Meditation is probably something you’ve heard of before. In today’s trying times, more and more people are using it to clear their minds, reduce stress, increase their state of calm and generally be more pliable and adaptive to all of life’s challenges. That’s great for them, but what about you? The proof is in the pudding. Is it right for you?
What Is Meditation?
You might have a lot of preconceived notions about meditation. It might seem a bit too, airy fairy and hippy dippy for you. You might think it is at odds with your current religious or spiritual beliefs. You might think a lot of these things, but you’d be wrong.
Simply put, meditation is a way of training your mind. The mind’s natural state is childlike in nature, but it’s not a very well behaved child. It’s more like a pissed off little spoiled brat who was just told he can’t have any more toys or ice cream and will suddenly be held accountable for his actions from this moment forward. Ever see a spoiled brat who didn’t get what they want? It’s not pretty.
And that’s how the untrained mind is. All the time. Twenty four hours a day and three hundred and sixty five days a year. That can lead to stress, illness, getting sick more frequently, or just simply being a colossal pain in your butt.
That’s where meditation comes in. Meditation is for your mind, what the gym is for your body. It’s a way to train your mind to get control over it and get the results you want out of it.
How To Learn It
Meditation can be learned over time, in a variety of ways. You can get guided meditation CDs or mp3s, attend meditation classes in your area, or you can find meditation in surprising places.
Like the yoga class. Over time, if you practice enough, yoga can become a moving meditation. If you’re a golfer, you might find yourself meditating on the green a little bit before you take that putt, or at the free throw line before you take that shot. Or maybe while you garden. It might not be available to you right away, but if you practice it, you can turn just about any task into a meditative experience.
Will You Have To Change Your Beliefs & Lifestyle To Meditate?
Meditating regularly doesn’t mean you have to stop being Jewish, or stop being Christian or whatever faith you practice. Meditation can be done by Republicans, Democrats or independents. You can be a pacifist who meditates or a card carrying member of the National Rifle Association who worships their concealed weapons permit (and if you are that person, you clearly live in Texas). The point is meditation is a tool. It’s like money. It just makes you more of who you are. So if you were a jerk when you were broke, you’ll be an even bigger jerk when you have money. If you were a kind, loving partner, spouse and partner before meditation, you’ll be even more so after you begin to meditate.
It will enhance all aspects of your life, often in ways you didn’t expect or think possible. Therein lies the rub. That’s the stuff that makes life worth living. Now get out there get living or meditating, or caressing that sweet concealed weapons permit of yours.