Origins of Meditation to Today
The ancient practice of meditation is a vast subject that dates back thousands of years. Its origins are difficult to pinpoint as it has been practised in many different cultures and traditions throughout history.
Some of the earliest concise evidence of meditation and its methods can be found in ancient texts from India where it formed part of the yogic tradition. These early practitioners focused on cultivating a sense of inner stillness and awareness through the use of breathing exercises, and visualisations as well as engaging in physical exercises.
Over time, the practice of meditation spread to other cultures and traditions, including Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. And whilst each religion holds its own uncommon philosophical views, and meditation techniques, their meditation practices share the commonality of working with the conscious mind in order to develop the qualities of the subconscious mind.
Meditation today is practised by millions of people around the world and is certainly not restricted to being only a religious practice. Today meditation and mindfulness-based practices have been repackaged to fit the secular world, to help people overcome mental health issues, the effects of stress, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as chronic pain and to empower them to be more comfortable in stressful and difficult situations. Overall developing and enhancing their quality of life.
What is meditation
At Peaceful Minds, we define meditation as, the intentional practice of repeatedly generating a focused mind with respect to a specific object, whereby the meditator creates a habit of attaining a beneficial state of mind.
In short, the function of a meditation session is for the practitioner to habituate their mind with manifest wholesome states and positive emotions.
Goal of meditation
The goal of meditation and mindfulness practices is to help the practitioner develop inner qualities, such as ethics, concentration, tolerance, humility, patience, joy, generosity, love, compassion, and wisdom for example and to free themselves from destructive emotions such as suspicion, jealousy, anger and self-deprecating thoughts.
In short, the ultimate goal of meditation is to attain an insightful, wise, peaceful mind, imbued with compassion for ourselves and others, free from any negative emotions.
Meditation Motivation
While many people practice meditation to reduce their own suffering and develop positive qualities, the motivation to benefit others can be a powerful factor that enhances the sustainability and positive impact of the practice.
By cultivating a mind which has a broader perspective that includes concern for others, the practitioner can develop a more expansive and fulfilling practice that benefits not only themselves but also those with whom they interact with.
In short, by consciously recognizing the potential benefit of ones own practice to others, the motivation behind meditation practices becomes more selfless, sustainable, and ultimately satisfying.
Benefits of meditation
Regular practice of meditation and mindfulness can have a range of beneficial effects on our mental health and physical health. By cultivating a calm and focused mind, practitioners can experience reduced levels of stress and negative emotions, improved emotional regulation in stressful situations and an overall experience increase in well-being.
Additionally, regular meditation practice can help promote better sleep, increase feelings of inner peace, and enhance positive qualities such as patience, compassion, gratitude, and love.
Types of meditation
There are various forms of meditation and mindfulness practices available for practitioners to explore. Two primary types of meditation practices are focus meditation, where the meditator trains their mind to stay single-pointedly focused on an object, and analytical meditation, where the meditator uses their intelligence to investigate phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Both types of meditation can be practised using an audio-guided meditation or meditation script.
Other types of meditation practices include mantra recitation, visualizations, meditation on energy points within the body, and walking meditation, which offers physical benefits in addition to mental ones.
Mindfulness meditation and activities are also plentiful, including deep breathing exercises, body scans, and cultivating an awareness of the present moment, whilst intentionally engaging with our emotions and verbal and physical actions. Journaling can provide additional support for these practices, making them even more beneficial for practitioners.
Choosing the right practice for me
Choosing the appropriate type of meditation or mindfulness practice depends on the specific goal that one wants to achieve at a given time. For instance, someone with a hyperactive mind might benefit from a focus meditation, while someone seeking to overcome loneliness might benefit from meditating on equanimity and gratitude towards others. Those seeking to cultivate a compassionate mind might benefit from loving-kindness meditation, while those looking for a quick stress relief during a break might find deep breathing exercises effective. It’s important to note that one type of practice might not be effective for everyone, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Therefore, it’s essential to explore and experiment with different types of practices to find what suits one’s unique disposition and needs.
How to Start a Meditation Practice
To start a meditation practice, it’s important to find valid and qualified instruction, either through recognized meditation centres or qualified online teachers. Choose a quiet location where you can remain undisturbed and practice when you’re cognitively alert. As a general rule of thumb beginner’s sessions should be of 8 to 20 minutes in duration, avoiding longer sessions that can lead to a dull or scattered mind.
How to Maintain a Meditation Practice
To maintain a daily meditative practice, it’s important to recognise the positive effects of meditation, both during and after practice in our daily life. The quality of our meditation technique plays a vital role in achieving a positive meditation experience. As we see positive outcomes, and develop peace of mind, our faith, enthusiasm and effort increase, and we naturally look forward to engaging in and maintaining our meditation practices.
