meditation
Those who experience its magic always return to it, like to the breath – a natural source of peace and power.
Meditation is a practice that has gained recognition and popularity worldwide, regardless of origin, nationality, religion, or belief. It is based on universal principles that are deeply connected to human nature and the functioning of our minds.
THE POWER OF YOUR OWN RESOURCES
“IF THE MIND IS RESTLESS, MEDITATION IS THE TOOL THAT ALLOWS IT TO FIND PEACE”
– Dalajlama
ANYONE CAN MEDITATE
- ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
SO CAN YOU!
Our mind, consciously or unconsciously, constantly needs an object of focus. Meditation is an active practice that involves conscious and intentional direction of our attention to a chosen meditation object. Regular meditation practice allows us to split our awareness even across two objects of focus simultaneously.
There are many meditation objects and practices to choose from. It is crucial to select a meditation technique that aligns with your preferences, needs, and current life situation and capabilities.
TURN ON THE SILENCE
Practicing meditation quiets our mind, gives us control over the stream of thoughts, and allows us to settle into the space between one thought and another. An absolute silence with no space for problems, struggles, or dilemmas. These are, after all, the fruits of our mind, which activity significantly decreases during meditation, bringing us freedom, silence, and peace. The more we practice, the more time we spend in this space, even outside the designated time for meditation practice.
This is THE SILENCE that has been cultivated by great thinkers and guides as a source of clarity, knowledge, and immense power.
THE ESSENCE OF PRACTICE
Contrary to popular belief, the essence of meditation is not non-thinking or a state of mind in which no thoughts arise. You are likely familiar with the situation where the harder you try not to think about something, the more that thought occupies your mind…
The essence of meditation practice is cultivating mindfulness and focus, consciously returning to the chosen meditation object every time we notice that our attention has drifted amidst the stream of incoming thoughts. With regular practice, we become increasingly quicker and more effective at recognizing when we’ve lost our meditation object and redirecting our attention back to it. The influx of thoughts is a natural phenomenon. An essential part of meditation practice is to simply observe them without engaging with them, judging them, or criticizing them.
Imagine that your mind is a train station where trains are constantly arriving and departing in all directions. Will you board every single one? No… You will choose the train that meets your needs, the one that takes you to a place aligned with your dreams, aspirations, and plans. Our thoughts take the form of such trains, racing chaotically in all directions. Meditation allows us to notice their presence and consciously choose our focus object – and only that object.
BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
༄ Nervous system regulation – it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to enter a rejuvenation phase, directing energy to the areas that need it to begin and complete regeneration processes. Lowering stress hormone levels improves immune system function and generally balances and harmonizes the work of internal organs.
༄ Reduction of stress and anxiety, improvement in well-being – by lowering stress hormone levels, meditation leads to a more positive outlook and increases the level of joy and lightness experienced in life.
༄ Improved concentration, memory, and mental efficiency – it positively affects cognitive functions, including the ability to focus attention and significantly extends the duration of concentration.
༄ Access to creativity, inspiration, innovation, and full potential – meditation supports creative processes and innovative thinking, uncovering reservoirs of creativity and inspiration trapped beneath the weight of thoughts, worries, and anxieties. It broadens our horizons by freeing us from the stress and tension that create barriers to living fully and with an open mind.
༄ Skillful management of emotions – it enables us to respond (rather than react) to external events in a more balanced way, coming from a place of calm and tranquility.
༄ Ease in resolving conflicts and handling challenges – meditation facilitates recognizing and releasing emotions and tensions that accumulate at the body and mind levels.
༄ Prevention of professional burnout – meditation helps maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
REGULAR PRACTICE
leads to a more conscious and balanced life. Meditation is, in fact, the art of exploring oneself, connecting with your inner voice; it is the art of being aware of what is happening inside and around you without any prejudices or judgments.
A calm mind is an open, receptive, and friendly mind, allowing you to build balanced relationships both in your personal and professional life.
IN MEDITATION, HOWEVER, WE DO NOT SEEK
A SPECIFIC RESULT
Meditation is the release of the mind from all thoughts that distract our attention and hinder us from being fully present. It is a complete immersion in the here and now, where there is no room for the past or the future.