1. Meditation will give you rest and recreation.
2. You learn to relax.
3. You learn to concentrate better on problem solving.
4. Meditation often has a good effect upon the blood pressure.
5. Meditation has beneficial effects upon inner body processes, like circulation, respiration and digestion.
6. Regular meditation will have a psychotherapeutic effect.
7. Regular meditation will facilitate the immune system.
8. Meditation is usually pleasant.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPNOSIS AND MEDITATION
Hypnosis may have some of the same relaxing and psychotherapeutic effects as meditation. However, when you meditate you are in control yourself; by hypnosis you let some other person or some mechanical device control you. Also hypnosis will not have a training effect upon the ability to concentrate.
Basically, I agree with the instructions in the article with one exception. I recommend using the principle of letting go of thoughts rather than stopping thoughts. But other than that caveat, I think it's a pretty good little article.
I agree, stopping thought, especially for a beginner can be stressful experience on it's own.
ReplyDeleteI also love using sound help. I use HemiSync CD's (without verbal suggestions). They are very good and calming down, because they have a harmonizing effect on the brain. I gave some links and explanations in my article on meditiation http://whereisprometheus.blogspot.com/2006/02/meditation.html
(the article might be a bit lighthearted, but I definetly think that those CDs help).
Notice when you're ruminating about the past, anticipating the future, or fantasizing about something that's never happened or never will. These are the three ways we avoid being in the present. Meditation - mindfulness - is "knowing what's happening WHILE it's happening no matter what it is. When you're in the past, future or fantasizing, notice that, accept it without judgment, and bring your mind back to the present moment.
ReplyDeleteAs to which meditation technique in formal sitting is most helpful - well,that depends on you. Different people react differently to the various methods. You could use sound as a support (resting the mind on whatever sounds are in the room) or breath (perhaps the most common technique.) Why don't you tell me what you're using now and how that's working for you.
Hope this helps, Vinay.
Well, Vinay, I took a look at the Osho dynamic meditation and I must say it seems both rather complicated and agitating. That is not the kind of meditation I teach but if it works for you, fine. In mindfulness meditation we work toward SETTLING the mind - not manipulating it or stirring it up.
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