Nidhi Tomar*
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Shri Swami Bhumanand College of Nursing,
Haridwar-249407 Uttarakhand, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: nidhi.tomar9@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Meditation is food for our soul. The way we provide food to our body, similarly our soul has got a deeper and higher connection with divine powers of the universe. Some people call it GOD, some call supernatural or almighty, supreme consiousnes etc. Doing meditation is calling upon our higher self for many reasons maybe. It is a kind of establishing a connecton of our bodily small transmitter with that ultimate bigger powerhouse or source of life-force. It is due to this reason people who are well embedded in this practice are so positive in their outlook for life. That not only they improve upon their lives but also give others a reason to celebrate life. Meditation practice allows us to be a receiver of that cosmic life-force which is blissfully falling and provided to all beings by GOD, without any discrimination. The more we become receiver, the more it is absorbed, the more enlightened we are.
KEYWORDS: Meditation, Higher self, Mindfulness, Visualization, Health.
INTRODUCTION:
Meditation may be an ancient tradition, but it is still practised in cultures all over the world to create a sense of calm and inner harmony. It is less about faith and more about altering consciousness, finding awareness and achieving peace. Meditation is more related to spirituality, soul science and has less connection with religion.
Why meditation is gaining popularity in the modern world?
Thanks to increasing stress of having more money, fame, materialistic comforts and competition and a life of increasing levels of satisfaction. It is important to find a practice that meets your needs and complements your personality.
There are 9 popular types of meditation practice which require different skills and mindsets. It is believed that not all meditation types are for everyone. So, how do we know which are for us.
Mira Dessy, a meditation author and holistic nutritionist say- Its what feels comfortable and what you feel encouraged to practice.
1. Mindfulness Meditation:
Originated from Buddhist teachings and widely and popularly used in the west. In this technique, attention is paid to the thoughts as they pass through the mind-Thoughts are simply observed without any judgement or involvement. This practice combines concentration with awareness. Simplest way is to focus on breath in and out while observing the thoughts and feelings. Can be done by all, when lonely and no teacher to guide.
2. Spiritual Meditation:
Eastern Hinduism and Christian faith similar to prayer in that we reflect on the silence around and seek a deeper connection with GOD and universe. Some people use fragrances oil etc. e.g. cider, sandalwood. Practiced at home or in a place of worship. Spritual growth seekers, introverts, silence lovers do practice this one.
3. Focused Meditation:
Concentration using any of the 5 senses
For e.g. Internal focus Breath or external things like try counting mala beads, staring at a candle flare- can be difficult for beginners to concentrate on an object for a longer time.
Mind wandering reduces with it when we learn to refocus it coming back.
Best for those willing to increase focus, concentration and attention in life.
4. Movement Meditation:
Best for those who find peace in action and prefer to let their minds wander.
Active form of meditation include walking through the woods, gardening and other forms of motion movement guides.
5. Mantra Meditation:
Prominent in Hindu and Buddist traditions.Uses a repetitive sound to clear the mind, which can be a word, phrase or sound such as popular OM.
Perfect practice for those who dont like silence and enjoy repetition chanting mantra increases alertness and does tuning with environment and allows deeper levels of awareness
6. Transcendental Meditation:
Popular among scientific communityand a subject of numerous research studies. More customized than mantra meditation using a series of words that are specific to each practitioner.
Best for those who are disciplined about meditation practice.
7. Progressive Relaxation:
Body scan meditation, reduces tension in the body and promoting relaxation. This form of meditation involves slowly tightening and relaxing one group muscle at a time throughout the body- imagining a gentle wave flowing through the body used to relieve stress and unwind before bedtime.
8. Loving- Kindness Meditation:
It strengthens feelings of compassion, kindness and acceptance toward oneself and others. Involves opening the mind to receive love from others and sending a series of well wishes to loved ones, friends, acquaintances and all living beings. Because this type of meditation is intended to promote compassion and kindness, it may be ideal for those holding feelings of anger or resentment.
9. Visualization Meditation:
Technique focused on enhancing feelings of relaxation, peace and calmness by visualizing positive scenes or images.
With this practice, it is important to imagine the scene vividly and use all 5 senses to add as much detail as possible. Another form of visualization meditation involves imagining youself succeeding at specific goals whichis intended to increase focus and motivation.
Many people use visualization meditation to boost their mood, reduce stress levels, and promote inner peace.
1. Decrease Blood Pressure
2. Decrease Anxiety
3. Decrease Pain
4. Ease symptom of Depression
5. Improve sleep
6. High will power
7. Boost up immunity
8. Decreased risk if catching infection.
There is no time fix to do meditation. Some people say 15-20 min, some 1 hr, it depends upon the time and schedule of anyone.
15 min morning and 15 min evening minimum recommended by spiritual gurus.
If you meditate, you give your attention to one thing and do not think about anything else.
Meditation is the act of remaining in a silent and calm state for a period of time.
REFERENCES:
1. https://www.mindful.org how-to-meditate
2. https://www.healthline.com 9 Types of Meditation: Which One Is Right for You? Healthline Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS Written by Holly J. Bertone, CNHP, PMP Updated on October 2, 2020
3. Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress - Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org meditation art-20045858
4. What is Meditation Headspace, https://www.headspace.com meditation-101
5. How to Meditate - Well Guides - The New York Times, https:// www.nytimes.com guides how-to-meditate
6. Meditation Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org wiki Meditation
7. What Is Meditation? - Verywell Mind, https:// www.verywellmind.com ... Meditation,
8. ctually Change The Brain Forbes, https://www.forbes.com alicegwalton 2015/02/09
9. Health and Mental Benefits of Meditation | The Art of Living India, https://www.artofliving.org in-en meditation-for-you
10. https://mindworks.org>blog>med. The definition of meditation is taking charge of our mind. https: //dictionary.cambridge.org
11. https://www.collins dictionary.com
Received on 10.09.2021 Modified on 30.09.2021
Accepted on 15.10.2021 © A&V Publications all right reserved
Int. J. Nur. Edu. and Research. 2022; 10(1):85-86.
DOI: 10.52711/2454-2660.2022.00019