Last time you met your friend mind. Today is the time to take it on the long-awaited vacation! After all, when was the last time you took such a holiday? Not only from work, but overall. When was the last time you gave your mind a moment of rest?
There is no better feeling than to rediscover the already forgotten state of relaxation. The moment when ubiquitous stress dissolves in our body. Our last thoughts are fading away. Silence. Peace. A cloudless blue sky. A feeling of long-forgotten joy that triggers a spontaneous tear of joy.
Let’s relax and take your mind on the vacation it has long deserved.
Introduction to Meditation
This article I want to dedicate to meditation. Meditation is a simple word. Most of you know it, some even practice it. I recently joined a growing minority of trainees and it is time to share my first steps with you. Let’s go up to the depths of ourselves together and discover the basics of meditation.
What Is Meditation?
The more you know about meditation, the more you realize that you have no idea what meditation is. The bottom line is that meditation cannot be explained by words. Meditation must be experienced. Words can hardly help you discover a state you have never been in. That would be as you would try to describe the beauty of fallen leaves to the blind based on its distinctive autumn colors. You can tell him how the golden leaves that blend red and other autumn colors are beautiful. Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine something you have never seen, experienced or felt.
Meditation is nothing but a device
Osho
to make you aware of your real self —
which is not created by you,
which need not be created by you,
which you already are.
You are born with it,
you are it!
But getting into a real meditative state is not just that. Sometimes you do it without trying. Something engulfs you and you no longer perceive “reality”. You live in the moment. Suddenly you wake up with an eclipse in your heads. What was it? How did I do that? I do not know myself. You wander around and the answer is in no sight.
First Step to True Meditation
I am among the lost most of what wanders and does not know the answers to the questions. What is a true meditative state? How far are you from your real self? How long will it take to find It? Who knows. One thing I know is how to approach this state. It’s strange to talk about getting closer to something that has always been part of us. Let’s leave that aside and take the first step on our new path. The way to true meditation.
Concentration… Gate to Calm the Mind
Meditation is not only about sitting in a meditation posture. Knowing the truth is way more complicated and without any trace of a shortcut. Where to start? Let’s start with calming your noisy mind. Let’s discover the power of concentration. A tool to help us regain power over your mind.
Just as you cannot stop a running train with your bare hands, you will not stop your infinite stream of thoughts. Thoughts are always there and will be. But you have the power to choose whether you want to respond to it or let it go.
Breath – a Great Help During Concentration Training
There are many things that you can focus your attention on. One prefers to recite various words or mantras. Some point their attention at thoughts or daily activities. Others focus on the nature that surrounds them. It doesn’t matter what you focus on.
But there is one activity that stands out above the rest. Our breath. Just as everyone’s life began with the first breath. One will end with the last exhalation. Breath is a source of vital energy that is always close to us. It is our only bodily system that works both independently of our consciousness and can be influenced by the mind as well.
Activity for all individuals necessary, but mostly neglected. Usually, when stress has subsided and the reasons for its occurrence, we realize that we have forgotten to breathe properly all the time. It is a moment when your emotions grow stronger. Your heart begins to pound. As your breath becomes faster you realize the inner change. Not knowing that it was the breath that influenced it all. A breath that has control over our emotions, thoughts, and heart.
Let’s Focus on Our Breath
Let’s find a quiet place where nothing or no one will disturb you. Sit down comfortably. Close your eyes and focus your full attention on your breath. Second by second, millisecond by millisecond. Observe as your body breathes in. And then it exhales after a small pause. Let your breath flow naturally. Do not influence its frequency or depth. Become an idle watcher.
Let’s stay humble. Do not worry about the constant fluctuation of thoughts that takes your attention after a few seconds. If that happens, smile that you have noticed and then turn your attention to the breath again.
Breath is a powerful instrument of concentration. As your predominance over the mind grows through a gradual training, your breath calms down. The body, with time, creates a natural balance of your concentration training. There is no need to look for a new tool after a while to help you get further. Your body and breath will take care of it for you.
The Key to Meditation
Regular concentration training on the breath calms your mind. You will regain control of your thoughts. As thoughts come, they will also go. It is up to you if you want to pay attention to them. Concentration is the key to the gate of meditation. The gate behind which real life opens. Let’s take this already rusted key again and give it enough care. Heads towards real meditation.
This is the ninth article in the series:
The beginning of my journey
- Nobody Is Perfect
- Where Do I Belong? 3 Groups That Characterize Us.
- Who I Want to Be? A Brief Reflection on Life.
- How to Be Happy: Reflection on Long-Term Happiness
- 8 Positive Habits That Will Change Your Life Quality
- Why Being Open-Minded, Is the Key to Understanding Life
- How Did I Get from Personal Development to Spirituality
- The Ego and Mind, Our Two Best Friends or Worst Enemies?
- Concentration… Gate to Calm the Mind
- Everyone Is Perfect
- The Key to Happiness in the Modern World