Why meditate? Relaxation, Health, Inner peace & Harmony, Concentration, Improved Performance ( sport, performers, speakers etc ) Inspiration & Creativity, Quality of Life – free from stress and the resulting benefits Self-awareness & Therapy, Problem Solving, Spiritual Awakening
Basic instructions for most meditations 1. Relax. 2. Choose one thing to focus on and explore. 3. If the mind wanders, gently bring it back. 4. Let everything else go.
Most commonly used meditations are 1. Breath and body awareness (Zen - in the now) 2. Mantra (Transcendental) and affirmations 3. Visualisations 4. Sense objects (nature, music, candle, sounds etc) 5. Mindfulness (Vipassana or Insight) 6. Movement (dance, walking)
Some meditations have a specific purpose. Health Meditation Health meditation aims to produce a profound state of relaxation – physical and mental. This creates a condition in which the body’s natural healing ability can work at its best.
Contemplative / Concept Meditation Contemplative meditation is used as a means of discovering "what is" - an idea, a scenario
Creative Meditation /Visualisation Creative meditation provides an opportunity to consciously use the power of the mind.