Monday, 31 October 2011

Meditation Boosts Your Mind Power

I've been teaching meditation in my personal development workshops since 1996. The funny thing is, however, I would never have regarded it as meditation until one of my clients, who himself had been practicing meditation for many years prior to meeting me, suggested to me that my so-called 'mental exercises' were, in fact, guided meditations. Since then, I have explored meditation in great depth and now practice unguided meditation daily myself.The vast majority of the people who do my personal development workshop are business owners or top people in large organizations. The question must be asked: why would that kind of person have any interest at all in meditation? The answer is quite obvious when you understand what meditation is. Meditating brings discipline to their currently undisciplined mind. Meditation provides them with a practical training ground to develop their mental focus. Meditation enables them develop their ability to be present. Re-read those last couple of sentences - mental discipline, focus and presence are the outstanding hallmarks of all highly productive, highly effective, super-successful and happy people.Of course, there are plenty of people who simply avoid the whole subject of meditation because they do not understand what it's all about. Plenty of prospective clients will say things like "Meditation is not for me - I don't think that I could do it from a religious perspective!" or "Peace and love went out with Flower Power!" or "I'm not into relaxation, I have to be on the go all the time!" Meditation isn't the copyright of some sect of religion - it can, however, take you to a better spiritual understanding of yourself, if that's what you want from it! Meditation is not about 'peace and love' in the 'Flower Power' sense - it is, of course, about peace - the peace of mind that many people want but cannot find in today's crazy world - and it is also, of course, about love - getting to know the real you that you can really love - something that you must do before you can even claim to love someone else. And meditation is certainly not about relaxing - sure, you can feel peaceful and calm but it's the kind of mental calm that enables you take real action, swiftly, decisively, effectively.Let me get straight to the point. Meditation can enable anyone - and that includes you - to take control of their mind and change their business and personal lives. It's essential to come to terms with the fact that, as things stand, your currently undisciplined mind is in control of your life. You are not in control. In your default state of mind, your subconscious creates your version of reality by automatically dictating how you feel and how you behave. All this is done reactively. You must understand that this whole automatic response system will always, always prevent you from taking any real action. This means that the normal life is repetitive, habitual and routine. And that really does make me wonder how people think that they're lives are going to improve or be different. Nothing ever changes while you repeatedly keep doing the same thing!A focused mind, a clear mind, presence of mind and the resultant real action are the things that can truly change anyone's business life, career of personal life. If you cannot focus your mind you will never achieve anything worth talking about - you won't even be able to bring up your children to enable them be happy and successful adults. The key thing to understand is that this level of mental focus has an impact on every single aspect of both your own life and, indeed, all the other lives that you touch.So, do you want more of the same? Would you like to achieve effortless business success, career success, personal success and happiness? I've put the word "effortless" into that last sentence, firstly, because it grabs people's attention but secondly and more importantly, because it is true. A focused mind does the things that a normal mind wouldn't countenance doing with consummate ease - no effort, agonizing or struggle involved. A focused mind never does anything brave or courageous - it just takes the necessary action, no effort required. Only normal people look on this kind of real action as bravery or courage. A focused mind simply doesn't see any barriers that cannot be scaled. A mind that is fully focused simply lives life - in all its facets - to the full. And, unless you focus your mind, none of this can be yours!Meditation is a key tool in the successful person's toolbox. They may not even call it meditation, as I didn't, but they do it nonetheless. Thomas Edison called it "mental exercising" and top sports people call it deep breathing - watch them meditate before your very eyes on the sports channels. And the funny thing is that even some people who meditate misunderstand it too. In my many years working in this area, plenty of people who already meditate have told me that they would view their 'morning session' as something completely separate from every other aspect of their lives. The point is that the biggest benefit that anyone can get from meditation is the practical results that it can bring about in every aspect of your life. And, finally, in case you're wondering if science has anything to say on this, the breakthrough science of neuro-psychology is constantly confirming that meditation activates parts of the brain that are almost never otherwise activated. In fact, the only time these parts of the brain are activated would be the couple of times in our lives that we might have a spontaneous 'peak experience'!In short, meditation is rocket-fuel for an otherwise plodding mind. Couldn't you do with a little (or a lot) of that?Copyright (c) 2011 Willie Horton

Monday, 31 October 2011 by Sarah Timberman · 0

Audio For Image Relaxation Videos

Image relaxation videos, as the name suggests, are videos that are used to create an atmosphere in which the viewer can relax and are used for recreation as well as stress relief. These videos by simple definition, use visual stimulation to create the relaxing environment. However, audio is also an essential component as it enhances the captivating nature of images by stimulating the auditory senses of the listener.Purposes Of Relaxation AudioAudio is included on videos to produce a more tranquil atmosphere by maintaining the attention and focus of the listener through:

Audio For Engagement - Playing audio engages the hearing of the listener and provides something specific for them to focus their attention. The act of focusing helps to prevent the intrusion of distracting environmental sounds.

Audio For Blocking - By playing audio we are physically attempting to help the listener focus by blocking or masking noises from the environment to some degree.
Types Of Relaxation AudioThere are a number of audio types and combinations that are useful for inclusion within image relaxation videos:Music - It is well know that music can have an effect on human feeling or emotions. It has also been used for a long time for the therapeutic effects music can have in many circumstances. Musical compositions of a soothing, calming or even inspiring nature can help promote a state of relaxation and are often used within videos. However, opinions as to what is relaxing music will probably differ and will be down to the individual listener.Nature Sounds - Sounds from our natural environment have long been thought to provide a peaceful and calming effect by making us feel more connected to nature. Example sounds from nature that are often used within videos are:

Ocean waves rolling on the beach;

Running water from a waterfall or creek;

Birds singing or frogs calling in the forest;

Insect sounds such as from a cricket;

Rain beating on the ground;

Wind blowing through the trees.
Voice - What makes a relaxing voice may be an individual opinion but there are some general characteristics that many people will agree on. Either a male or female voice can be used providing it uses either soothing soft or low tones spoken at a slow pace. A voice used in combination with the visuals of a video can create a great feeling of relaxation. The term "guided is frequently used in the titles of videos that use voice audio.Mixed Audio - A blend of different audio types may also be employed to create a relaxing atmosphere. However, achieving the optimal balance of different audio type to create the right mood can be somewhat tricky:

Voice or Nature Sounds With Music - Using a voiceover in combination with some natural sounds or a calming musical piece can help some people relax where other methods fail. When a voice is used the video is often called a guided relaxation or meditation.



Music With Nature Sounds - The combination of music together with some sounds from nature can help guide some individuals to a state of relaxation where other audio types or combinations cannot. The careful use of constant quiet music with intermittent natural sounds creates an audio composition without any silent gaps where the listener can be distracted by other environmental sounds.

Summary On Audio For Image Relaxation VideosThe mood of an individual can be relaxed by the use of videos that focus the mind on pleasant images and blocks out environmental sounds. Whether people use image relaxation videos for stress relief or for recreation, audio is an important component in creating a restful and calming experience for the viewer. The form of audio used may be one of either: music; nature sounds; a voice; or a combination of these. However, people are diverse and what one individual feels is relaxing may be different to someone else. You will therefore need to test a variety of image relaxation video types until you discover what works for you.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Sunday, 30 October 2011

Drinking Tea As An Aid To Relaxation

Everyone views life differently, and what may be a stressful, negative event for one person, may be viewed by another as an opportunity to take positive action. Those of us who like working too tight deadlines and experiencing change in their lives may find stress manageable and be able to relax when the stressful situation has ended. Alternatively, overwhelmingly stressful situations may literally be a way of life for some people, and this may lead to perpetual feelings of anxiety. If stress is ruling your life, you can benefit greatly by learning some simple and effective relaxation techniques.Your perception of yourself and other people influences your reactions to stress, and there have been many scientific studies documenting the effects stress has on your body. Elevated blood pressure and respiratory difficulties are genuine results of feeling anxious, and these conditions could be particularly dangerous if experienced routinely. Dietary changes such as substituting sugary, salty, or fatty foods for healthier alternatives and adding herbal teas to your diet may be extremely beneficial. While turning to indulgent treats such as cookies, cake, or extra cups of coffee may seem to relieve anxious feelings, the sugar and caffeine in these sorts of foods and beverages may actually produce the opposite effect.While caffeinated drinks may be appropriate periodically, coffee and energy drinks are unlikely to contribute to feeling more relaxed. A better choice is to try one of the many natural herbal teas on the market, some of which have beneficial calming and anxiety-reducing effects. The combination of the chemical reaction in your brain and the healthful antioxidants found in these teas often lead to improved health and fortitude, giving you a stronger foundation from which to deal with daily stress.Just a few cups of tea, such as chamomile, rooibos or peppermint, can make a difference to your state of mind and be part of a healthy diet plan. St John's Wort is another very popular choice for those seeking a natural anxiety remedy, it is also said to help with insomnia and depression. Some of these herbal anxiety remedies are available in capsule or tablet form, rather than a product you make tea from - many people prefer teas, since sitting down for a moment and having a healthy drink is a relaxing action in itself.While medical practitioners have compiled research supporting the biological changes that occur when people are feeling stressed and the benefits from drinking tea, many people around the world have demonstrated an understanding of this for centuries. It's relaxing properties and pleasant flavour have made tea second most popular drink in the world after water, and is regarded as the national drink by many countries. It is perhaps not surprising that many people adhering to this philosophy often have a longer life expectancy and exhibit a better adjustment to life in general. Realistically, you won't banish stress just by drinking tea, but as part of a regular routine you will find it will certainly help you to relax and improve your overall health in many ways.

Sunday, 30 October 2011 by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation vs UnGuided Meditation

The challenge new meditators have when learning meditation is whether to use guided mediation or to use unguided meditation. Our objective in this article is to look at both meditation types so that you can choose which meditation style will suit your requirements.Guided Meditation involves somebody guiding you through the meditation process. That is they literally talk you through the whole meditation process. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this technique. One of the reasons you may consider guided meditation is to help expand your understanding of the various meditation techniques.The Guided Meditation technique can be presented in a number of ways. You may do a guided meditation session in a small group with a meditation practitioner or you might do a guided meditation session using a meditation cd or meditation dvd.If you are first starting out, the Guided Meditation sessions is a good way to learn meditation as the meditation practitioner will talk you through the experience and to help you identify what you should be feeling and how to effectively move you into the state that your meditation technique is trying to get you in.For example if your guided meditation session is teaching you how to master the deep-breath meditation technique then the practitioner will talk you through how to relax and release the tension within your body. They will also be able to tell you what you should be thinking and feeling. A good practitioner will also give you some exercises during the session to try at home that will help your experiment with the meditation technique.The obvious downside to guided meditation is that someone is actually talking to you during the meditation session. Sometimes what people will find is that it is difficult to get to that state they are trying to achieve when someone is talking during the session. Often what you will have to do is to follow a guided meditation session for a number of times till you can learn and remember the meditation process and then try it for yourself in an unguided meditation session on your own.Some meditation centres also offer unguided meditation sessions in a group. What this means is that the whole group meditates together but the session is done in silence with no-one speaking. Many group meditation sessions though will still use meditation music as the basis of the session.Some meditation classes in remote locations will undertake unguided sessions out in the natural surrounding and will use the sounds of nature as the tool to help bring the group to a point of relaxation. Once again though one of the key elements of these unguided sessions is that no-one is allowed to speak during the meditation period. The group leader will generally use a special sound to bring the group meditation session to an end.Most professional meditation practitioners will recommend that a person who is new to meditation take a guided meditation session so that they can learn how to achieve the state of mind the type of meditation they are trying to get to. Learning to meditate is one of the most important tools any human can master and can help improve your day-to-day life and help you cope with your surroundings.Once you have undertaken a few guided meditation sessions you will certainly be able to pursue unguided meditation sessions on your own and the more practice the more effective your meditation will be. It is also worth considering purchasing a few different guided meditation cd's so that if in the future you are unsure of what to do during the meditation session, you can refer to the meditation cd as a reference.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Saturday, 29 October 2011

Composition Of Image Relaxation Videos

The reasons why people use image relaxation videos usually fall into two the main categories of recreational and stress relief. There are other uses such as for therapy. Whatever the reason for using these videos, they use a mixture of relaxing visuals and audio stimuli. The videos are played in front of the viewer on a television screen, desktop computer or mobile device such as a mobile phone or iPad to help them achieve a state of relaxation.General Types Of Image Relaxation VideosAlthough there may be many variations in the way videos are created for relaxation, there are two main varieties:
Non-Guided - With this variety, just a mixture of visual elements in combination with audio types of one or a mixture of music and nature sounds are used. There is no voice talking on the video.
Guided - Guided relaxation videos use the extra element of the spoken word within the video. The voice is usually used to provide instructions or guidance during the relaxation session. Text messages may also be displayed on the viewing screen to reinforce the spoken word.
Sections Of Image Relaxation VideosImage relaxation videos can usually be divided into the three sections of introduction, scenes and conclusion:
Introduction - At the beginning of a video there would usually be some form of instruction or guidance in the form of voice, text or a combination of these. This introduction would prepare the viewer to watch the scenes that follow and would usually suggest locating themselves away from distractions and making sure they are sitting comfortably.
Scenes - The main body of the video would be the actual scenes used to promote a relaxed state in the viewer. This would be the combination of visuals, such as natural scenes of rivers, mountains, ocean and sky; and audio in the form of music, nature sounds and voice. Other types of scenes may be used but the essential characteristic is that they convey a sense of calm and relax the viewer.
Conclusion - At the end of the video either after the scenes finish, or during the last few scenes, there would be a conclusion. This conclusion would be a message in the form of voice, text or both, slowly preparing the viewer for the video to end. Also, any music or natural sounds being played would be gradually faded out.
Length Of Image Relaxation VideosPeople will have varying amounts of time available to enjoy the benefits of a video for relaxation, depending of their individual situation and their objective. Therefore the time span or length of a video will be made to match, as close as possible, the time slot and objective of the viewer:
Break Time - Every now and then an individual may have a short break available to them and need to escape their daily routine, usually work. In this situation they may only have a 5 to 15 minutes time slot available.
Spare Time - At some point during the day you may find that they have some spare time available to them and want to experience a relaxation session. A 15 to 30 minute medium length relaxation session may be appropriate for this situation.
Recreation Time - Some people regularly undertake relaxation sessions in their recreation time. In this situation they experience a full length session for more than 30 minutes, often of the guided variety.
Summary On Composition Of Image Relaxation VideosThe two main components of image relaxation videos are visuals and audio which may be in a variety of combinations. For most videos there is usually an introduction, relaxation scenes and a conclusion. These videos may be either non-guided, using music and/or nature sounds, or guided with the extra dimension of the spoken and/or written word.People use videos for relaxation for two main reasons, recreation and stress relief. Also, people may want to experience a relaxation session at anytime during the day either during a break time, spare time, or recreational time on either: a television, computer or mobile device. It is for these reasons that videos are produced in different formats and for different lengths of time.One final note: people are different so what is relaxing to one person is not necessarily doing to be relaxing to another person. If you are interested in purchasing videos, you may be best served by finding samples of different types of video and testing them out until you establish which type is best for you.

Saturday, 29 October 2011 by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation CDs - Benefits and How to Purchase the Best One For You

Guided meditation CDs help people meditate and relax. Most guided meditation albums use words (and sometimes music) to guide the listener to a state of calmness. The voice on the meditation CDs are soothing and will guide listeners through a visualization process that brings up images of beauty, tranquility and other things that people tend to find soothing.Some imagery used may be an ocean, a lake, mountain, fluffy clouds in the sky, a field of flowers, and so on. Along with a soothing voice, guided meditation albums might also use music in the background. The music is always instrumental (with no words to distract the listener) and also may have sounds from nature as well. Sounds like the ocean, birds, wind, rain, or other soothing nature sounds are commonly used on meditation CDs.Guided Meditation CDs help people feel calmer and more relaxed, and doing meditation is known to help decrease stress. The relaxing effects of meditation has also be proven to last throughout the day, and not just during the meditation exercise itself.Stress can have damaging effects on the body, especially if it is sustained for long periods of time. Meditation restores the body to a calm state, which allows the body to rest and repair itself.According to the article "Benefits of Meditation for Stress Management" By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., at About.com, "the benefits of meditation are manifold. When practicing meditation, your heart rate and breathing slow down, your blood pressure normalizes, you use oxygen more efficiently, and you sweat less."The article goes on to say that meditation also helps to improve our immune functions, clears up our minds, and increases creativity. And people who meditate on a regular basis also have an easier time of giving up bad habits like drinking and smoking.There are different types of meditation Mp3s/CDs and which one you choose should be based on your personal preferences. For example, some guided meditation has music in the background. If you are easily distracted by music and you think it might keep you from focusing on the voice, then you should find a meditation CD without music.Other things to consider is the voice, are you more comfortable listening to a male or female voice? Which one will make you feel safer, calmer? And of course, the script itself should be available for you to read before you purchase any guided meditation CDs or Mp3s.Many places that sell meditation and self hypnosis CDs and mp3 will let you listen to snippets of their CDs to help you decide if its right for you. Take your time, listen to different styles, different voices, and always read the scripts. After all, this is an album that you will be listening to over and over for weeks and possibly months so be sure its one that you like.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Friday, 28 October 2011

Go to a Spa and Relaxation Is Yours

The modern day world is a fast-paced one, where people are juggling with various task in the limited time they have. Everyone in their own unique way is trying to push the envelope a little bit further. The physical work that entails these gruesome schedules has the ability to take away steam from even the healthiest of bodies. The dose of modern day technologies has made a lot of task easier, but at the same time the electro-magnetic waves emitted by these fancy devices have an adverse effect on the body of an ordinary unsuspecting human being. Study has revealed that the human body is more electrically charged than ever. Body massages, as mentioned in the vintage Hindu scriptures, are a good way to relax an overworked and a tired body.However technology may have reduced the physical work of the modern-day man, the mental stress has more or less persisted for the better part of the equation. The mental stress generated by time-limiting schedules is no less than the stress experienced by a soldier post-combat. The analogy may not suffice but the symptoms do.Recent health surveys around the world have come with damning results, most blaming stress as the second most cause of lifestyles diseases. Most health experts are of the view that getting a full body massage is the most prudent therapy which a stressed person can avail at a spa. Getting a body massage or parts of your body massaged in a spa and salon has more than one advantage. A body massage is completely free of any side effects whatsoever. Almost all people appreciate a body massage after a tiring and stressful day.Finding a spa in Mumbai and getting yourself a massage is not a difficult task either. It replenishes and refurbishes the body system with the lost energy. A body massage at any spa in Mumbai will help in resetting the circulatory system in the order it ought to be. Doing so, ensures that all the key parts of the body gets the required amount of oxygenated blood; and at the same time amino acid is completely eliminated from every possible body cell, giving the body and mind a lighter feel.Thus, it can be safely asserted that it is a very useful and scientific way of getting rid of the work pressure and stress out of the body. There are many types of body massages available at any spa and salon in Mumbai; it is up to the individual to decide the one which best suits him/her. In order to learn more about these massages one can also refer to the internet space where they can find a repository of information.

Friday, 28 October 2011 by Sarah Timberman · 0

How to Clear Your Mind For Meditation

Meditation, Meditation, Meditation!OK, I get it. I need to start. It's good for me. Everybody is doing it. But I can't get it together. I get antsy and distracted. It's not working.Does this sound familiar? Have you tried and tried to Meditate but just can't sit that long? Well, you are not alone.I am aware that it can be frustrating to have all your good intentions end up in restlessness, or feelings of unrest, even agitation.Not to worry. It's not ADD and you can still achieve the magical meditations you are hoping to experience. There is just this one tiny missing link you need to discover. It's how you prepare yourself for the meditation, before you actually begin.The preparation is important. It's hard to cook a delicious meal without the proper planning and preparing, and the same is true for a Meditation.In order to be able to sit in a Meditation long enough to reap the rewards one must be relaxed. In order to be relaxed, one must learn to breathe. The breath is the missing link mentioned earlier. Regardless of your physical or emotional state at the moment you decide to sit in a meditation, it cannot compare to how relaxed you will be at the end.Where you physically place yourself is part of the preparation. Pick the same spot each time. The energies build up, and the area becomes pleasant and inviting. Be comfortable, choose nice music, candles, incense, fresh flowers, open the window for fresh air... Some experts suggest showering and a clean outfit as an option. The area must be clean and uncluttered and quiet. All of the above promotes relaxation, and you haven't even started yet.Now sit. Next close your eyes. Take one long, slow deep breath. And another. And another. Keep up the slow inhale and exhale for as long as you feel you can, or want to. It's the breathing that keeps the mind still. While you are connected to you breath, the sound, the feel, your thoughts cannot come in. You can add a count to the breath. for example, start with 4 counts on the inhale and 4 on the exhale. Eventually you move to 5 and 6.You will find the breathing becomes slower naturally, and you can stop counting.I know that when I reach the point of not wanting to ever leave that chair, I am at "alpha" level, the brain state of light meditation.Dedicate yourself to daily Meditations, by repeating the process each and every time.Once you are able to reach the alpha state, you can choose what to do next. You may decide to just continue the breathing, which is highly beneficial and relaxing.You can introduce healing techniques, visualization, guided meditations.. the list is endless. But for the beginning, practice quieting the mind and staying there as long as you want.By just relaxing the mind daily, you relax the body and all the healing and balance you create will stay with you throughout he day.Happy Meditating to you all.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Thursday, 27 October 2011

Meditation - How to Witness the Mind & Attain Unconditional Peace

The first step in learning how to witness the mind in meditation is to feel.Close your eyes and bring your focus on feeling the sensations in this moment.Whatever sensations that you notice, allow yourself to feel them. Don't try to define them or describe them. We do not want to bring thinking into meditation. Simply feel what is here as sensation.You can bring your attention to the most dominant sensation and let your focus rest there if you like. So as an example, if you feel sore in your right shoulder, allow yourself to feel that sensation. Let your focus rest on the sensation in the shoulder.Try this meditation now.Now, from this point of feeling in meditation, feel your entire being.With your eyes closed, notice this sense that you exist. Not as a name or as a definition. But simply feel existing itself. You may associate it as your body. This is fine, then feel the sensation that you call your body with your eyes closed.Feel the sensation of existing in this moment. Let yourself fully rest in this sensation of existing. Relax into it.Allow breathing to happen, allow thinking to happen but let your attention rest on feeling yourself existing.If you do this, you will notice that this feeling of existing does not have boundaries and does not have a form.It includes everything. Everything that arises arises out of this feeling of being.Nothing needs to be included, or excluded because it all arises out of this same feeling of existence.And this feeling of existence is conscious.You cannot separate consciousness and existence.And the more you rest in this feeling, the more subtle and expansive it gets.This in itself is a very deep state of meditation. If you learn in meditation how to simply feel yourself existing, you are already enjoying a very deep state of peace.Now from this state of existing, you can begin to witness thoughts arise and disappear in this consciousness.You do not need to interpret the thoughts. They are like books arising. You do not need to open the book and see what is inside; you simply see it as a book and let it go. You see that a thought is arising and you let it go.In this you can begin to experience the thoughts arising as energy. You can actually feel the thought arising as sensation, as energy. Energy arising in energy and disappearing back into the same formless conscious energy.This state of meditation is very peaceful and blissful. If you attain this state of witnessing the mind you are doing very well in meditation. Beyond learning how to witness the mind, there is very little else you need to know.But please note: The easiest way to attain such blissful states of meditation is through shaktipat, the spiritual energy one naturally radiates in the highest states of meditation.Usually the only way to receive shaktipat is from sitting with an enlightened master. But now you can experience this spiritual energy through listening to meditation music with a very unique sound technology. Have a listen to the free samples of this sound technology by clicking on the "Enlightened Spirituality CD" link below.

Thursday, 27 October 2011 by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation and It's Many Benefits and Advantages

A routine practice with guided meditation is simply a remarkable method for dealing with your stress. When it's possible to deeply relax in meditation, you come to feel calmer, far more serene and less stressed when you're complete. Stress can have numerous negative consequences on your body, especially when it is experienced for long periods of time. The experience of relaxation restores you. It allows your body to slip into a more tranquil place, and makes deep rest and restoration available. These kinds of experiences with deep relaxation slowly but surely reverse much of the damaging consequences connected to levels of chronic stress.Let's consider what it is like to use this kind of stress reduction technique. Guided meditation involves an instructor or guide directing and instructing you through a meditation process, helping you discover relaxation, peace, and perhaps encouragement and inspiration. He or she literally talks you through this process with comforting language, imagery and guidance. The words and ideas guide you, allowing your imagination to follow. Sometimes, the instruction will be blended with peaceful music as well as sounds of nature. Under the direction of the script you can actually allow your body to relax as your awareness becomes centered on the sounds of the voice or the music.The benefits of this kind of relaxation practice are many!1. A guided meditation CD can bring the effectiveness of meditation to you.With a CD, you can experience rest and relaxation from the practice of meditation in the comfort of your own home, or anywhere else you find yourself because you have the convenience of an audio product. You are in possession of your very own personal guide who can skillfully lead you into realms of deeper tranquility and peace. A guided meditation CD makes it possible for you to meditate and relax any time and place that you choose. It is the new way of wellness for today's fast paced lifestyles.2. A guided meditation CD can make the process of meditation easier and less of an effort for you.Listening to the skillful directions provided by a teacher can assist in helping you to remain focused through your meditation. A guided meditation CD may employ peaceful images of elegance, harmony and the natural world. Images of nature might include the sights and sounds of a tranquil beach setting, the clear bright sound of birdsong, the vision of a serene lagoon, or maybe a noble mountain. These relaxing images encourage the mind to unwind and the body to relax so the you are able to attain a genuine feeling of essential inner peace.3. Guided meditation is easy to use.Just lie back, turn it on, listen, and follow the guidance. If you are a beginner, a CD is an effective way for you to learn to relax. It is frequently the simplest way for you to quickly experience the benefits connected with meditation. Additionally, you can benefit if you are more experienced with meditation. It is helpful for those who find it difficult to pay attention and focus in the course of a meditation experience. With the audible direction provided, you are invited to engage your mind in the listening process. That often helps you to stay focused so that your subconscious can slide more easily into the peaceful, calm interior where you are able to take pleasure in deep relaxation. In deep relaxation, you can take advantage of the therapeutic healing associated with meditation.We are living fast-paced lives today, loaded with demand, expectations and chronic levels of stress. An excessive amount of recurring stress can have harmful effects on your well-being and your health. The regular practice of guided meditation is a useful and effectual technique to reduce your stress. It is practical, available, and user-friendly. Any time you take carve out space to relax with guided meditation, you are able to float down into a place of significantly greater peace, deeper ease, and improved health.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation For Relaxation and Stress Relief

The meditation technique I will detail for you in this article is excellent for helping you relieve stress, relax and attain inner tranquility. It is called Shabd Kriya and it's origins can be traced to the powerful school of Kundalini Yoga. The wonderful thing about this method is that although it is easy to practice and learn, it's benefits are deep and significant.The keys aspects of yoga which this meditation exploits in order to work it's magic are mantras, mudras, yoga breathing and mind power. You may say, wait a minute, this meditation was supposed to be easy? And yes it is. I will explain all these aspects of this meditation to you below and also guide you step-by-step on how to correctly practice this technique for maximum benefit.Design of Shabd Kriya:First let me explain the various mechanisms I mentioned above which this meditation is going to use. In the guided meditation script below I will then explain how to put all this together in order to successfully practice this technique.Mantras: These are words of power, chanting which mentally or aloud, directly affects one's consciousness and also, are excellent objects for concentration meditations.Mudras: These are hand, eye or body gestures which influence certain energy flows in the body and thus affect the mind in subtle ways.Yogic Breathing: This is called the science of Pranayama and it is the control and manipulation of the breath. Pranayama is a very powerful way to refine one's energy and heal one's body. It might be the most important aspect of physical yoga practice.Mind Power: This particular meditation technique uses the power of the mind to focus and concentrate so that thoughts, anxieties and worries can be weakened and dissolved.Cautions for This Meditation:The guided meditation script below includes the correct use of pranayama which includes breath retention. Anytime breath retention is involved, it is important not to over strain and instead to proceed gently and systematically. Build up this power over time and if you feel uncomfortable, you should lessen the amount of time you retain your breath for.Benefits of This Technique:1. Excellent meditation for relaxation, stress relief and peace.2. Excellent meditation to promote good sleep, especially if done before going to bed. This meditation is often a part of yoga sets designed to help you cure insomnia.3. Helps build concentration, mind power and mental focus.Mantras Used in Free Guided Meditation Script Below:As I mentioned above this technique uses mantras, and the 2 mantras used in Shabd Kriya are SA TA NA MA mantra and Wahey Guru Mantra. Sa Ta Na Ma meaning Existence, Life, Death and Rebirth and Wahey Guru meaning, Ecstasy Beyond Words.Free Guided Meditation Technique - Shabd Kriya:• Sit cross legged if you can, if not you can use a chair for doing this meditation as well.• Place your hands in Cosmic Mudra with your right hand underneath and left hand on top. The thumb tips should be meeting, but the only difference is that they should be a little more forward than up. This is the typical mudra used in Zen Meditation Technique.• Have your eyes 1/10th open looking down at the tip of your nose. Don't strain when holding this eye position and release it when you feel tired. Although continue with the meditation.• Now begin the following cycle.Inhale in 4 equal parts. By the fourth inhalation your lungs should be full. As you inhale chant SA TA NA MA mentally. So you inhale to a total count of 4. In total, one chant of SA TA NA MA during one inhalation broken up into 4 parts.Next, hold your breath in and chant SA TA NA MA 4 times slowly mentally. So you hold your breath in and use the 4 cycles of SA TA NA MA to complete a count of 16Finally, exhale in 2 parts, which chanting Wahey Guru mentally. So you exhale to a count of 2.• Do all the counting slowly. All chanting should be done mentally only and the breathing cycle should be 4/16/2. 4 counts to inhale, 16 count breath retention and 2 count exhalation. Please remember that if holding the breath in for 16 counts is too much, cut it down to 8 and build up slowly. Do not over strain. With all breath retention progress should be gentle and systematic.• Continue the above mantra/breathing pattern for the duration of the meditation. You can do this meditation for 3 minutes, then build up to 11 minutes and finally 31 minutes can be done as well.Summary of Shabd Kriya:Simply follow the free guided meditation script I have detailed above to do this meditation safely and correctly. Again, it is important that you do not overdo the breath retention part and should modify the technique to make it easier if you are having trouble with holding your breath for the indicated count. This meditation is really an excellent way to dissolve stress, and if you are looking to relax and find peace, it is a must have technique in your meditation toolbox.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation Is Great

Did you know that guided meditations are one of the greatest ways to get into the habit of meditating? That is because they are straightforward to use, which is great if you're in need of constant relaxation after a hard day.The funny thing is most people find it hard to find the time to actually listen to them, even though they are stressed out! That may sound weird, but a lot of people tend to place the least importance on themselves. Most people look after others, help others and in general do their utmost to help others to lead a more enhanced way of living.If you want to start meditating then you need to set aside the required time. If you think, "Hey I can't find the time I'm to busy," then think again. There are almost definitely periods in your day when you can find at least 15 to 20 minutes or so. For a start you can stop watching too much TV. Once you have found the time then what you need to do is sit on your favourite chair if you're going to listen to your guided relaxation whilst sitting down. Or lie down on your bed if that's the position you'd favour.Put a, "do not disturb" sign on the door of the room you are meditating in. Switch the cell phone off, put on your headphones. Press play and just let yourself go into a soothing, stress free relaxation. It really is that easy to use a guided relaxation.The good thing is about using guided relaxation is that you have the power to be able to get rid of stress any time you want. So start to study how meditation can benefit you in all areas of your life. You can start by reading through numerous magazines and books until you really know what meditation can do for you in your life, it really will enhance every single part of it, there is no doubt about that. If everyone meditated every day there would not be so many angry people in the world. Meditation can make you feel good about yourself, but if you do not push yourself to practice it then you are going to be one very angry bunny at the end of the day.Think about it meditation can brighten your life in a lot of ways because of the changes that it can make to the way you feel about yourself and the world in general. Hey! this is something very positive that you can do for yourself and for your mental well-being for many years to come. Good Luck?

by Sarah Timberman · 0

Guided Meditation - What Is It And How Can It Benefit Me

The way in which I personally like to describe meditation is a quieting or a stilling of the mind. This does not reduce the mind to emptiness however, quite the opposite. It creates a keen sense of focus and a higher level of concentration. Meditation can produce all kinds of results depending on the methods which you use. All meditation relies on the concept of focus. By focusing your mind and holding this focus, your mind will become stilled and incredibly relaxed. Any person can meditate if they possess the right attitude and there are so many methods to help you to do it.Guided meditation is a great method of meditation for beginners. A guided meditation is when your mind and its imaginative capabilities are lead on a specific journey. There are many potential purposes for these journeys: remedy, comprehension, deliberation, reflection, etc. Meditation CDs for beginners are excellent because they are a simple and effective way to be guided through such a mental and spiritual journey.Meditation CDs for beginners have recorded professionals leading you along a metaphysical path. The core concept to meditation is to allow your conscious mind to let go of thought and have your subconscious follow the language that is vocalized. Even experienced meditators often prefer guided meditation because if you fall asleep your subconscious will still absorb the words and profit. Even the simplest guided meditations allow you to experience deep relaxation and let go of any lingering negativity which may be stifling your spiritual and psychological progress.

by Sarah Timberman · 0

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