More About Meditation

(LONDON) por Paula Tooths
∞ MEDIATION ∞
Sharing with you a bit of my research (complementing my last video)

 

Commonly associated with Eastern religions and practices, there are historical data proving that meditation is as old as mankind. Unlike other techniques or tools for self-development, Meditation is not exactly originate in a region or a people, have been developed concurrently in different cultures, why has received many names.

The oldest written about Meditation refers to Egypt, there are also reports that the practice was also common among the Maya. But it was from India, China and Japan that Meditation has expanded and conquered the world.

Despite appearing very commonly associated with religious and spiritual practices, Meditation is also an excellent tool for personal development in non-religious and a useful auxiliary tool in psychotherapeutic processes, as well as an adjunct in the treatment of various diseases of emotional nature.

The word meditation comes from the Latin meditare, which means back to the center and disconnect yourself from the outside world, enforcing over what goes inside. In Sanskrit it is said dhyana , in Chinese is ch’anna and Japanese zen.

Broadly, there are two types of meditation: a guided and the free style. The guided meditation occurs when the circulation is performed according to commands established by a person who conducts the process. Generally Guided Meditation follows according to a predefined goal (such as a greater connection with a feeling like forgiveness, energizing or grounding) and is usually more easily followed by people who have no previous practice in meditation. Already Meditation free refers to the modality in which the practitioner just sits (there are several possibilities of position) and looking to empty the thoughts from his head. The Taoist Meditation Zhai Xin Fa, whose translation would be “practical purification of the Heart ” and the Zen Buddhist Zazen are examples of meditations free. Meditation can be done so solitary or in groups, silently or chanting mantras seeking to generate specific mental states. There are also methods that are practiced meditation in motion and also standing with legs apart and shoulders relaxed. The latter technique, called Zhan Zhuang, has attracted many supporters in the West and is more easily practiced by elderly or who encounter problems in staying in sitting positions for a long time.

In general, the objectives pursued through meditative practices are always the same. Our minds are constantly working, is settling in the past, is gearing up for the future, which makes it very difficult to stay focused on the present moment. Meditation is nothing more than a method that seeks to dispel all thoughts of worry, anxiety, fear or expectation, bringing attention to this practitioner – either through observation of his inner world in solitary practice, it is using the images that are generated from the instructions given in guided practice. When the mind is silent, the present moment is experienced and, with proper care  it becomes possible to separate the thoughts of our identity. When there is the recital of mantras, observe the movements of the mind by establishing a clear goal for her (the repetition of words or phrases).

There are many benefits experienced by practicing meditation, among them stand out to improve concentration, memory and attention span, and profoundly positive effects on sleep quality of those who dedicate themselves to Meditation with certain frequency. Other commonly reported benefits are associated with the gradual increase of self-discipline, determination and progressive asleep feelings of anxiety and mental restlessness.

Among the religious philosophies of the East who adopt meditation as a religious practice towards attaining a higher spiritual state stand Buddhism, Brahmanism, Taoism and also some martial arts like I Chuan and Tai Chi Chuan. Generally anyone can meditate, regardless of age or physical condition.