Meditation is not something new or "new age". It has been around forever. Meditation has been practiced around the world in every known religion from Buddhism to Christianity.
Though it is true that many people will use meditation as a religious device, there are many more reasons. You can use meditation for spiritual fulfillment or as a form of worship, but the benefits of personal fulfillment, relaxation or stress release are just as good. In traditional medicine, you can see the breathing and visulization techniques of meditation used to help patients fight cancer and other physical illness.
There are four basic forms of mediation techniques. What works for one person may not work for you and vice versa. You have to come up with a technique that will help you attain your goal. Here we will give you the basic forms that most meditation is based on.
Yoga and Tai-Chi
These two are physical methods that use physical movements or positions of the body to focus the mind away from everyday happenings. This method is wonderful if you are physically fit or using an exercise program. You will benefit greatly from the movement while meditation is in place.
The best way to learn these techniques is to find an experienced master or teacher in your area. But it is possible to get Video / Home study courses as well.
Mantras
Mantras are a vocal method using a personal sound, hum or phrase to help to focus the mind. This technique is very good when working toward a goal or going for a specific desire. This method is used by many authors of self-help books and success books as a way to start the day, go for an interview or ask for a raise. By repeating the phrase "this will be a very good day" while preparing for work, you can put yourself into a mental condition to easily overcome any obstacles that may get in your way.
Gazing
The use of an object, such as a crystal ball or candle flame to help to focus the mind and gain a state of meditation.
Freeform
For those most part, this is the most common type of mediation that is practiced in the United States today. Freeform does not rely on outside stimuli to find focus, but more the persons mind to concentrate on "nothing". Many people using this technique will accompany the technique with soft, relaxing music such as light jazz, new age (Enya, Yanni) or environmental sounds. At Ancient Pathway, we do suggest this accompanyment, especially if your home is in an area that is not easily silenced. We have found that Ocean sounds, Thunderstorms or Enya work quite well.
When my students hit this section, they ALWAYS have to say "I know how to breathe". It is just one of those things in life that has to be. You were born breathing, you have done it all your life, and you are doing it now. If you were to stop breathing, you would stop living shortly thereafter, and then you would not need meditation to learn how to relax. But the question is, do you know HOW to breath... for meditation...
The first thing that you want to do is assume a comfortable position. You can do this either sitting or laying down. Relax your body slightly and begin to breathe. Inhale though your nose to a slow count 1 to 5, or whatever is best for you until your lungs are full. Retain the air for a few moments. Then exhale slowly to the same count. You are going to repeat this several times, gradually slowing your breath rate. BUT.. Never hold your breath past the level of comfort. The inhalation, retention, exhalation should be controlled, calm and free of tension.
During this process, you are going to concentrate on the breathing process. As you inhale, you want to breathe in love, health, tranquility, positive thoughts. I personally visualize these positive thoughts as energies in the form of a silver white mist. But use whatever works for you. as you are exhaling, breathe out hate, disease, anger and all negative emotions. For my visualization, it is a red mist filled with green specks of turmoil.
It is a good idea to practice the following deep breathing exercise daily, even on days where you don't meditate. This will gradually increase your lung capacity and the ability to retain air.
Sitting in a straight-backed chair supporting your lower back with a pillow if necessary. Your chin should be level with the floor, eyes closed, back straight, hands resting on your knees, palms up & fingers relaxed. In this position you should be comfortable & relaxed, the spine straight & the torso erect. Breathe deeply for several minutes. Relax. Forget. Visualize the multitude of tensions & worries of your everyday life exiting your body with your breath. Relax in the chair - now open your consciousness. Allow your conscious mind to be receptive & alert. Commune & talk with the deities. Toss around symbols in your head. If you wish, chant one of the names of the Goddess or God, or a group of them. This is an excellent tool for slipping into the twilight world.
Select a time & place with care. Light should be subdued, candle-lit is excellent. Burn white or blue candles if you wish. A bit of incense is fine too, but too much smoke can obviously cause problems during deep breathing.