Your mind and body are interdependent. If one feels good, so does the other. Connecting these two is the abstract concept of meditation. Today, the physical benefits of meditation are quantifiable.

Why it's good
A study of Indian yogis practicing hatha yoga held scientific significance for meditation as an aid in stress reduction. In 98 meditation sessions, researchers noted the following characteristic pattern of physiological alteration: an extreme slowing of respiration to four to six breaths per minute; more than a 70 per cent increase in electrical resistance (GSR), indicating a state of deep relaxation; a predominance of alpha brain-wave activity; a slowing of the heart rate to 24 beats per minute from the normal rate of 72 beats per minute (Mind as Healer Mind as Slayer by Kenneth Pelletier).

Studies across the board show that the neurophysiological patterns emerging from meditation indicate calmer behaviour. Research also shows that some of the most significant physical manifestations of meditation are a slowing of breath, slowing of the heart rate, decrease in oxygen consumption, lowering or stabilising of blood pressure, and enhancement of the body's immune system.

The above effects enable meditation to impart diverse therapeutic benefits. It is successfully used as a healing therapy in instances of addictive habits, asthma, hypertension, phobias, headaches, stress-related anxieties and high blood pressure.

The best approach
Once we recognise that it is also an exercise to help us develop a better perspective on our own life - a "state of mind"- we can then discuss the best way to practice it.

Meditation can be attempted in many ways, but all of them must aim for one end -- the stillness of mind. This is not easy.

The mind changes from moment to moment, but over time we will realise that it is not following or reacting to these thoughts; that we can allow the images in the mind to drift past; and, in time, we will be able to embark on the next step: simply observing our thoughts. In this phase one part of the mind observes, analyses and deals with the rest of the mind. This is the essence of meditation.

There are several meditation techniques, but they can all be divided into two heads -- stabilising techniques and analysing techniques.

Stabilising techniques simply guide you to a calm state of mind. This is the physical approach to meditation. Here, the aim is to achieve total physical relaxation. This involves breathing exercises, disciplines like pranayama, yoga and tai chi. Results take time, so do not be discouraged if you begin to feel restless after a few minutes. With practice it will become easier to concentrate on stilling the mind and your consciousness of the physical plane will gradually become less intrusive.

Only after this stage has been reached, can you begin analytical meditations. Analytical meditations involve your creative and intellectual qualities. With analytical meditations you will discover that you are better able to unravel the complexities of your attitude and behaviour patterns. Your aim here must be to get rid of the negative energies, thoughts, feelings and attitudes that you carry with you or surround yourself with.

Combining the two meditation techniques successfully would make your mind the most reliable instrument with which to judge your development. The more you concentrate and the more often you work meditation into your daily routine, the easier it will become.

Dos and Don'ts
Meditation releases and changes energy patterns around and within you. Therefore, it is important that you learn to meditate from a teacher. You must be clear about the guidelines that will make your meditation effective and your choice of meditation technique most suited to your need. Look for a teacher who has not only the knowledge, but also insight and compassion.

Do not attempt analytical meditations until you have studied the method well and are very comfortable with the stabilising meditation techniques that you work with.

Do not set unrealistic goals. You will feel euphoric when you come through a good meditation session; but it is wise to remember that it is in translating that calmness and focus to your daily activities that the real benefit of meditation will be reaped by you.

Through meditation you can get rid of a lot of the negative detritus that you have accumulated over the years. In fact, several Buddhist meditations aim only at removing the influence of the five basic sins -- distraction, anger, craving, conceit and ignorance. As you release the negative energies collected from these, you will make life-changes and acquire a sense of well being that you are in control of. Habits take a lifetime to build, so you will need time to correct them. Set yourself a realistic timeframe to do this in.

Your meditation session should pay attention to posture.

You should be clear about your motivation (why do you want to meditate?).

You should select the correct technique (what kind of meditation are you going to work with?).

Meditate because you want to, not because you have to.

Every time you meditate, you create a positive energy field around and within you. This, in turn, affects everything and everyone you interact with. So be sure to direct this positive energy toward changing your life. Be watchful. Be aware of everything you say and do. Be forgiving. Each time you do this you know that your meditation has been a positive and rewarding experience.

Courtesy: womannova.com