What is Meditation?

Meditation can be looked at as:

A Practice, something we do regularly

A pathway, or a physical and psychological tool we can use to help bring us to state of mindfulness

A state of mind, such as awareness or mindfulness

 

It can be seen as something very simple, or seen as something complex. There are numerous ways one can meditate such as sitting in silence,  walking meditation,  using a mantra, or using imagery such as giving breath a color, etc…

Meditation is about quieting the mind, focusing away from the outside world and focusing your mind inward. It tends to be relaxing, but relaxation alone is not meditation. Meditation involves a conscious awareness, as if you are able to be both yourself, and a conscious observer of yourself. It’s a moment that involves full awareness of the present moment. Thoughts often come up in meditation, and we do our best to allow them to simply pass on through as we strive for a state with no thoughts, just simply being present and aware. Meditation tend to refresh the person who meditates, giving them more energy and a sense of space, or personal spaciousness. While this is a simplified definition, it’s a good start to begin to understand what it is.

For many people who don’t have their own regular meditation practice, it often helps to use guided visualization or guided imagery to help focus the mind, and obtain a relaxed, present moment awareness free from distracting thoughts and emotions.