sitting in the middle of the desert, but you should pick your favorite place to be.

Meditation has become a big part of Chris's lifestyle. Visit his blog at http://chris-astralprojection.blogspot.com/2010/07/meditation-is-great-way-to-relax.html

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Schmalenberger

View the Original article

The Use of Meditation in Healing

Creative meditation is helpful in healing. Healing takes many forms: healing of attitude, emotions, relationships, trauma, and outlook.

Preparation. Go to a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Settle yourself in a comfortable position of either lying down or sitting up. You might like to light a candle. You might like a sacred book with you and perhaps a religious image or object.

If you are comfortable, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Where does the breath come from and where does it go? This air you breathe is a sacred breath of life. Feel your breath in your lungs. What does it feel like between breaths? Does it feel different when the lungs are filled and they are about to empty from the pause just before when the breath comes in?

Notice how your breathing deepens and slows. It is restful and refreshing to be with your breathing.

Healing Meditation. You are taking a stroll in a beautiful garden. The garden is private, far from sounds of machinery or even people. You have longed to find this place.

You are drawn to the flowers. You breathe in their fragrances, noting that some flowers have no aromas. Each flower has its place in the garden. Some are in full sunshine, others in complete shade. Each kind has its own need for soil, some dry, some moist, some sandy.

As you walk into the shade, your eyes are drawn up. The trees stand side-by-side. Some need large space, others like to be close together.

You see a bird fly into the upper leaves. You strain to see if there is a nest and what sounds this bird makes. Are You able to identify the bird? You listen carefully, and you hear many different bird sounds. Some are songs, others chirping, still others are squawking.

Everything in this garden has its place. The garden is well tended.

You find a place to sit and rest. You sense a Presence. You instinctively know it is the Holy One.

You don't need to say a word, because the Holy One knows you completely.

Your mind is quiet. You rest. You fall asleep. When you awake, you notice that you are feeling peaceful and somehow things have changed.

You take a small tablet out of your pocket and pen. You begin to write. You are writing freely. You write about healing. What healing are you experiencing?

What happens next?

And then what happens?

When you are ready to return, you stretch. You might be interested in writing your meditation experience in your journal, if you have one. If not you have paper. You may be interested in sketching what the garden looked like. Would you like to return to the Garden?

Offer thanksgiving and blessings.

Judy Brutz is author, spiritual director, retreat leader and speaker. She lives in Idaho with her family, and enjoys nature, knitting for peace, and volunteering. Did you find this meditation fruitful. Please write to me and share your experience with me.

email: comments.judy@gmail.com
http://judybrutz.net

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judy_Brutz

View the Original article

Rejuvenate Yourself With Weekend Spa Breaks

Working everyday of your life with very little rest and job pressures breathing down your neck can take its toll on your health. You may feel stressed out and tired all the time with very little energy or drive to do anything else. This is when illness comes calling and you are liable to come down with a serious ailment if you neglect to take proper precautions.

Rejuvenating yourself by taking a timely break can actually do wonders. You do not have to go on a long and expensive vacation, half way across the world either. Settling for weekend spa breaks is good enough. You will soon be able to experience a new 'you' and start working with renewed vigour once again.

Going for a spa is not akin to seeking medical help. Here you are pampering your exhausted body which has been pushed beyond limits. A weekend that provides rest to both your mind and body will help you to put back the energy that you have lost by slogging hard at work.

However, you needn't panic. Spas are not expensive always. There are a number of cheap spa breaks available practically within a stone's throw. The trick is to obtain the required information. Most of them have their own websites with every detail listed. Conducting a research via the Internet is one of the fastest and most convenient methods of finding out the ideal spa getaway for you.

Booking for a spa break on a weekend may become even more convenient when you find out the discounts offered. Extremely cheap rates are now being offered across the British Isles with a few of the hotels offering a free spa treatment to the third person if a total of two packages are booked.

But what exactly will you find in a spa? Massages with the aid of oils and herbs to heal your tired muscles. They are extremely effective in repairing the torn and taut muscles, relaxing the strained nerves and helping you to sleep properly. This therapy, in turn will help you to replenish the energy that you had lost.

Natural postures of exercise once prevalent in the Orient are in favour once again. The various aches and pains plaguing your body can be suitably relived with the aid of Yoga. The postures need to be practiced carefully before you can hope to benefit from it. You also need to adhere to routine while practicing Yoga. This will discipline your body as well as your mind.

A host of beauty treatments which includes facials, saunas and body masks are almost always included within the spa breaks. Looking good enhances your self confidence thereby helping you to achieve success.

Prolonged sessions of meditation will help you to concentrate and focus on the work at hand. This is an ideal way of relaxing as well.

For more information on weekend spa breaks, check out the info available online; these will help you learn to find the spa breaks abroad!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Oram

View the Original article

Third Eye Meditations and Alchemy of the Spirit, Body, and Mind

What is Alchemy?

Alchemy is an Ancient Mystical Science that is classically believed to have originated with the Egyptians,
although alchemical practice in other forms can be found as far back as man himself. Alchemy has been mistakenly identified with insane pseudo-scientists who were trying to turn led into gold; however chemistry was just one branch on the tall, tall tree of Alchemy.

As the Seasons Change

It is the art of transmutation, softness is only another degree of hardness, yin a degree of yang,
cold is a degree of heat, and so forth. All things follow this polarization, and all things can be transmuted
along the lines of this "Fohat". Matter is just another degree of Mind, Mind another degree of Spirit, and lower self a degree of higher self.

Kundalini Energy and Ascension

The very energy that our very body is comprised of is capable of being transmuted in this way, being drawn upwards from finite time into Infinite time, being drawn upwards from hate to Love, from ignorant to Genius, from poor to prosperous, from matter to Energy, from lower planes to higher planes. These are the mechanics of the Kundalini Shakti and the workings of Ascension.

The Law of Attraction: The Secret is in Your DNA

Alchemy in yourself is all about creating new connections within your DNA through meditation. It is becoming part of public discussion recently through the work of people such as Dr. Bruce Lipton that our genes are actually directly affected by Consciousness, by our emotions, our thoughts, our habits; all of these can have an influence on our genes.

3rd Eye Meditations

To reach enlightenment we must be aware of all of these and the affect that we are imparting upon ourselves. The third eye chakra is the bridge to reach nirvana and heal the spirit. Through concentration and meditation we can achieve transmutation of the spirit. This is the secret of achieving "Christ Consciousness" or the "Buddha nature."

Get free instant access to alchemy meditation secrets, videos, and inside information. Visit http://www.michaelstagg.com/alchemy now!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Stagg

View the Original article

Understanding Vata and the Vedic Tradition of Energetic Manifestation

For those of you who get to read this in time... this information is of extreme value in accordance with the vibration the solar system is omitting onto the earth, right now, with the current cosmic alignments. All of the energy in the solar system is working together, earth just happens to be the center of the attention for the moment. And the earth, moon and sun as well as Pluto and Venus have remained in a very particular alignment for quite some time to help us prepare for galactic alignments with the solar system.

I stressed recapitulations. And hoping you have done so, I have been guided to bring back the understanding of the puma warrior and how the training and practice of the puma warrior will give control over the separation of positive and negative from source energy, balance and expand the potential of the second chakra and raise impeccability in wisdom to know when it is appropriate to take a lunge at something using excess strength from your energy reserve.

Taoist and Buddhist teachers often instruct their students to center their mind in the dantian. This is believed to aid control of thoughts and emotions. Acting from the dantian WAS considered to be related to the state of samadhi.

However, much of the true ancient teachings were spread by mouth only and so we have much less with us today, conserved in writing, than was actually practiced and understood in other times.

The Dantian really, IS the second chakra, the sexual chakra, the sacral chakra. It IS our store house for energy. Where we can conserve energy to betaken from when needed for manifestation

The Sacral Chakra is governed mostly by the air element, The element which controls thoughts and desires, helps with the development of bone growth, the removal of waste product when you go to the toilet and affects digestion and cirulation.

Controlling your thoughts is a precursor to controlled emotion but a thought vibrates at a different frequency than an emotion, and you really DO NOT want your emotional body to be focused in your second chakra. I would therefore contest much Chinese spiritual philosophy of hiding/controling emotion behind the power of their dantians or second chakras. Emotion resonates at a higher level and connects with the heart chakra, building upon a groups collective experience as shared emotions come after completion of projects.

Training as a Spiritual Puma Warrior will teach you how to separate source energy in the root chakra in controlled proportions of positive and negative, or yin and yang. It will teach you how to bring the duality into the second chakra or dantian with a balance of yin and yang and a frictionless flow of chi and qigong. You will know how to create more yin or more yang energy from source energy when there is unbalance.

From a point of balance your thoughts will become stable and you desires disciplined. You will know how to be impeccable in how and what energy you use in your actions.

Again, I must bring up the cosmic alignments. Are second chakras on subconscious desire and thought patterns are being stimulated so much during this time because the solstice on the 11th of July will create a lunar energy wave that will send out infinite amounts of heart chakra frequency for us to absorb.

BUT YOU MUST KNOW OF HOW TO STORE ENERGY IN THE DANTIAN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS.

The energy wave will be only of a few moments, though its resonance should be felt all day. If the understanding of how energy is stored in the second chakra is not understood you will get a great day of good feeling but you would not have charged up with the heart energy of hundreds of love based experiences manifested in a normal matter.

Controlling Vata is the first thing that must be learned to begin training as A Spiritual Warrior Puma and is vital in knowing how to balance the positive and negative within the second chakra, which is vital to the healthy storage of energy in this energy center.

Vata, a mixture of space and air elements, is an energetic field created by the connection of the root chakra and the sacral chakra. The root chakra is our gateway to connecting with the infinite potential, the consciousness of space. The second chakra is where we separate pure Chi, Kundalini, or Energy into two different polarities. The Yin and the Yang. Shiva Shakti. Positive and Negative, Light/dark, Male/female. What we understand as primary dualities.

Because they are dualities they form a movement like two oppositely charged magnets, but within a frequency range, thus creating something similar to a planet or an electron. It keeps us material and allows us to connect with the material world.

Before the energy can be separated it needs to be absorbed using personal intent through the root chakra. Gravity and magnetism are good forms of energy to absorb from the root chakra. Light can be absorbed. Foods can be used.

Shiva Mahat is a certified Yoga Teacher as well as Ayurvedic Therapist. After Studying Western Medicine for 2 years in University He went to India to to develop a more complete understanding of health and wellness. For the Past 5 years he as been working with, teaching and studying with ancient western traditions. Holistically Awesome, very few traditions escape the grasp of his understanding.

Get in on the Now @ http://ayahuascahealer.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shiva_Mahat_Josep

View the Original article

Why Use Binaural Beats For Alpha Brainwave Meditation?

Alpha meditation is well worth mastering, as this type of meditation has many benefits. In this article we'll take a look at one of the easiest ways to learn to access the alpha brainwave state, which is by using binaural beats.

What Are Alpha Brainwaves & Alpha Meditation?

Alpha waves are brainwaves with a frequency of around 8 to 12 Hz. Although the brain produces brainwaves of a variety of frequencies at any one time, when it is predominantly producing alpha waves, is said to be in the alpha state.

We all spend time in the alpha state naturally each day, such as when we close our eyes, during periods of daydreaming, or when beginning to drift off to sleep or waking up. Alpha meditation is used by people who want to access this state in a more deliberate manner, to experience its full benefits.

Some Alpha Brainwave Benefits

The alpha brain wave state has a lot to recommend it. Here are just some of the main benefits that you can experience when you learn to tap into this state at will:

Improved concentration Improved learning abilities Improved creativity Stress release and mental relaxation Physical relaxation Increased feelings of wellbeing

However, if you're not used to meditation, it can be tough to maintain alpha brainwave production for prolonged periods. For most people, the chatter of their conscious thoughts starts to get in the way, and brings the brain back to the more alert beta state, which involves production of higher frequency brainwaves.

Fortunately, by using brainwave entrainment technologies such as binaural beats, you can access and maintain the alpha brain state much more easily.

Binaural Beats And Alpha Meditation

Binaural beats are created in the brain when you listen to two pure sine wave tones of slightly different frequencies through headphones. One tone enters through each year, and the brain processes these to produce a third tone, which is equal in frequency to the difference between the first two. For example, if you listen to tones with frequencies of 350 and 360 Hz, your brain will produce a 10 Hz tone.

The brain then tends to match (or entrain to) this 10 Hz tone. This means that the brain matches its own brainwave output to this frequency. So in this case, the brain will produce brainwaves with a predominant frequency of around 10 Hz - which is in the alpha range.

In this way, using a binaural beat recording which is designed to take your brain into the alpha brain state, makes alpha meditation much easier. And eventually, you may become so used to accessing this state, that you'll be able to do it even without using the recording.

You can learn more about how to use binaural beats at my site. And if you decide to take advantage of the great power of binaural recordings for alpha meditation, I suggest checking out the alpha brainwave meditation recordings from http://www.brain-sync.com - you'll find these under the 'Meditation' section in the menu on the left. These are great quality recordings and fully guaranteed - and you can also get some free downloads as well, so don't forget to check those out while you're over there.

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_Mann

View the Original article

How to Increase Energy With Meditation

Most people think of meditation as a relaxing activity, so the idea of using meditation to deliberately increase your energy might sound a bit odd. However, there is a type of meditation that can be very effective at providing an energy boost, as we'll see in this article.

Have you ever been having a tiring day, and then you lie down and take a brief nap, and wake up feeling refreshed for hours afterwards? If so, you know the power of napping, which gives your mind and body a break and allows them to recharge naturally. Napping has its drawbacks however: if you sleep for too long, you can wake up feeling groggy and even worse than before you started. Also, it's not always practical to lie down and fall asleep.

Fortunately, there's a way to get the benefits of napping without actually going to sleep, and that's by using brainwave entrainment meditation.

In case you're not familiar with it already, brainwave entrainment involves exposure to a repetitive stimulus such as a sound recording featuring binaural beats or isochronic tones. These recordings contain sounds of specific frequencies which have a direct effect on your state of mind. This works thanks to a phenomenon called the 'frequency following response', which means that your brain has a tendency to adjust its own brainwave output to match the frequencies of the sounds it's hearing. Brain entrainment is used for many different purposes, and is a great way to experience many of the benefits of meditation without having to learn years mastering traditional techniques.

So how does this help you to increase your energy?

When you fall asleep for a nap, your brain activity slows down, passing through the alpha (8 - 12 Hz), theta (4 - 7 Hz) and finally the delta (

By listening to brainwave entrainment recording that takes you down through a similar progression, you can experience the same benefits that a nap gives you without actually having to find a place to sleep. And because the recording is timed so you spend just the right amount of time in each stage, you won't wake up feeling groggy you're tired like you do after awakening in the wrong part of the sleep cycle.

Such energy boosting recordings are used in a similar way to any other type of meditation track. You simply find a quiet place where you can sit or lie down, close your eyes and relax as you listen to the recording through headphones. Unlike some other types of meditation, you don't have to actively visualise or do anything - just put your focus on the recording and let the sounds you're hearing do their work. The recording can be used regularly, or at any time when you're feeling in need of a pick me up.

If you decide to use this method to increase energy naturally, it's very important to use a good quality recording is designed for the purpose. I recommend the 'Energy Booster' tracks from http://www.brain-sync.com which are of great quality are fully guaranteed. There are free downloads available here as well, so you can try out the different formats (binaural beats, monaural beats and isochronic tones) and see which you like best.

Loren Mann is an experienced 'explorer of consciousness' who enjoys writing about self-development topics and sharing helpful, high quality resources, and may receive compensation as a result of making these recommendations.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Loren_Mann

View the Original article

Meditation is a great way to relax. I try to meditate at least once a day for 20 minutes. Everyone can afford to take a few minutes from their day to meditate. The world is such a busy place, and has so many things going on in it. You can be more effective at the things you do if you take time to relieve stress. Stress lowers your mind's performance. Think of meditation as an upgrade for your mind, something that will alleviate your stress. With a clear head, you can make better decisions. I like to listen to guided meditations to help me relax. The voices are so soothing and its easy to picture a beautiful landscape surrounding you.
Meditation Guide

When you lie down in bed after meditation, concentrate with your eyes closed. Don't move at all. Simply speaking you should slow down the process of going to sleep. Try to remain awake and let your body fall asleep. Don't be afraid as this may hinder the process of going out of body. Your spirit guide will be there to help you, they will give you a lesson to learn each time you astral project.
Astral Project Guide Series