The study of meditation is awash with every garden variety that mankind can conjure up, because the mind is inherently creative. One could chant mantras, stare at a candle (or a flower or nothing), follow the breathe and many many more techniques.
Why do we seek methods to calm the mind? Because the mind is the wild monkey that swings from one thought to the next, alternately screeching, chatting and purring depending on the stimuli.
The road to quieting the mind via drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, war (yes, war), endless partying, or workaholism are filled with land mines that will eventually detonate as we talk that talk and walk that walk.
An influx of meditation techniques from the East has spurred western medicine to study the effects of mindfulness meditation. It is essentially the process of being aware in the now and not getting lost in thoughts and false perceptions. So whether one says a mantra, concentrates on the breathe, stares at a flower or stands on his or her head, the idea is to find relief from the monkey mind.
The health benefits, both physically and mentally, are now well documented. However, like any habit, breaking it means the development of a motivation and intention to change the pattern. In Alcoholics Anonymous, they say that a person is ready to become sober when they get sick and tired of being sick and tired.
So I would say that when one gets sick and tired of being sick and tired of being discontent, try a little meditation. It just might work.
Why do we seek methods to calm the mind? Because the mind is the wild monkey that swings from one thought to the next, alternately screeching, chatting and purring depending on the stimuli.
The road to quieting the mind via drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, war (yes, war), endless partying, or workaholism are filled with land mines that will eventually detonate as we talk that talk and walk that walk.
An influx of meditation techniques from the East has spurred western medicine to study the effects of mindfulness meditation. It is essentially the process of being aware in the now and not getting lost in thoughts and false perceptions. So whether one says a mantra, concentrates on the breathe, stares at a flower or stands on his or her head, the idea is to find relief from the monkey mind.
The health benefits, both physically and mentally, are now well documented. However, like any habit, breaking it means the development of a motivation and intention to change the pattern. In Alcoholics Anonymous, they say that a person is ready to become sober when they get sick and tired of being sick and tired.
So I would say that when one gets sick and tired of being sick and tired of being discontent, try a little meditation. It just might work.
Such divine timing, Carole. Was looking for a little confirmation today on a decision I made this morning. I can see the Universe supporting this now. Thanks for speaking to my heart. <3
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