What is Meditation and Why Should We Care

The first times I heard about meditation I thought it was mystic and mysterious. Something only highly trained monks could do.

Turns out, it’s not. Meditation is a perfectly natural state of being that we all have experienced as some point in our lives. Quietly observing nature is a form of mediation. Sitting and contemplating something pleasant can be a meditation. Enjoying a good song can help put us into a meditative state.

Meditation helps us find inner balance and focus.

Think about a tree that has grown bent sideways - it will need to focus on developing strong roots to not fall over, not grow a large and lush foliage and produce seeds. It will survive, but it will not grow to its full potential.

Without balance, a tree will not grow big. It will need deep and strong roots to not fall over, therefore it will spend all its energy on just staying alive. Not growing tall with a large foliage or providing fruits or nuts or seeds.

Meditation is a natural state of being that everyone can benefit from - have more clarity, less stress and more inner balance.

Why Should I Care About Meditation?

Meditation helps feel calmer and more relaxed. It clears mind and emotions. Helps release stress and tension, feel lighter and happier.

Doctors agree that releasing stress helps improve health. Watch Dr. Bruce Lipton in his The Biology of Belief lecture explain the role stress plays in degrading our health.

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Path to Self-Mastery

Meditation is the best tool on our path to self-mastery. Meditation helps to practice a new mood, new inner conversations, a new state of being. In meditation we can connect with our subconscious and higher consciousness - receive inspiration and inner guidance.

During meditation our mind - our brain waves - slows down, loosening our focus upon external world, problems and challenges. It allows us to imagine better-feeling moods and conversations and practice them until they feel natural.

Deep Breathing

Whether you are experienced in meditating or brand new to the practice, deep breathing is the basis. It’s the easiest, simplest and most natural way to get into meditation.

Deep breathing is the most natural meditation.

Take a slow, deep breath. Breathe into your belly. Imagine you are a balloon filling up with air - let your belly push out, your chest and even your shoulders rise - until you can’t breathe in anymore.

Focus on your breath. Feel it going in, filling you up, hold it for a moment then slowly exhale.

Do about 8 slow, full breaths. Notice how you feel afterwards. You will feel more relaxed and calmer, have more clarity, less stress and more joy.

The beauty of the deep breath is that it can be done by anyone, anywhere and at any time. There is no long studying and preparation involved. No one has to be aware of what you are doing.

Practice

As with anything we want to become good at and master - we have to practice daily.

Do several deep breaths before getting out of bed in the morning. Before starting a new task, to relax and focus your mind. During a conversation - to stay present and balanced. Before performing a workout exercise, to focus. Before going to bed, to release stress, relax and calm down.

Now What?

Meditation is a natural state that helps us release stress and anxiety, feel calmer and have more clarity and joy. Deep breathing is the easiest and most accessible form of meditation that can be practiced by anyone, anywhere and any time.

Use deep breathing to shift your emotions and feel better, notice when it works and accept that you did it deliberately.

What is your experience with meditation and deep breathing?