Meditation has been a powerful tool religious people have used in connection to the deity and understanding the deep sacred forces of life for centuries. However, Meditation has transcended beyond religious purpose. It has become a mind relaxation tool where people find tranquillity and peace while escaping from the stress of life. It can be considered as a medicine for the mind-body. Due to its effectiveness, it has been widely embraced by physicians, therapist as a means of relaxation and even relieving illness symptoms.
“If you find yourself in a roller coaster of emotions, your thoughts in turmoil, anxiety and worry at an all time high, Meditation is something that should make a habit,” Romik Yeghnazary advises. Romik Yeghnazary is the founder and CEO of Lending Arena, an organisation of first class customer service with the best purchase, refinance and home equity loan solutions. “Various life hassles throw stones at us which can accumulate and become overwhelming. Family issues, loss of loved ones, financial problems, school demands and even something as simple as being stuck in traffic. That is why meditation should be a part of daily routine. It should be our life, ” Romik Yeghnazary adds. Although it doesn’t eliminate stress, it makes us become aware of stress, how we handle it and manage it.
The good thing is you can simply start with 10-20 minutes of your day and it will do your body and mind some good that carries you for the whole day. It’s also inexpensive and can be done anywhere. Whether you are in a busy traffic, out for a work, or anxiously waiting for a job interview. No special equipment is required and it’s one technique that is simple yet effective.
How can you Meditate Everyday?
While mediation has become a daily routine for some, it’s a quick-fix stress reliever for some people when their emotions are thrown off balance. Whichever category you belong, here are different ways you can meditate:
Repeat Mantra
You pick a syllable, word or phrase and repeat over and over again while focusing on it. This could be anything that resonates with you- a word of affirmation like ” I can achieve anything I set my mind on”. Or a religious word or phrase like “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Scan the body
This allows you to reconnect to yourself and know your body better. The focus is on the different parts of the body and scanning for any sensations, pain, tension or anything that are out of the normal. It’s a good way to remove physical tension and connect with your body on a deeper level. Combine this with deep breathing and watch yourself breathe in ease and relaxation into the different body parts.
Meditate while Walking
Starting your day with mindful walking is another form of meditation. As you walk, you simply turn your attention to what your body is experiencing as you take each step. Focus on your feet, the feelings it emanates as you pick your foot up, move and gently place it down and connect to the ground. This can be done while taking a walk on a lonely path, to the park, on the hallway or a stroll with the dog.
Practise Mindfulness
When thoughts are rocking at a fast pace, or feels like it’s all negativity that surrounds you, mindfulness is one technique that can be of help. It teaches you to slow down thoughts and become present in the moment. It’s being present of where you are at the moment, without reacting to what’s going on around us while suspending all judgements. For this, take a good seat, straighten your upper body, focus on your breath and be engulfed in the moment.
Practise Loving Kindness
It’s a way of showing love, kindness, and compassion to yourself and others. During this meditation, you recite certain positive phrases for yourself and others. For instance, ” may I be happy”. ” May you be strong and confident”. This is useful in alienating negative emotions you might feel towards yourself and people around you, thereby promoting peace and love.
Breathe Deeply
This is a very basic one yet highly effective. It is like an entry level into meditation that can be practised by anyone. The focus is on your breathing- the rhythm, flow and the feelings it evokes when you inhale and exhale. While at it, you may sit, stand or lie down. The goal is to avoid distractions and concentrate on your breathing.
What can Meditation do for you?
Meditation is a great stress management that can help cultivate greater health and overall well-being. It’s like an escape from life’s turmoil and a discovery to inner calm and peace. Meditation makes you become aware of situations, or surroundings which allows you to respond positively. People who practise meditation have a positive mood and outlook to life, great self-discipline, and healthy sleep patterns. These undoubtedly, are part of the first step to keeping illnesses at bay and staying healthy. When you practise meditation, you benefits from:
- Reduced stressed
- Enhanced self- awareness
- Great emotional stability
- Focus on the present
- Improved immune function
- Generate kindness for yourself and others
- Clear mind and boosts in creativity
- Lowered blood pressure
- Improved sleep quality.
Manage symptoms of conditions like cancer, depression, anxiety, high loose pressure, sleep disorders and more.
“When it comes to meditation, the benefits are countless,” Romik Yeghnazary says. Therefore, take a baby step and start by practising breathing and watch it get better with time. Remember, it’s okay for your mind to drift away while meditating. Simply refocus and work with different meditation types to know the one that works for you.