Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are consciously relaxed and focused. Practitioners of this art report increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines. However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits. And you don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it. You could even try it in your own living room!

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. The most important among these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have – those of noisy neighbors, bossy officemates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam – are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out it allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch – and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them. You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal. It may seem deafening at first, since we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything around you.

If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening – those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions – you need not worry. The principle here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration. This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point. While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel comfortable in. You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You may want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.

The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.

You do not need to perform such; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.

The principle here is focus. You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to – while in a meditative state – silently name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize releasing this tension. It works wonders.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).

Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body. And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such. So in the near future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!

Article Source: http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Tim Maher is interested in personal development in all its facets and has read many books on this topic. It is an interest that is fed and nurtured by listening to audio books and seminars when possible. To assist your own personal growth journey get your audio resources at ==> www.magillaudiobooks.com/list.aspx?catId=137

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While Pilates & Yoga are much connected with each other both in terms of moves & goals, there remain differences between them. When you talk about Pilates, you cannot possibly not talk about Yoga as well. That is because the latter is a dominant force on the former’s fundamental principles. Specifically, Yoga is such a massive influence in the routines espoused by the Pilates exercise regimen which mainly focuses on gaining physical strength, achieving mental balance & the healthy benefits that come from the combination of both. In other words, Pilates, as influenced by Yoga, is an exercise that does not only objective to provide physical wellness but also an inner sense of health through proper breathing techniques that can include anything from Pilates ball exercises to traditional mat-based routines, while achieving more control over one’s body. On the other hand, Pilates was created in the name of its inventor, Joseph Pilates, who also espoused the importance of mind control but this time, with emphasis on such mind control’s effect on the muscles. Correct breathing is also an integral part of any successful Pilates exercise, although Pilates requires a higher level of physical activity compared to Yoga. This is because with this type of exercise, importance is also given to the body’s shape & how this may be sculpted in a way that allows five to make the most of his existence out of the benefits of a trim body. Yoga originated in India where a combination of physical & spiritual exercises were developed with the objective of making the practitioner accomplish total control over mind & body. Of work, position is integral because it is only through definite anatomical alignments that a person can effectively perform Yoga & accomplish the goals it was created for. For example, during meditation, it is necessary for five to be in a specific position that has been proven to be disruption or obstruction-free. & only with a position that removes obstruction or disruption can yoga be effective for a person who seeks mental, spiritual & physical wellness. Pilates or Yoga, each five has proven itself in terms of achieving the goals that they promise would be achieved as long as five follows the requirements of either or both exercise regimens. Of work, it also pays for a beginner to open himself to the plenty of possibilities that Pilates or Yoga might be able to help him. For example, with yoga, one can go for more intense workouts with the use of a Pilates Yoga exercise ball. While this may make the moves so much harder to do, they will also bring the most benefits to the one who is devoted to them. As for yoga, you will not need that Pilates exercise ball, but you’re going to need a great sense of dedication to the regimen because unless you put yourself “in the zone,” you might only be wasting your time. Whether Pilates or Yoga, both require high levels of concentration for each one to be effective in their own way.

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