MEDITATION SOLUTIONS
Technical Notes on Meditation
In meditation it is important to distinguish between two sets of practices. The first concerns the meditation state induction procedures and the other concerns the meditation activities themselves. i.e., 1) how we enter the meditation state, and 2) what to do once there.
Meditation State Induction procedure
The chief means of entering the meditation state is a form of breathing. It is slowed down from the normal 18 breaths per minute to about four. For best results, all breaths must be equal in length, and evenly paced. This is taken care of for you in the recording. Be sure to keep up with the breathing instructions, yet it is natural for your attention to wander from time to time. When you notice that this has happened, just return your attention to the breathing. By breathing in the manner prescribed in the recording the slowing down of the brain’s rhythm is achieved. It is this slower rhythm of its waves (alpha and theta waves) that correspond to the state of meditation. Once the brain’s waves are slowed, focusing the attention, visualization, reflection, etc. automatically becomes easy (i.e., these function are best carried out in the slower brain wave states). The next technical consideration involves focusing the attention. This is done by “locking” the visual thinking activity of the right side of the brain, and by “locking” the verbal thinking activity of the left side of the brain-i.e., achieving the quietness of mind that characterizes meditation. To “lock” the visual thinking’, visually,, (with eyes closed) monitor the in and out movements of the lower abdomen, an inch below the navel, as you breathe in and out. Do not pay attention to any other images that present themselves to the mind. To “lock” the verbal thinking, limit your verbal thoughts to repeating the verbal cues given on the recording (“breath in, out”). In future meditations you might work with mantras. Relentlessly ignore all other verbal thoughts that present themselves to you. These are the three technical considerations for inducing the meditation state.
The Meditation Activity
Towards the middle of the recording you should be in the meditation state. You will then be given instructions to breathe normally and observe the breathing, or to engage in reflection on a problem to be solved or subject to be reviewed, etc. These activities will benefit tremendously by the increased oxygenation of the brain from the slow deep breathing and from the fact that the brain is now in the ideal state for such work.
Benefits To Be Expected
Although this is an introductory tutorial to meditation, its benefits are enormous, and are not to be judged by the simplicity of the method an ease of learning. The first meditation system taught (track 3) is known in Japan as zazen, where it has been subjected to extensive clinical trial as an auxiliary to the healing process in many physical and psychiatric disorders. Used in alternation or in conjunction with the second technique (track 4), it is extremely effective in raising the stress threshold to minimize one’s potential of going into stress, or to bring back the body and mind to the centre after stress has been established. Meditation should start at about 30 minutes and gradually build up to an hour or two, (balance this with aerobic exercise!). For high blood pressure, best result will be achieved when used around mid-day. For insomnia, meditate for about an hour with track 4 first, followed by track 3. To minimize conflict in interpersonal relationships meditate before engaging in discussions with others (best if all parties meditate first). For problem solving, especially in relation to emotionally challenging issues, reflex, on the matter at the point in the meditation when you are told to do so, or to breathe naturally and just watch the breath (instead reflect on your issues). When just watching the breath (while breathing naturally in the latter part of the session) your thoughts will tend to wander more. This due to the slipping away of willed control, yet consciousness has become more lucid. When you find that happening (only towards the end of the meditation) you can pay attention to the images and though coming to you. These are usually charged with a great deal of insight into your condition. Suppressed and repressed experiences you need to pay attention to, as well as prophetic or symbolic messages that may come from time to time. For more details on meditation, see my Tree Of Life Meditation. Write for a catalogue of upcoming meditation applications in this series (quitting smoking, controlling appetite, success mentality, etc.)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.