May 2009 Archives

by Jaimie Leaven

Are you interested in trying out some meditation techniques to help you relax and relieve your stress? It may appear that meditation is a complicated procedure requiring lots of knowledge and skill, but at its core, meditation is just about focus and relaxation.

By performing the visualization technique that follows, you will see just how easy it is to meditate. The instructions are straightforward, and you can do this easy meditation exercise right at home in a comfortable setting.

Meditation exercises can be performed at any time during the day, but mornings are really the preferred choice. You’ll have fewer interruptions then, and since you’ve just started your day, you won’t have a multitude of distracting thoughts and emotions to get past.

Before you start, find a peaceful, secluded room, somewhere where you feel calm and quiet. Now seat yourself in a comfortable position, sitting straight with your spine relaxed but upright. Sit wherever you feel most comfy, either in a chair, on the floor, perched on a cushion, or on the bed. People frequently meditate sitting cross-legged on the floor, but if you find this uncomfortable or restrictive to your circulation, keep your legs extended. The important thing is that you’re relaxed.

Now that you are seated, close your eyes and let your body relax. Stay like this for a couple of minutes in order to still your mind and loosen up your body.

Now you’re ready to start visualizing. Select an item to focus on mentally. This can be anything that appeals to you – a burning candle, a lovely flower, or a cloud. Think about this object and imagine its features. What color is it? What does it feel like when you touch it? Be aware of its shape. Then picture what it would be like to be that object.

Let your thoughts come effortlessly. Be aware of the object you have chosen to focus on and feel it becoming part of you.

The key to your success in this visualization exercise is to not let your focus be sidetracked by obtrusive thoughts or noises. If you hear something that distracts you or if you start thinking about your schedule for the day, just let go of the distraction and concentrate once again on your object.

To achieve this kind of concentration and focus of the mind will take much practice. But in time, you will be able to visualize an object easily and naturally.

As you continue to meditate with visualization, it will be easier and easier to keep distractions at bay and concentrate on your object. And you will have achieved your goal of learning how to relax both your body and your mind.

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