Meditation continues to gain in popularity as we all seek some brief respite from the turmoil of the busy lives we lead. Tranquility is bliss even if we only achieve it for the short time it takes to meditate.

Meditation is difficult for some: The more stress has taken hold of your life the more difficult it may be for you to let go and embrace meditation. But making the effort and taking the time can pay off in terms of increased health and heightened focus for your goals in life.

The keys to successful meditation are the same whether you meditate by yourself or in a guided situation:

1. Choose a quiet room where you will have no distractions or interruptions
2. For some meditations you may need to sit in a comfortable chair with both feet on the ground, for others you may lie down if you with but make sure that you won’t fall asleep
3. Allow plenty of time for your meditation and make arrangements for the family to leave you alone
4. If guided meditation, focus on the words and allow them to form an image in your mind
5. Allow your mind to remain open to the meditation throughout

You are now ready for a period of relaxation and renewal of energy.

Benefits of Meditation

The benefits that can be had from regular meditation have been known to man for thousands of years. Meditation is known also to all cultures, although you may find it goes by another name: mankind needs periods of introspection, tranquility and recharging, all of which can be found in meditation.

This Washington Post article on brain research shows how meditation can give the brain a charge–a shot of energy or clarity.

Wikipedia tells us how meditation can lead to a heightened state of awareness–which we are all surely looking for.

And here’s an article that explains why Zen meditation can even reduce pain levels.

But don’t stop with these three articles: the Web is full of documented evidence to prove that meditation has a long list of benefits.

Sample Meditation for Cleansing, Renewing Energy

Get comfortable and be aware of your breathing… in…out…in…out

Breathe slowly and deeply and allow your breath to assume a rythm…

As you inhale visualize energy in the form of bright, pure  light descending from above your head, down, into your body…

As you exhale visualize stagnant energy flowing down through your spine and into your feet, and then out of your body into the ground…deep into the earth…

Inhale more clear, pure, vibrant energy… in the form of a gold or white light…

Now exhale all that stale energy deep, deep into the earth…

Continue breathing like this for three or five counts and then place your hands whereve you feel you need more energy–let’s say your heart area–and visualize energy flowing through your hands and into your body…

Slowly allow your breathing to return to normal and remain in your calm and relaxed state until you’re ready.

In the coming weeks we will have a series of guided meditations here for you to allow you to develop your meditation practice.