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What comes to mind when you think of ‘meditation?’ An old guy with a long beard sitting on a cushion, on a mountaintop, chanting “OM”? Or a monk with a shaved head, wearing orange robes?

The practice of meditation is not just for monks or gurus. It is a practice that we ‘regular’ folks can fit right into our daily lives! And, it can bring a plethora of mind, body, spirit goodness into our days. Sounds sweet, right? So, what IS meditation?

Morning Manifestation Meditation with Jackie Casal Mahrou at YogaDownload. Use my promo code AMB-5952 for a 20% discount!

Image by Renata Hille from Pixabay

Meditation is awareness.

Meditation is the state of simply being, experiencing the present moment with no interference from the mind, or body.

Meditation is a practice that involves turning our focus inward. We release ourselves from being caught up in the endless chatter in our mind and the constant bombardment of the senses from the external world.  We let go of thoughts from the past and the future.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Meditation is a state of peace that occurs when the mind is calm and uncluttered, yet fully awake and alert.

Deepen Awareness with these Guided Meditations from YogaDownload.com Use my promo code AMB-5952 for a discount!

Particularly in our western culture, we are not taught to look within. Through our education system and our parenting styles, we teach children to examine the external world, not the inner one (in general). As children growing up in western culture, the majority of us did not learn how to be still and examine our inner selves. Therefore, we did not teach our own children these skills.

“Meditation is not an act of doing, it is a state of presence.”

Whatever you do with full awareness and attention is meditation. For example, ‘watching your breath’ is meditation, walking meditation is a common practice, listening to birds can be meditation. Just as long as the activity is free from other distractions to the mind it can be considered meditation.

A few things that meditation is NOT. It is not concentration, exercises, or mental effort.

There is no one right way to meditate. Many different approaches are taught and practiced throughout the world. My recommendation would be to try different styles and teachers and find a practice that resonates with you.

Occasionally, I sit on my zafu to meditate. Other times I sit outside on my deck. You can meditate anywhere that suits you!  Shop Meditation Cushions at Mukha Yoga

The benefits of meditation are well documented in research studies. Meditation has long been noted as being an effective practice to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, and ease symptoms of depression, to name a few.

I have come across some interesting posts on meditation on Eva Milano’s blog, Elevate Calm. Check out her informative post 7 Types of Guided Meditation. Try all seven and see which type resonates most with you!

If you are intrigued by the practice and want to learn more, check out Meditation classes at YogaDownload. Use my special promo code AMB-5952 for a discount!

Post your comments and questions below! I would love to hear about your experiences and/or address questions you may have.