On its surface, meditation may seem too simple to do any good, or too complicated to begin. These interpretations overlook the essence of the practice.
At its, core meditation consists of a family of practices that train the mind to cultivate an awareness of the present moment and to deal more effectively with negative thoughts and emotions.
- The key is to become more familiar with the movements of the mind.
Meditation does not take any single form. It is a term that describes an array of mental practices designed to cultivate well-being. Most fall between three broad categories:
- Focused attention meditation – being here: present moment, focusing on a single point of attention such as the breath. (Great place to begin if you are new)
- Mindfulness or open monitoring meditation – keep your field of awareness open, allowing you to simply witness or observe. To become less reactive to thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. (more advanced practice requiring mental stability)
- Compassion or loving-kindness meditation – The aim is to cultivate deep compassion for all beings starting with oneself, then to friends and family, then to people we find difficult, and then eventually to all beings.
Re-source: Retreat
3 primary benefits include:
- Training your mind for increased emotional fitness. Meditation is to the mind, what aerobic exercise is to the body. Meditation enhances mood, emotional resiliency, and even immune system function.
- Develop your ability to focus. Though the mind often wanders involuntarily, you will build you capacity to cut through the mental distractions and sustain your attention for longer periods, leading to greater productivity and improved performance in all areas of life.
- Focused meditation practice will cultivate a special kind of awareness. An awareness of the present moment. One remains in a vivid state of undistracted awareness, but is not only aware of the freshness of the present moment but is also endowed with a much clearer appreciation of past events and future possibilities.
craving and resource from “Start Here” – master the lifelong habit of well-being by Eric Langshur and Nate Klemp
