Meditation

Meditation

What is Meditation?

 Over the years growing up I've often come across the words 'Meditation', 'Hypnosis' and 'Trance'.
 However I never knew much about it. Brought up in a a semi-religious household all I knew was that we prayed and that was it, not realizing that there was a less rigid way out there to calm yourself in any situation.

Okay, maybe not completely in that respect, however... we were taught that our way was the best and only way to communicate to the higher source.Though later on I found that what I taught may not have been 100% true.

The first time I witnessed Meditation was most likely from Chinese Dynasty Fantasy dramas on television. I was enamored by shows such as "Journey To the West", "Treasure Venture / Sword Girl", "State of Divinity", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Storm Riders". Yet, I think what came to mind was that the person was 'sleep sitting', not realizing that there was more to it.

However, what is Meditation exactly?
There are various explanations on the internet about what Meditation truly is, from various Religious views to General and Scientific views.

Some would say that it is a practice in order to focus the mind on specific objects, thoughts or activities in order to create a state of mental and emotional calmness. While others would say that it's a method where the mind is  transformed or a way to just relieve stress while quieting the mind.

Though to put it in the least complicated way based on my own experiences this is my view on Medition:

• It is a mode that can help quiet the mind, especially with in disarray or stressed
• The act itself is simple, yet it requires time and practice to adapt into it
• It can bring about feelings and emotions which lay dormant and unresolved till they get resolved. 
• It is scary, yet it isn't.
• Being in a meditative state varies from each person and some can adapt faster than others.

Here's a list of various sources which I had referenced from when in doubt:

• The Buddhist Centre
• Yoga International
• Free Meditation
• Health and Yoga

Personally, I wasn't sure what to expect before I had ventured into learning how to meditate.
Yet, now after being exposed to it, I believe it to be necessary to used daily. Especially since the world has become a more stressful place to live in.

If I were to list the benefits based purely on experience it would be as followed:

• Feeling energized and calm
• Deeper understanding of yourself and potentially of others
• A cleansing yet balancing and empowering experience all at once
• Good practice before any endeavor
• Creates awareness and mindfulness while encouraging self-development of the mind and body