By Sangeetha Saran, CYT 500
Busy schedules and work and family responsibilities often leave
a person stressed out and exhausted. However, it doesn't have to be that way if you
know how to handle stress with meditation. This ancient practice has been used
for many years to calm the mind and body. If it is used on a daily basis, it
allows a person to process all that they are going through in a healthy and
positive way.
Learning This Ancient Skill
Each person meditates a little differently, but there are some
basic principles for practicing this art. First, sit or lie down in a
comfortable position. Then, close your eyes and begin focusing on your
breathing instead of your thoughts. If any intrusive thoughts come through, gently
push them aside, and return to focusing on your breathing. Some people find it
helps to count their breaths as they do this. Or a mantra can be created in the
mind, such as a word or phrase that feels peaceful. Repeat the mantra vocally
as you exhale each time. Some people simply say the words "inner
peace." Just be sure to keep the phrase as positive as possible.
How This Art Affects One's Life
Overtime, meditation changes the way that a person thinks. It
allows them to train their mind to let go of negative thinking and intrusive
thoughts that once kept them awake at night. In other words, it teaches them
how to practice mindfulness and when one knows how to constantly monitor their
thought processes to allow only positive thoughts in, this keeps them calm,
relaxed, and focused. Tasks that once seemed overwhelming can be done with
ease. Depression and anxiety are also reduced.
One More Item on the List
At first, people who are already busy might feel like meditation
is just another thing that they have to do because initially it will take more
concentration to focus on breathing and calming the mind. But if a person
sticks with it, and does it every day at the same time, the time that it takes
to go into a meditative state will speed up.
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| Publisher: | London ; Boston : Academic Press, 2008. |
