Meditation is an ancient practice dating back to 1500 BCE in India, a route to a peaceful state of consciousness. Plus, it's not just a spiritual practice; it's a universal method of finding inner peace and clarity. When we are busy and stressed, meditation provides us with a brief break from the turmoil.
As Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar wisely states, "Meditation is the subtle art of doing nothing." Let us delve deep into this art of doing nothing. It helps us to control chaos, reduce stress, and unlock the door to inner stillness and true happiness.
When you practice meditation regularly, your mind and body become more positive and relaxed. Here are some of its benefits:
Almost everyone struggles with anxiety daily. Meditation is a popular method for helping you develop holistic approaches. It can help to control anxiety attacks, control negative thoughts, and slow down the heart rate.
No doubt, life is stressful. Stress is normal, but constant stress can cause serious health problems. Meditation helps you calm down and get in touch with your inner self. When you meditate, you practice breathing exercises that reduce your blood pressure, lower stress levels, calm your mind, and promote a feeling of well-being.
In this day and age, our brains have a lot to deal with. The internet and smartphones make it hard to concentrate. Mindfulness and meditation help you focus on the present moment. It stimulates you to ignore distractions, boost your mental clarity, and improve productivity.
Anywhere and anytime is a good time to meditate. All you need is a little quiet and your breath, which goes everywhere with you.
For those just beginning a meditation practice, put your phone and computer away and follow these steps:
Before you dive into the world of zen, let's clear up some misconceptions:
1. Practice Makes Perfect: Don't expect perfection on the first try. Start with just 1 minute of stillness, then gradually extend to 10 minutes. Remember, progress takes time. Keep at it, and you'll improve.
2. Everyone meditates differently: Meditation isn't one-size-fits-all. If how-tos of meditation don't feel right to you, don't force it. Try different techniques, like joining a group, listening to guides, or going on a retreat. Explore your unique meditation journey and find what works for you.
3. Mind the Mind: Meditation isn't a quick on-off switch. Your mind will keep buzzing with thoughts. Instead of feeling discouraged, gently guide your attention back to the present moment.
So there you have it, the basics to kickstart your mindfulness journey. Just remember that meditation works best when practiced regularly. You can try using an app for reminders—like the Embarkz app, which gives you daily reminders to take short 3-minute breaks and simply focus on your breathing. Make meditation easier and more effective with Embarkz!
Surya Namaskara is practiced by chanting Mantra that brings harmony to the body.
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