Meditation 

Meditation is a technique that involves the practice of focusing or clearing the mind through a combination of mental and physical exercises. It is often used as a means of relaxation, stress reduction, and self-reflection.

Meditation is a practice that can be used for various purposes, such as relaxation, stress reduction, and improving overall health. Different types of meditation techniques can be chosen based on individual preferences and goals. Many people find meditation to be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

Meditation has its roots in ancient Vedic times in India and is a key component of Ayurveda, a holistic healthcare system. The term "meditation" now encompasses contemplation, concentration, guided meditation, and movement exercises like yoga and tai chi. These techniques work on different levels, such as the senses, mind, intellect, and emotions. While some meditation techniques are easy to learn and practice, others may be more challenging. According to Vedic science, the ultimate purpose of meditation is to connect with one's deep inner Self and techniques that achieve this goal are considered true meditation.

Process of Meditation

To grasp the concept of meditation, it is important to have an understanding of how Vedic science, the knowledge found in the ancient texts of India, views the human being. According to Vedic science, the human being is comprised of three aspects, each with its functions:

1.  Physical body

2.  Inner faculty: The working consciousness, which is constantly changing. 

This consists of:

Mind: Processes sensory perceptions; has the quality of duality, as seen in pairs of opposites, for example, pleasure and pain, good and bad, hot and cold, etc.

 Intellect: Analyzes, discriminates, decides, and judges

 Ego: Doer and experiencer

 Chitta: The storehouse of all memories and impressions of life 

3.  Deep inner Self: The unchanging pure consciousness, which has the quality of unity and witnesses the activity of the inner faculty. The deep inner Self is the source of all knowledge, intelligence, creativity, and all natural laws that govern existence.

Meditation is a process that involves making a conscious connection with the deep inner Self. According to Vedic science, this inner Self activates the working consciousness, which then activates the physical body. This process can be likened to the feedback loop found in the scientific view of DNA in the body. Just as DNA creates and controls all activities in the body, meditation provides a feedback loop to the deep inner Self, similar to the seat of knowledge in DNA. This connection to the inner Self brings inner peace and bliss, helping to alleviate the accumulated stresses of life and improve overall health.

The process of meditation involves experiencing three states of consciousness that are commonly experienced by human beings.

• Waking
• Dreaming
• Deep sleep

Meditation is a practice that allows the inner faculty to transcend the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states of consciousness. In meditation, one becomes aware of the inner self and disconnects from the external world. By quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment, one can experience a state of unity and inner peace. 

Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to connect with their deep inner Self. Through meditation, one can observe and witness the activity of their thoughts, daydreams, and dreams. This inner witnessing occurs during the waking state, the dreaming state, and even during deep sleep. During deep sleep, the inner faculty is not active, and one experiences a sense of peace and unity. This state of unity brings about a feeling of refreshment upon waking up from a restful night's sleep.

Meditation is a practice that allows individuals to experience a deep sense of unity within themselves. Unlike deep sleep where this unity is experienced unconsciously, meditation allows individuals to be aware and present while experiencing this inner unity. This experience of peace and bliss during meditation has a transformative effect on the inner self, extending its qualities and benefits to all aspects of life. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as the deep inner self is the source of all knowledge and wisdom.

How do you meditate?

Meditation can be practiced in various ways, and there is no one correct method. Different forms of meditation have been studied by experts, who have identified some common processes that occur during meditation. These include:

Body-centered meditation

Body-centered meditation, also known as self-scanning, is a practice that involves directing your attention to the physical sensations present in your body. By focusing on these sensations, you can cultivate a deeper awareness and connection with your body.

Contemplation

Contemplation is a practice that involves focusing one's attention on a specific question or contradiction, while actively preventing the mind from wandering. It requires deep concentration and reflection.

Emotion-centered meditation

Emotion-centered meditation involves directing your attention toward a specific emotion, such as kindness or happiness. This type of meditation encourages you to explore and cultivate positive emotions in your life.

Mantra meditation

Mantra meditation is a form of meditation where one repeats a specific phrase or sound, either aloud or silently in their mind, while focusing their attention on it.

Meditation with movement

Meditation with movement is a form of meditation that incorporates physical actions and mindfulness. It can include practices such as breath-focused movements, holding poses, or engaging in specific body movements. 

Mindfulness meditation 

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that focuses on being fully present in the current moment, rather than getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future. It involves bringing attention to the sensations and experiences happening in the body and using them as an anchor for awareness of the present moment. This type of meditation encourages a non-judgmental and accepting attitude toward one's thoughts and feelings.

Visual-based meditation Visual-based meditation is a form of meditation that involves directing your focus toward a visual stimulus, whether it be an object in your physical environment or a mental image that you create in your mind. By engaging your sense of sight, visual-based meditation can help to calm the mind and promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Benefits of Meditation

Reduces Stress

When we experience stress, both mentally and physically, our bodies release higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can lead to various negative effects, including the release of inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines.

Experiencing these effects can lead to disturbances in sleep patterns, feelings of depression and anxiety, elevated blood pressure, a sense of fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

Controls Anxiety

By engaging in practices such as meditation, individuals can activate their parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces the release of stress and anxiety hormones. Through regular meditation, individuals can train their bodies to relax at will, leading to a greater sense of calm and well-being.

Improves Emotional Health

Engaging in certain types of meditation has been shown to have positive effects on emotional health. For example, it can help reduce symptoms of depression and decrease negative thoughts. The practice of meditation has a profound impact on the brain, allowing individuals to better cope with negative emotions and view them as temporary states. 

Help to grow into your best self

Engaging in certain types of meditation can assist in cultivating self-awareness and personal growth, allowing individuals to evolve to their fullest potential.

Improves attention

Engaging in focused attention meditation can be likened to exercising and strengthening your attention span. Just as weight lifting builds strength and endurance in your muscles, this type of meditation helps enhance your ability to focus and sustain attention. While many are aware of the mental health benefits of meditation, such as increased awareness, clarity, compassion, and a sense of calm, improved focus is often considered the primary advantage of this practice.

Reduces age-related memory loss

Meditation has been found to have positive effects on memory and cognitive function, which can help combat age-related memory loss. Not only does it improve attention and clarity of thinking, but it has also been shown to partially enhance memory in individuals with dementia. Additionally, meditation can be beneficial in managing stress and improving coping mechanisms for those who are caring for family members with dementia.