Meditation

Meditation is a powerful way not only for overcoming anxiety but it is also a very effective tool for personal development in general.

During meditation, the heartbeats slow down, our mind relaxes, the blood pressure drops and we feel relaxed. But the more important are the long term benefits that result from consistent practice of meditation. Some of these benefits are listed below:

•           stress reduction

•           better concentration and focus

•           more energy

•           enhanced self-esteem

•           better sleep

•           more health

•           enhanced creativity

Some people practice meditation in the lotus position, but this position is not very easy to do for a lot of people. You can meditate sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight. You can support your back on the backrest, but if this makes you sleep, then it is probably a good idea to not support the back. You may fall sleep in the beginning, but this goes away with persistent practice. If you fall asleep you are not meditating.

In order to meditate you have to focus your attention on something. Before meditation do some relaxation first. While sitting in a chair, concentrate on each part of your body and make it relax. Alternate your concentration between each side of the body. Start with the head and go all the way down to the feet.

For example, relax your right eye and then your left eye. Relax your right cheek and then your left cheek and so on all the way down to the feet.

After relaxing, concentrate on your breathing. Keep your focus on your breathing. If a thought comes, gently bring your focus of attention back to your breathing. Don’t try to eliminate your thoughts during meditation. They will keep coming, perhaps several times in a few seconds. This is OK. Just bring your focus of attention back to your breathing. Another thing you can do is counting every time you exhale. Count from one to ten. Start over after you reach ten.

After you meditate for at least half an hour, slowly bring your focus of attention to your body and after to your surroundings. Hear the noises around. Open your eyes slowly to end meditation.

Although meditation can be done by almost everybody, it is a good idea to consult your doctor to make sure that your health condition allows the practice of meditation.

Keep in mind that meditation must be practiced consistently for the results to come. Meditate every day, at least 30 minutes. Set aside a portion of the day for it (morning, afternoon or evening) and make sure you practice meditation at about the same time. This helps to work your schedule around your meditation practice and to make it into a habit. Pick a quiet place and make sure you won’t be interrupted during your practice.

It is worth the dedication.