Meditation and Relaxation
The relaxation attained through meditation is also known, by many of those who practice it, as conscious relaxation, or chosen relaxation.
The ultimate goal in all meditation is a state of serenity.
Those who regularly meditate, and especially those who have become proficient in the practice, say that it generally makes them happier.
Fresh vigor, sharper concentration and even greater sexual stamina are among the benefits many people claim they've gotten through meditation.
But the one benefit that is described as being nearly universal is relaxation.
Students of meditation frequently report that it is easier than might be imagined.
It is a practice so common, so universal, that nearly all of us meditate in one way or another, whether we realize it or not.
And when we do, we most often do so in order to relax.
When we are in the dentist's chair, we often pay attention to our breathing so we can keep from becoming too frightened of the drill.
At the beginning of an exercise class, the instructor often has us loosen up and practice deep breathing.
Basic meditation techniques are so often used to get people to relax that it is surprising those who formally study meditation sometimes stress out.
Though meditation is done for the purpose of relaxation, a certain amount of calm, or at least an absence of fear, is necessary before a truly meditative state can be reached.
Those who have mastered the process of meditation report that with repeated effort, the goal of clearing one's mind - to think of nothing - does occur.
After a while, the process of meditation seems to gain in momentum, taking on an energy of its own.
At this point, relaxation during meditation becomes second nature.
Developing the ability to meditate for relaxation requires regular practice.
Ideally, some time should be devoted to meditation every day.
It is necessary to remain patient with oneself, as proficiency does not come right away.
Expecting too much too soon only adds to the level of stress and is counterproductive to the process.
For the first several sessions, it might be a good idea to simply practice breathing, as this, in and of itself, is very relaxing.
After having practiced for a while, during meditation time one may experience what regular practitioners describe as "leaving the moment.
" When this happens, a feeling of separation exists.
The mind is clear, clean and blank.
Sounds can still be heard, but they seem distant and are no longer troublesome.
Some people report that they weep in this state.
They are usually not even aware why.
It is, basically, deeply buried emotions coming to the surface.
Other surfacing emotions may bring a smile, even a laugh, and sometimes people even fall asleep.
While the initial experience of formerly-repressed emotions may not be relaxing, once they have been released there is a sense of calm that brings a new ability to relax.
Regular meditation during the day usually brings about a better night of sleep.
The relaxed state achieved through meditation eventually settles over one's entire being.
It becomes no longer temporary, but permanent.
The ultimate goal in all meditation is a state of serenity.
Those who regularly meditate, and especially those who have become proficient in the practice, say that it generally makes them happier.
Fresh vigor, sharper concentration and even greater sexual stamina are among the benefits many people claim they've gotten through meditation.
But the one benefit that is described as being nearly universal is relaxation.
Students of meditation frequently report that it is easier than might be imagined.
It is a practice so common, so universal, that nearly all of us meditate in one way or another, whether we realize it or not.
And when we do, we most often do so in order to relax.
When we are in the dentist's chair, we often pay attention to our breathing so we can keep from becoming too frightened of the drill.
At the beginning of an exercise class, the instructor often has us loosen up and practice deep breathing.
Basic meditation techniques are so often used to get people to relax that it is surprising those who formally study meditation sometimes stress out.
Though meditation is done for the purpose of relaxation, a certain amount of calm, or at least an absence of fear, is necessary before a truly meditative state can be reached.
Those who have mastered the process of meditation report that with repeated effort, the goal of clearing one's mind - to think of nothing - does occur.
After a while, the process of meditation seems to gain in momentum, taking on an energy of its own.
At this point, relaxation during meditation becomes second nature.
Developing the ability to meditate for relaxation requires regular practice.
Ideally, some time should be devoted to meditation every day.
It is necessary to remain patient with oneself, as proficiency does not come right away.
Expecting too much too soon only adds to the level of stress and is counterproductive to the process.
For the first several sessions, it might be a good idea to simply practice breathing, as this, in and of itself, is very relaxing.
After having practiced for a while, during meditation time one may experience what regular practitioners describe as "leaving the moment.
" When this happens, a feeling of separation exists.
The mind is clear, clean and blank.
Sounds can still be heard, but they seem distant and are no longer troublesome.
Some people report that they weep in this state.
They are usually not even aware why.
It is, basically, deeply buried emotions coming to the surface.
Other surfacing emotions may bring a smile, even a laugh, and sometimes people even fall asleep.
While the initial experience of formerly-repressed emotions may not be relaxing, once they have been released there is a sense of calm that brings a new ability to relax.
Regular meditation during the day usually brings about a better night of sleep.
The relaxed state achieved through meditation eventually settles over one's entire being.
It becomes no longer temporary, but permanent.
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