Meditation
When practiced regularly, Meditation can help in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and allow an increased state of awareness. Used to many centuries to allow the spirit to move beyond the concerns, distractions and limitations of the body and the daily situation, meditation has roots in all the major spirtual practices of the world. For example Transcendental Meditation is a particular meditation discipline based on ancient Hindu writing, often using mantras.
Even a few moments can provide relief from daily stress:
Choose a tranquil location - one free from distractions.
Decide whether you'd like to have soothing music in the background.
Select a comfortable chair or place to sit, and assume a sitting position with your spine relatively straight.
Close your eyes.
Breathe in, allowing your rib cage and belly to expand as you inhale.
Exhale slowly.
Concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of each breath and the feelings of deeper relaxation.
Allow thoughts and feelings to enter your mind.
Acknowledge them, allow them to pass, and refocus on your breathing.
Open your eyes after you feel more relaxed and centered.
There are many forms and variations of meditation, each with different techniques and suitable for different temperments. Trying serveral forms can help you find the ideal approach for you. (I seem to meditate quite well while dancing. No thoughts, just feeling the music, just being.) You should begin with 5 to 10 minutes of meditation each day and increase the time as you grow in practice, meditation rewards daily commitment, a haphazard approach will not allow you to make progress. Please keep in mind that it may not come easily to you. Quieting the mind is a difficult thing to do, so do not become frustrated! Just go into it with an open mind, and allow yourself to experience what you will.
Studies have shown that meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke, among other dis-eases, possibly because the resulting stress relief allows the body to heal naturally and reduces the number of complications related to stress. So taking our healing into our own hands really does pay off!!!
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