Meditation is a technique that's been used for thousands of years to sharpen focus and attention, connect to the body and breath, and develop acceptance of difficult emotions. It's been shown to have many benefits, including reduced stress levels, increased immunity, and improved sleep.
The art of meditation can be found in a wide range of spiritual traditions, from Zen Buddhism to Hinduism and even Christianity. Regardless of which tradition you follow, meditation is a way to bring awareness and inner peace to your life.
It's a natural part of being human and can be applied to all areas of life. There are different types of meditation to suit every person, but all meditation is based on the same basic concept: settling your mindful awareness on one single thing.
This could be the breath, the flame of a candle, a repeating word (chant or mantra), physical sensations, or other focal points. Once your mind is settled, you can move through distractions and back to that anchor.
Stage 1: Observing Your Thoughts and Feelings
It's common to have thoughts that fly around your head in dizzying speed as you meditate, and it's normal to experience frustration as you get started. However, once you see that these thoughts and feelings are just a natural part of being human, they'll start to settle down a bit.
Stage 2: Imagining Your Dreams
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the stress of daily life, art meditation can be a great way to help you calm your thoughts and focus on something positive. Try painting, drawing, sculpting, or sketching as you meditate.