Complementary Healing - Meditation

The myth and misconceptions of Meditation prevent so many people even attempting to meditate. A useful tool in achieving so many helpful health attributes it is a subject learning more about and experimenting with.

There are many, many types of meditation but the main misconception is one that can now be cleared up once and for all. There is no requirement to 'clear the mind of everything'. For novices and beginners there are numerous CDs and tapes which will assist in helping you switch off from the every day thoughts and pressures and take your mind into a entirely different world of relaxation.

The word 'journey' will be one which is used frequently in connection with Meditation. This means listening to someone who leads your thoughts to think of different things away from day to day thoughts.

So many people think they cannot switch off their mind from worries, and other issues. Listening to someone describe a summer meadow or woodland scene for instance, in detail, your imagination fills your mind in such a way that you can envisage yourself there and experience the feelings of the sun shining on your face or you can virtually feel a breeze blowing through the trees. This process when practiced a few times replaces your everyday thoughts with more tranquil ones.

For some more experienced meditators the above is not for them as there are several breathing exercises for meditating which people find suits them better. The art of clearing the mind completely is for the more advanced.

Breathing techniques in meditating are very powerful as they oxygenate the blood, boost physical energy aiding thought process. Your breath provides an easier access to focus and concentrate on. For instance, try this simple breathing exercise:

Close your eyes, take a 2-3 deep breathes from the bottom of your stomach and release energetically (exhale with noise if you prefer), follow this by breathing normally but as you breath in, slowly count each breath and again as you breath out. Once you are used to this method, experiment with holding a single breath for a count of 3 and out for a count of three, increase this as you feel more relaxed.

Once you feel relaxed and stress free you may choose to drift off to a beautiful scene where you can envisage yourself walking or lying on a beach feeling very serene.

Still feel unsure? Why not organize a get together with friends to meditate together. Dim the lighting, add some candles, perhaps burn some lavender oil (not too strong), play a meditation journey CD or tape, close your eyes, let your mind follow the journey and relax.

You do not have to adopt the lotus position either! Sit comfortable on a chair or the floor, with your back supported and your hands relaxed on your lap or at your side.

It is also quite normal for your mind to wander back to every day matters but don't worry, let them drift through your mind and return to the meditation journey you are listening to.

Meditation is a powerful healer. Experiment and discover what type suits you best.