March 10, 2008

The Best Options For Tea Meditation

Tea meditation has emerged as one of the effective techniques to reduce stress levels in your life. Many people have the misconception that tea and meditation are two different things and there is just no correlation between them, which is not true. The sensation and feelings achieved by drinking tea and meditating are similar. For example, when you meditate, you achieve refreshing sensation – a sense of enlightenment. Tea always does almost the same. Following are some of the best options available to you for tea meditation.

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea has always been the favorite of tea lovers. Tea bags have been preferred by those who drink tea on a regular basis but have very little time in their hands. However, it is very important for you to understand that you can get more benefits by using loose leaf tea because when they are crushed to be offered in bags, some of their natural characteristics are lost. When you use them in their natural state, they can give you more flavors. Tea bags lack the natural oils that gift its drinkers the true flavors. The loose leaf tea is good for tea meditation because you can use its powerful antioxidants in its natural state.

Black Tea

Despite the fact that black tea is not as good as green tea, it has become increasingly popular for tea meditation. The reason lies in the recent researches that have found that black tea contains a heavy quantity of flavonoids, which can eventually help in reducing the high cholesterol levels. Since it also contains theaflavins and thearubigens, its health benefits cannot be ignored.

Green Tea   

The green tea is undoubtedly increasing in popularity. They are easily available in a general grocery store. Its popularity has also increased because of the popularity of iced tea. There are several reasons why green tea is considered as special for tea meditation. For example, the compound Epigallocatechin gallate, which is a strong antioxidant, is found in green tea in huge quantities. What is more, modern science has also reaffirmed its magical capability of stimulating the immune system thereby enabling the body to fight various diseases more efficiently.

Herbal Teas

The various herbal teas have also become very popular for tea meditation. Some of the best herbal teas for meditation purposes may include Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, Chamomile, Rosemary, and many others. Rosemary is helpful in reducing stress-induced headaches. Peppermint is highly effective in easing indigestion and gas pain. Lemon Balm, on the other hand, has been found very effective in relieving anxiety and restlessness. If you want to achieve a restful sleep, you are recommended to use Passionflower in tea meditation. Chamomile helps in soothing the tummy as well as the soul. 
 
Overall, we can see that there are a variety of options available to you when it comes to choosing the best tea for tea meditation. 

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

March 5, 2008

Stillness Meditation - Calmness For Mind As Well As Body

The stillness meditation is one of the easiest meditation techniques that anybody can master and be benefited. The great thing about this technique is that you can practice this without meditation music and still achieve the desired level of inner peace and pleasure. However, if you want, you can also incorporate music with the same. In this busy world, it has been found that many people are now turning towards the Buddhist way of life in order to regain the peace of life that they have somewhere lost in the noisy world. If you are among one of those, it is very important for you to understand that the first way to do this is to learn the technique of stillness meditation.

What Is Stillness Meditation?

More and more people are now realizing the magical power of meditation, and they are being benefited by practicing the same. When you try to meditate, the first thing that you have to do is to regulate and control your thoughts in an efficient manner. Controlling and regulating your thoughts is not an easy thing to do because the human mind cannot stop thinking. Whether consciously or unconsciously, you always think about something. That is the reason why control of thoughts is considered as one of the biggest challenges of a successful meditation. However, even if you are a beginner, you can still learn the technique of clearing your mind and keeping it clear through stillness meditation.

The Method

As said earlier, it is a very simple technique. Therefore, even for the beginners, it will not take much time to understand the method and practice the same. All you have to do is just to follow the following simple steps.
  • Make sure that the place to practice this meditation technique is comfortable, peaceful, and safe.
  • Before you begin meditating, a few stretching exercises are recommended.
  • You can sit in a chair or on the floor or wherever you find it comfortable.
  • Close your eyes.
  • Now, inhale a deeply, but while you do so, you have to tense all the muscles in your body, including your shoulders, arms, hand, neck, face, legs, feet and even fingers.
  • Now, while you exhale, release the tension from the muscles.
 
Here, it is very important for you to understand that you do not have to regulate or control your breath in the stillness meditation. You just have to breathe as you do naturally. Now, try to imagine that water is going down the drain. The stronger this perception will be, the sooner you will be able to clear your mind with all sorts of thoughts. You just have to concentrate on stillness. It means during your inhalation and exhalation, you do not have to move your body. The stillness here means the stillness of your body as well as mind. Soon, you will start feeling a unique sense of calm.
 
You are recommended to begin practicing the stillness meditation for 10 minutes per day. Do not practice it for hours. It will have adverse effects.  

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

February 21, 2008

Zen Meditation Robes For The Ultimate Meditation Experience!

Zen meditation robes are traditional formal garments specially designed for meditation. They are extremely comfortable, unlike the loose blankets that require constant adjustment or those tight clothes that make you feel uncomfortable while sitting cross-legged.
 
These robes can also be used for outdoor meditation, as they are quite warm. You can wear them easily by slipping them on. You can even wear them over your everyday clothes.
 
If you are habitual of meditating for hours together or love attending meditation retreats, then Zen meditation robes are the thing for you. And don’t think these robes to be plain and boring garments. They are available in different colors and styles to make you stand out in the crowd!

Why Zen Meditation Robes?

Wearing robes is not mandatory for meditation. However, they make for the best loose clothing during this time. Besides, when you wear a mediation robe, your mind gets connected with the idea of wearing a robe and relaxing. Eventually, you will notice that your body and mind begin to relax as soon as you wear the robe and sit for meditation. Some meditators wear robes simply to get a unique look.

The Robe Design

Most of the Zen meditation robes feature a simple T shape design. They are quite big with oversized sleeves and are free flowing. Such clothing was worn by monks from Tibet and India. However, their robes were made from animal skin to keep them warm. Although, today’s robes are not made from animal skin, they are equally warm and comfortable.
 
There is also hooded robe that has become the favorite of many meditators. This kind of robe has sufficient length and width. Thus, it provides enough coverage while performing various meditation poses. The hood provides a sort of privacy to the meditator. There are some robes that are designed to be worn over the Japanese traditional dress, Kimono. Different kinds of materials are used to make meditation robes; however, the best ones are those that are light and thin, yet provide warmth and comfort.

Western Meditation Robes

The western robes have longer sleeves than the conventional ones. Some robe manufacturers offer separates for meditation. They look familiar to loose fitting trousers as well as top. Such robes resemble karate jackets.
 
Although Zen meditation robes come in different colors, most of them are simple ones. The idea is to give them a simple and plain look so that they are soothing to look at. Garish and vibrant robes would hardly relax your mind, rather would make it more alert and agitated. This would mar the very purpose of meditation.
 
Robes are worth a try. Although they are optional, once you wear them, you get a different experience altogether. Some people like to slip on robes after returning from a hard day at their workplace. It gives them a sense of calmness and peace, which leads to a more positive attitude.
 
So, try one of the Zen meditation robes and get covered with tranquility from head to toe!

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

February 14, 2008

Zen Meditation Music That Touches Your Soul

Zen meditation music brings manifold enhancement in your meditation session. It features soothing sounds as well as rhythms that induce your mind to a state of deep serenity, peace, and relaxation.
 
Since the 1920s, researchers have been trying to find links between music and improved mental agility, concentration, and thinking power.  They have managed to establish that sounds of rhythmic nature do have an influence over the mental and emotional state of a human being.  Moreover, our physical being is also affected by music. Many cultures attribute to this belief.

Music For The Soul

As per the theory of Indian music, humans are made up of sounds. Sound vibrations have the power to bring us into harmony with the vibrations of the universe. Moreover, they also have the power to upset our chakras. Therefore, the choice of music is vital. Soft, soothing music that resonates with our body waves induces stillness of mind and brings us close to our conscious. On the contrary, loud and obnoxious music can inhibit the flow of energy through chakras.

Choosing The Right Music

The catch is to match the music with your mood that you intend to create. Say, if you need to increase your concentration at the workplace, play upbeat music to keep you focused and alert.  For relaxation, you need soft, soothing tunes to induce a sleeping state of mind. The music that is peaceful, soothing, and tranquil can never go wrong with meditation!
 
The selection of Zen meditation music is more about personal liking. Before choosing music, you need to ponder over certain issues like the things that make you most relaxed, or the time when you felt most relaxed. For example, a stroll along the beach or in a garden makes you feel at peace; whether it’s the sound of ocean waves or chirping of birds that give you a soothing effect.  Accordingly, you can choose music that contains such sounds. Some people love jazz. They select Zen meditation music that contains soft saxophone and piano rhythms.  Somebody else should not tell you what music to play while meditating. Meditation is a personal journey towards peace and the music should compliment your mind setup.
 
Certain Zen meditation music is specially created to release pain and emotions of the past through a music and imagery combo. There is also music to help you tackle with your inner fears or traumas.  Many times, such music is used as a part of music therapy program.
 
You can get the music of your choice online or at bookstores, music shops, and even in health and wellness stores. They are available in CDs. Certain CDs feature spoken mantras or words to guide you during meditation while some others contain a collection of harmonies.
 
Music for meditation is amazingly soothing and works as background music. You can also make it the point of focus. Some of the Zen meditation music collections almost feature a Native American eminence and have the power to shift your mind towards spiritual peace.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

February 6, 2008

Grounding Meditation - Helping To Anchor Ourselves

Grounding meditation is a way to collect ourselves together when we become diverted by a whole lot of things throughout a busy day and need to release the stress. This form of meditation helps in giving us a feeling of stability. It ensures that we have our feet firmly on the ground, supported by it, giving our mind the freedom to rise spiritually.

Grounding Meditation Techniques

Apart from being used on its own quite effectively, grounding meditation also forms the basis for several types of meditation. It is a great activity to add to our daily routine to reap its benefits. We all go through days when everything seems out of focus and it becomes really hard to concentrate and get things done efficiently. No matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to feel organized. These are the occasions when grounding meditation can come to the rescue, especially for the employed when they have an important presentation or meeting ahead. It develops the necessary focus and confidence before that crucial moment.

There are many organizations that are adopting grounding meditation to help their executives perform more effectively. It also helps during training sessions in the sense that participants who seem disoriented or confused can be brought to the state of mind where they are open to instruction and ready to absorb what is being presented. The group also does not get distracted easily.

The Result Of Grounding Meditation

After a session of grounding meditation, the general feeling is one of clear concentration, a focused mind, and revitalized body. The individual feels more alert than before and conscious of all that is around. Most experts write their own sequence to practice grounding meditation as it depends on the imagery they can conjure up. Some people visualize a cord arising from themselves, and extending upward so far that it looks like infinity when they imagine a huge white light where the cord anchors itself. Now the same cord is seen, at the other end, to continue on down to the floor, right through all the layers to the center of the earth where it anchors itself yet again. This takes a few minutes to imagine and once both the ends are anchored the individual will be filled with the weight of being grounded or supported, even as he or she is in the relaxed state. The next step is to be aware of the body and keenly watch the breath as it enters and exits.

Grounding meditation suggests that it would be useful here to write down goals and affirmations and focus on them so that the frame of mind can be achieved through the meditation process. It is almost like making a wish and seeing it come true. Grounding meditation is a guided meditation form and can bring on a great sense of well being. Getting back to the normal state once meditation is over can be as simple as gradually opening your eyes and starting to move. The result of grounding meditation will be a connection to the earth, feeling supported and relaxed, just as one feels after deep relaxation. It is best to follow a typical sequence for grounding meditation since it is the imagery that achieves the aim of the process.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

January 29, 2008

Chinese Meditation Techniques - Promoting Harmony

There are many Chinese meditation techniques, of which the most popular are Qigong and Tai Chi. The benefits of these Chinese meditation techniques have been appreciated over the ages and these are actively practiced by those looking for an effective way to develop an alert mind and healthy body. There are thousands of styles related to the way Qigong is practiced and today there are those for whom Chinese meditation techniques forms the core of their fitness regime.

Concept Of Qigong

Qigong Meditation is perceived as the source from which one can achieve spiritual awakening. In ancient times, this is how energy was circulated within the body to attain fulfillment and in turn, long life and good health. The body is said to have twelve ‘Qi’ or breath channels that are monitored and controlled. Gong relates to the effort we make to stay alive. The technique involves breath control in such a way that it is conducive towards good health. The mind becomes more focused in its tasks and is able to see things calmly and objectively. The aim is to strengthen the connection between mind and body so that there is total coordination in whatever task is handled. By controlling the breathing, energy is conserved.
 
The Chinese meditation technique of Qigong is a standard treatment accepted in hospitals since the last few decades and is also on the National health plan.

Benefits Of Qigong Chinese Meditation

The Chinese meditation technique of Qigong also uses Taoist and Buddhist methods to ensure good health. In Taoist meditation, longevity and good health are the goals by breath control, with energy flow optimized. In Buddhist methods, mind control is the technique used to gain enlightenment and control. Together, both Taoist and Buddhist styles bring about better mental and physical well being encouraging the individual to let go of desire and unrealistic expectations, and gaining freedom from all suffering.
 
Practitioners suggest that Qigong be practiced in a silent environment. With the emphasis on breath-control to get rid of negative energy, it is believed that man can reach the highest level of spirituality through Qigong. Even medical research has proved that steady and deep breathing promotes the intake of oxygen into our system. With each long breath, the cells are replenished adequately, making a big difference to our metabolism. The chest x-rays of a person who practiced Qigong revealed that the diaphragm functions more actively than that of others and lung performance is greatly improved. The heart, as a result is also strengthened by the blood flow, so that the arteries do not harden. In addition to this the abdominal area also benefited minimizing problems and diseases of the stomach, gall bladder, liver, etc. Through meditation it is possible to attain the kind of serenity that manifests itself as kindness, generosity, a giving nature and a sense of fairness. Breathing when controlled by the Chinese meditation method, can keep diseases – both mental and physical – away. Qigong gets rid of tension and anxiety letting the good energy stay with us.
 
The ultimate aim of Chinese meditation techniques is to achieve the purity of an innocent newborn baby, completely at peace with self and the world.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

January 22, 2008

Chakra Meditation MP3 – Energize Your Being

With the help of a Chakra Meditation MP3 those vital areas in our body that are called the Chakras are energized, resulting in a wonderfully refreshed feeling of complete alertness, awareness and control over emotions. Each Chakra in our body has its own distinct features. By meditating with Chakra meditation MP3s you can achieve total focus over both body and mind and use the energy generated to live a better life.
 
With Chakra meditation, you get to recharge and cleanse your body and mind. The energy hotspots or Chakras help our body to maintain its balance and function smoothly. When you have the Chakra meditation MP3 on, you must ensure that your back and head are aligned. The MP3 can be in the form of soft music that relaxes you. Chakra meditation is very potent and for this reason it is important to do it with an instructor or teacher who is experienced.

What Happens During Chakra Meditation?

While practicing Chakra meditation, we use thought, observation and expression over the Chakras in order to achieve that balance we need to generate the energy. A lot of focus is required when you concentrate on the Chakras as this helps the body purge itself of negative energy. A good understanding of the seven Chakras in our body is vital before you get your Chakra meditation MP3s. These have a profound effect on our being. Let’s take a brief look at these seven Chakras:
 
  1. Root Chakra, denoted by the color red is said to be at the base of our spine. It represents health matters, safety and links us to the universe. Chakra meditation starts with working on the root Chakra.
  2. Naval Chakra, which is orange in color, is around the navel. It relates to worldly pleasures, pleasures of the flesh and creativity.
  3. Solar plexus Chakra is orange and you will find it at the solar plexus, which is the area between your chest and navel. This Chakra relates to power, discipline and control.
  4. Heart Chakra is green and relates to affection, feelings, emotions and love.
  5. Throat Chakra is sky blue and is at the throat, pertaining to honesty, communication and intelligence.
  6. Brow Chakra is indigo in color and between the eyes and relates to intuition, imagination and insight.
  7. Crown Chakra is violet and pertains to the mind and spirit.
 
These are the seven Chakras that Chakra meditation aims at. During the process, with the help of Chakra meditation MP3s, each Chakra is focused on in series in a particular order. You start with the crown Chakra, then the brow Chakra, the throat Chakra, the heart Chakra, the solar plexus Chakra, the naval Chakra and the root Chakra. Each Chakra affects a particular aspect of your life. This results in both physical and psychological changes enabling us to communicate with our body and mind. You can experience relief from stress.
 
As mentioned earlier, it is best to get proper instruction since following the wrong steps can result in negative effects. The correct posture must be followed along with the correct sequence. Done right you can well be on your way to good health and positive thinking.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

January 15, 2008

Buddhist Meditation Music – Experience Tranquility

The mind gets transformed through meditation. With Buddhist meditation music and techniques, the mind’s concentration is enhanced promoting a clear mind and a positive outlook. When a specific meditation method is used, you can get familiar with the mind’s thought processes and work towards a positive state. Through control and endurance, you can achieve this positive state and progress to tranquility that is full of energy, leading to a better understanding of life.

The Aim Of Buddhist Meditation Music

As far as Buddhist meditation music and techniques are concerned many new methods have come up over the years. These take various approaches to meditation, but the main goal is to reach a calm mental state that is positive. The objective of Buddhist meditation music and its practice is to become aware of life’s meaning and attaining Nirvana. You need a balanced state of mind and physical fitness to work towards this goal.

People who experience Buddhist meditation music and go through their meditation courses develop the ability to make balanced decisions and gain clarity of thought which help them lead successful lives. They also go through a cleansing experience of both mind and body through the process of meditation.

Buddhist meditation music complements the meditation practice, which is considered as a journey whose destination, through a variety of methods, is to reach a high level of concentration, peace and intuitiveness. Its aim is enlightenment. Music, by itself, when it is the right tune is said to bring on a meditation like state without consciously meditating. Therefore Buddhist meditation music MP3s and CDs that are composed for various purposes can be used to achieve tranquility. Being portable, you can take them wherever you go. You can also have these compositions on your iPod and use them even when you travel.

Buddhist meditation has its origins in 580 BC when Buddha, then Siddhartha Gautama was born. He gave up a princely life to attain enlightenment through discipline and meditation, to achieve freedom from pain and suffering for mankind.

Buddhist Meditation Techniques

Buddhist meditation music and techniques are numerous, but the most well known are those of tranquility and insight. Tranquility results in serenity, which in turn helps you to cultivate mental focus. Insight gives you the vision to see and go forth and explore. In the process of meditation, tranquility and insight gradually develop, and with it, increases your wisdom.

Life is full of desires and this leads to suffering. Once we give up these cravings, we begin our path towards Nirvana, which implies freedom from suffering. Buddhism meditation music and its techniques are extremely popular all over the world today, particular in the present scenario where every one is tense and in a rush to carry through their daily routine.

One of the most popular Buddhist meditation techniques is the Metta Bhavana. It implies loving kindness, of the sort that is detached and unconditional. This also requires the practitioner to develop patience, be forgiving, compassionate and appreciative. You can achieve ‘Metta’ progressively. You begin by being kind to yourself, then your near and dear ones and ultimately to your enemies. The final aim through Buddhist meditation music is to spread Metta to anyone and everyone across the world, increasing peace and joy.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

January 8, 2008

Binaural Meditation - A New Route To An Ancient Practice

Meditation has been known for thousands of years. But binaural meditation is a relatively new method that uses a special technology to achieve the state of meditation. It works by using certain frequencies of sound so that you reach a state of relaxation in a very short span of time. When you listen to these sounds, your brain waves undergo a change. This can be done in a calm and quiet place either by reclining on a couch or by simply sitting down. You can listen to the sound via headphones.
 
The original discovery of binaural beats is attributed to Heinrich Wilhelm Dove back in 1839. However, it gained popularly through Dr Gerald Oster in 1973 who showed the effect of sound on our body and mind. It is known that monks use binaural meditation to reach that state of mind but today you only have to shop for the right CD to experience the balancing of your brainwave frequencies in the location of your choice.

How Binaural Meditation Works

The binaural meditation takes into account the fact that when our brainwave pattern changes, chemical reactions take place in our body, resulting in an overall change in us. Basically, our brains use electric signals to connect with the systems throughout our bodies. Depending on what we are doing, the electrical signals will vary in frequency. Based on this, brainwaves can be classified as alpha, beta, theta and delta. When we are vigorously active, there are beta waves, which are the fastest. When we start to relax, there are alpha waves. Theta waves relate to a state of total relaxation that comes with meditation and therefore better memory and concentration. Finally, the slowest are the delta waves, which occur when we sleep. By matching the brainwave frequency in the relaxed state with the appropriate sound, the brain can be trained to relax. This is how binaural meditation comes about. By using sound to change the pattern of the brainwaves, a state of binaural meditation is reached. When binaural meditation brings about alpha waves in the brain, the mind is open to suggestion, making the subconscious mind accessible, similar to the hypnotic state. The theta brain waves enable the brain to take in large amounts of information. Binaural meditation ultimately aims at the conscious delta wave state so that it can bring about changes that are beneficial emotionally, mentally and physically.

The Benefits Of Binaural Meditation

Binaural meditation can bring about some amazing changes in the person practicing it. Many people have experienced an ability to handle emotional stress better, positive behavioral changes, lower stress and anxiety levels leading to a much better quality of life. By producing theta wave activity for a period of time every day, you can achieve great meditation benefits leading to a sense of well being.
 
The best thing about binaural meditation is that it brings about a positive change. Prerecorded sounds claim to bring about reduced illness, better pain management, and better sleep, an enhancement in creativity and I.Q. and even slower aging. Binaural meditation practice is an excellent way to relax for people who find it especially tough to meditate or calm down.  

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print

January 1, 2008

Beginners Meditation – Some Powerful Tips

The first question that must be answered while talking about beginner’s meditation tips is – What is meditation? Meditation involves focusing the mind in such a way as to reach a state of utter calm and achieve a clear mind. You can focus on a particular object to keep your attention from being diverted. The state of relaxation that is gradually achieved by the mind filters through to the body.

What Are The Benefits Of Meditation?

Probably the biggest benefit of meditation is bringing down or doing away with tension. Meditation makes you relax. For beginners, meditation as a regular practice can lead to various health benefits. Most illnesses tend to carry stress with them, which in turn makes their condition worse. Meditation can help in reducing this stress level. People who meditate everyday tend to appear more calm and relaxed in general.

Another benefit beginners’ meditation is better concentration, which carries through to other aspects of our lives helping us function more effectively. Since the mind relaxes during meditation, self-awareness and alertness and therefore, self-confidence increase.

Beginners Meditation Tips To Get Started

For beginners, meditation can seem like a huge activity. Don’t get too caught up with it or spend too much time, preventing you from paying attention to other priorities in your life. It is important to understand that meditation is easy and simple.

When you get started with your beginners’ meditation program, just ensure that you have a calm environment whenever you meditate. Create an ambience for yourself. If a particular aroma works for you, that’s fine. Some people prefer the fragrance of flowers to help them focus. Some people like to light a candle and focus on it. Dress in comfortable clothes.

You do not have to pay anyone to get started on meditation. Learning to meditate is very simple and there is no need to incur any expenditure to learn how. Meditation involves letting your mind relax and focus with clarity.

Easy Beginners Meditation

A little bit of preparation is necessary to get starting on your beginner’s meditation. You can request that you be left undisturbed for the next half hour or so. Make sure you have the television and radio off. Switch off your mobile phone. You can sit erect on the floor or even on a chair. Preferably do not lie down as you might end up feeling drowsy.

Now shut your eyes and consciously relax your entire body gradually. It helps to count your breath as you inhale and exhale. Keep counting for the next five minutes or so since this will let you focus and relax. As you get used to it, you can increase the number of minutes. Do not think of anything. Aim for a clear mind free of thoughts. Even though this seems difficult, you will find that as you practice you will actually be able to achieve this state of mind. Five minutes later, you can stop counting. Continue to breathe calmly and then open your eyes. You will be filled with a feeling of peace. Try and maintain this feeling for a while before you proceed with your next activity. This can be repeated a few times so that you get the maximum benefit.

Regular practice will help you de stress and handle daily pressure with ease.

Spread the word

del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit

Permalink • Print