Ways to Meditate
Sometimes your mind can feel like it is racing a mile a minute. There are so many different things going through your mind that it's hard to tell where one thought ends and another one begins. A good way to sift through the clutter and achieve a peaceful state of mind is through meditation. For some, meditation is practiced in the context of a religion, while some use meditation to help them concentrate more effectively. No matter the reason, there are numerous ways to meditate that are both simple and effective.
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Instructions
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Practice basic meditation. Sit in a comfortable position and try to think about nothing. Now, this, of course, is very hard, if not impossible, but try not to get attached to any thought. Think of the thoughts as train cars passing in front of you--observe them, but do not get on the train!
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Practice focused meditation. Use a candle or a mental image such as a square, and simply observe without slipping into other thoughts. Do this for 5 minutes in the beginning, then longer as you get more used to the meditation.
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Engage in an activity that involves repetition. The good thing about this way of meditating is that it allows you to accomplish a task while calming the mind at the same time. Repetitive tasks such as routine housework could be a solid example of this type of meditation. So, for example, wash the dishes while concentrating on the feel of the water on your hands, the smell of the dishwashing liquid, the feel of the cutlery in your hands, etc.
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Concentrate on the here and now. By thinking about nothing but the present moment, your mind won't be bothered with worrying about the past or the future. Pay attention to emotions or sensations, but don't get stuck on them--move with the flow of the present, which, frankly, is all we have--the past and the future do not exist except as an idea.
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"Spiritual Meditation" is a form of praying as it relates to the religious aspect of meditation. Once the mind is calm a person can obtain guidance or wisdom from a higher power while meditating. While this is not a sure thing to have one's questions answered by a greater force, some users have found it to be fulfilling and effective.
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Tips & Warnings
Meditating is also an effective way to manage stress.
