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Posts Tagged ‘Negative Thoughts’

Using Meditation For Colitis Symptoms

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Those diagnosed with colitis should be aware of and utilise available methods and practices to reduce the occurrence and strength of colitis symptoms, particularly when it can be identified that stress has been a contributory factor. One stress reducing method that should be considered is meditation as it is easy to implement and has wider health benefits.

The exercise of meditation is in reference to the specific state where both the body and mind are conscious, yet are relaxed and focused. The purpose is to achieve a state of both physical and mental calmness to purposely remove stressful, negative thoughts and influences and calming the state of the mind. In a sense it cleanses the mind and allows the uninterrupted focus on one particular thought. Some people require total silence in order to achieve this mental state where all sounds, however small are required to be blocked out. Often this can be very difficult to achieve yet with practice, the mind can be trained to close out any background noise.

In order to undertake effective meditation, you require adopting a comfortable position though it does not have to be the stereotypical straight backed cross leg pose associated with meditation. As long as you are relaxed and comfortable, the mind will be able to focus more easily. Additionally, there is associated with meditation some ritualistic humming. This is used as a means of concentration, to help the person with the same aim of focusing the mind. Again it is not essential that such an action is adhered to. People will have different methods of focusing though just ensure such methods achieve an intense focused state of mind.

For colitis sufferers, stress can often bring about symptoms and any method to reduce this by creating both physical and mental calmness should be utilised. The process of meditation creates this very state with the added bonus of the requirement to focus on one object. The large colon can be the sole object of this focus. While doing this you should be aware of any tension within the large colon and on your body as a whole. Now mentally visualise the release of this tension. Start to imagine the inflammation reducing as the stress and tension floats away. You should feel the release of this and you should find yourself in a refreshed state when your session has ended.

If this action can be incorporated into a daily routine, this will not only be rejuvenating for your mind and body but may also reduce the likelihood of colitis symptoms appearing due to a build up of stress that has no mechanism of release. This should be used as part of effective management to reduce the impact that colitis has yet it is only one method for the reduction of stress in colitis sufferers.

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

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Do Yoda Proud: Meditation 101

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

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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An Introduction To Meditation

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

What is meditation, and is it as complicated as it appears? The answer to the second question is definitely “no”. The first question will take a little more explanation, which will also help to explain why meditation is easier than it might seem to be.

When you meditate, your body and mind are in a state of purposeful focus and rest. You will have sharpened consciousness of both your outer environment and your inner self.

There are numerous schools of thought regarding meditation. At their core, however, the principles are the same. The key to the practice of meditation is to calm your mind by eliminating negative thoughts through intense focus. Afterwards, your thoughts will be less scattered and your actions more purposeful.

Picture it as spring cleaning of your inner self. Your harmful thoughts (think of your reaction to long line-ups, rude customer service representatives and your friend’s new boat) are what “pollute” your mind. Meditation “cleanses” the mind, and lets you focus on the stuff that really matters.

Where to Meditate

The practice of meditation will work best in a calming environment. Pick the room in your house where you feel most comfortable. If there are others at home, pick a location where you can close the door and block out their noise. Turn the phone off, and make sure there are no loud appliances running, like the dishwasher.

When you become more comfortable with meditating, you’ll probably want a few accessories to help you achieve your Zen state. Scented candles, a meditation pillow or chair, a few scented candles and a meditation tape will all enhance your experience.

Assume the Position

You’ve probably seen the typical pictures of people meditating, twisted up like a pretzel with impeccable posture. You’ll be relieved to know that this isn’t at all necessary. The idea is to be comfortably positioned so you can focus on your meditation, not your screaming muscles. You can sit cross-legged with your back against the wall, you can lie down, stand up and even walk around.

It is important, however, to keep your back straight while sitting or standing. No slumping allowed, or you might just fall asleep. To help you be comfortable in your chosen position, you’ll want to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes so that you’re not focusing on your waistband digging into your gut. You have more important things to focus on.

Focus is Key

Many people who meditate include a mantra as part of their practice. A mantra is a word or sound that is repeated over and over, and your focus should be on nothing but that sound. Choose a word or phrase that has significance to you, or just a sound that feels good. Although not a essential part of meditation, it does help you to concentrate on your breathing and can lead you to a higher state of awareness.

The key to a successful meditation experience is focus. Choose an object in your mind or in your line of vision, and concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else. The same applies to a specific thought as well as to your mantra.

For a simple routine to get you started, settle yourself in your quite location. Close your eyes, and imagine each part of your body in order, either from the bottom up or top down. Wordlessly name each part as you concentrate on it and give it your complete attention. You’ll notice right away if a particular location is tense or painful. In your mind, imagine the tension leaving your body. You’ll be astonished and pleased by the results.

Keira Adams writes about women’s wellness, including meditation techniques. If you want to know more about this calming practice, visit Meditation-Info.

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Meditation Techniques By Meditation Mania

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Meditation techniques give peace and calmness in a spiritual way. It enlightens the human life. Meditation techniques nurtures and transforms the qualities of an individual by relieving him from stress of daily life. Meditation technique changes the negative thoughts into positive and it is done just by focusing within a one’s self and not outside.

Here are some popular forms of Meditation Techniques –

Concentrative Meditation Technique is performed by focusing the attention on an image, a sound (mantra chanting) or on the breath. Concentrative Meditation technique stills the mind and results in a better clarity and awareness. Concentrative meditation technique can be done simply by focusing on the breath; it is a very basic step. It is believed that there is a direct connection between the state of mind and the breath. When an individual gets agitated, frightened, and anxious or distracted, the breath shallows. But, when the mind is focused and calm, then the breath is deep, regular and slow. If an individual focuses on the rhythm of the process of breath intake and out, it gives an object for meditation. When the breath is focused, the mind gets absorbed in the process of breath intake and out. In result, the breathing becomes deep and slow. It makes the mind more alert.

Zen Meditation – Zen Meditation technique is performed by focusing the attention on the feelings and sensations, sounds, thoughts, images and so forth without thinking about these elements. While meditating, there should be no thinking about the worries, images, thoughts, and memories. Zen meditation technique results in a better state of mind that is clear, calm and non-reactive. Zen meditation technique is done by observing sensations and breathes non-judgmentally and very keenly. Zen meditation technique gradually takes an individual to emptiness & stillness, but it takes some time to master this technique. Zen Meditation technique is the easiest and most effective technique.

Japa Meditation – Japa Meditation technique is mainly performed for easing the tensed and stressed life. Japa Meditation results in a peaceful and calm life. Also it evokes the happiness from within an individual’s self. Japa meditation technique involves the God’s name. The mantra chanting can be done softly or an individual may chant the mantra loudly. While sitting in a posture of meditation, the Japa meditation technique can be done in addition ot the worship in group or any other peaceful sitting activities.
Mostly, the Japa Meditation technique is performed counting a bead string that is known as Japa Mala. The Vaishnava devotees mostly chant by using a bead string that is made of Holy Basil (Tulsi). There are 108 beads in a Japa Mala. People also wear the Japa Beads around the neck while some wear them on their wrists.

Chakra Meditation – There are energy focal points in our body that are use by us in a conscious or unconscious state if mind. These energy focal points are called Chakras. The focal points are located in the body parts like head or heart. In the Chaka meditation technique, the different postures are used in order to open the Chakras. The hands are placed in a specific position and the body is relaxed, the eyes are closed; the charka is asked to open. Then it is visualized in the mind that the chakra color emanates and the size of the charka becomes larger. As the color becomes brighter, the color’s warmth is easily felt; also the charka emotions are felt. The body organs are felt filled with light and energy.
Bhuta Shuddi is a form of Chakra Meditation of Yoga and Tantra practice through which the five elements (bhutas) are balanced or purified (shuddhi). Bhuta refers to the past, and shuddhi refers to purifying that past, or the samskaras that operate in conjunction with the five elements. This is a very useful practice, whether you think of it as preparation for kundalini awakening, or simply as a practice for feeling balanced, centered, or tranquil, etc. (One of the two foundations of Yoga is Abhyasa, practices seeking of tranquility; Yoga Sutras 1.12-1.14).
For the Chakra Meditation of Bhuta Shuddhi, it is necessary to understand how the five elements relate to the chakras. The five bhutas are the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, and they operate in conjunction with the lower five chakras (at subtle level they are called tanmatras, which are part of tattvas, or subtle constituents). The sixth chakra is of mind, and is beyond or prior to the bursting forth of space, air, fire, water, and finally earth. Consciousness itself (or whatever you want to call it) is prior to, or the source of manifestation of mind, and is the seventh chakra (surely there are other chakras, including between sixth and seventh, but the bhuta shuddhi practice itself need not focus directly on these).

Transcendental Meditation or yoga nidra (popularized by the Bihar School of Yoga), which owe its origin to ancient Hindu meditative techniques, aim towards a totally detached frame of mind. These forms encourage the practitioner to retreat within the inner-self, into the “real” world, away from the “illusions” (maya) of outside influences. Meditative practices like Mantra yoga, for example, induces the mind to concentrate on a sacred sound by ritualistic chanting, until it attains the trance-like state of samadhi (a state of mind, where it is only responsive to subjective impressions).

Healing Meditation – Healing meditation is practiced after sitting comfortably. It is a belief that the body is filling with light slowly, starting from the feet and then slowly moving upwards. As the light moves up the body, the light is felt like is relaxing the muscles and also the mind. I feel the light moving upwards until my entire body is filled with light and every muscle of my body is feeling relaxed.

Healing meditation calms the mind and gives it a balance state. Healing meditation increases the self esteem and confidence in a person. Healing meditation improve the memory and concentration of the mind. It reduces the tension quickly. It improves the attitude, mood and outlook on life. Healing meditation increases an individual’s problem solving ability.

It is felt like the body of light is radiating the light out from the eyes, the light is shining like a torch is shinning out directly from the eyes. Feel that the soul is directing the light towards the body part that causes discomfort and pain, it represents as a shadow on the body. Imagine like the painful body areas have dark shadows around them. Now feel like you are attracting a healing light to the painful body area, so that the darkness is vanished.
You can feel that this healing light is returning you to health and vitality

To know more about meditation techniques and meditation benefits see our site meditationmania.com. We search and update regular to provide most recent and useful contents for our visitors. www.meditationmania.com will give you complete information of meditation.

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