Meditation

What is Meditation?

While there are various ways of practising meditation, all methods essentially focus on quietening the mind. When we switch off our busy rambling thoughts, we can access a deeper level of our being. This deeper level is all knowing, all positive and all loving. When the mind is calm and focused in the present, it is not reacting to memories or worrying about what may happen in the future. People who meditate regularly do so because they are aware of and experience many wonderful benefits, such as inner calm, wisdom, strength and compassion. Nowadays, meditation is no longer confined to religious sects and philosophers. In today’s world, meditation is to key to learning how to combat stress, understanding more about yourself, improving your health and increasing your sense of well being. Meditation is for everyone, whatever their lifestyle.

What are the benefits of meditation?

Scientific studies have shown that meditation has numerous benefits. For example, it can improve the immune system, rejuvenate the body, provide clarity of mind, increase psychic sensitivity and improve concentration ability, sleep patterns and lower blood pressure. Doctors are now beginning to recognise the therapeutic benefits of meditation and some are already recommending meditation exercises and relaxation techniques to their patients to help treat stress-related ailments. My personal experience and the experiences of many people I know who meditate often range, from better concentration and productivity to increased self-confidence, self-love and inner wisdom. Meditation may also be used very effectively in conjunction with affirmations and creative visualisation.

How does Meditation work?

From a scientific perspective, the "alpha" state brain wave is associated with both deep relaxation and mental alertness. Effective meditation creates changes in the brain wave pattern until it is predominantly within the alpha state. Within the alpha state, the brain triggers chemicals known as endorphins. This particular chemical triggers feelings of well being. These good feelings can continue for some time after the meditation is ended. These type of endorphins boost the immune system and promote feelings of great happiness.

On a spiritual level, meditation is about connecting with your higher self. This higher or inner self is your source of well-being. Well-being is your natural state and is characterised by (among other positive aspects) complete confidence, love and wisdom. Therefore, the more you connect with your higher self, the more confident, wise and loving you will feel in your daily life. You gain clarity and inner wisdom and find that you instinctively know what to do in certain situations. From the point of view of life coaching, meditation is a therefore a very valuable technique.

How often should I meditate?

The best time to meditate is in the morning time before you start your day. However, you can easily practice at any stage during the day. It is a good idea to practice at the same time each day, so that you can remember to do it and thereby incorporating it into your daily routine. Also, if you do it at the same time each day, your mind gets used to this procedure and "knows" it is meditation time and it becomes easier to do.

Meditation Classes & Workshops

At meditation classes or workshops, you will be shown how to meditate effectively and how to incorporate the practise into your daily life. The innumerable benefits will also be discussed and explained. Meditating as a group also provides the opportunity for everyone to experiment with different forms of meditation and gives support. Regular classes help maintain your interest and determination and everyone learns from each other by sharing experiences.

Testimonial

"....Since starting I have learned to live in a much less stressful way. I feel more positive about myself and do not seem to worry about what tomorrow will bring, or whether I am doing the right things in life. It seems to me that there is a very powerful energy created in meditating with Anita's group. I thought it would be too big a commitment to go along every week, but instead I found myself looking forward to each Tuesday night and the calm clarity that it brought me on whatever issues were troubling me as the months passed. I feel that I enjoy being alive, I am chilled out and that I have really learned about just 'being' in the moment and taking in the present. Thanks Anita." - Brid, Glasnevin.

Upcoming Classes in Meditation

De-stress The Body, Unwind The Mind - Learn how to meditate effectively - 8 Week Course

These classes will introduce you to gentle meditation techniques to help you release stress, promote self-healing and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Just some of the powerful benefits of meditation include:

• Stress reduction
• Inner peace
• Improved health
• Increased intuition
• Better concentration
• Greater productivity
• More happiness