meditation

What is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of stilling the mind, becoming more aware
of your thoughts and then being able to quiet them. It is a process of going
within yourself and feeling detached from the outside world.

All day, every day, our minds are whirling to the tune of their own
'internal drama'. Not only are we subject to constant sensory input, from
the rumble of the traffic to that of our stomachs, but our reaction to every
single incident, every scrap of memory, every concern about the future, be
it tomorrow or next week. For most of us, it is very difficult to switch off.
Meditation is an excellent tool to help us 'switch off' this compulsive thinking
which drains us so much of energy.

Benefits of Meditation

The benefits of meditation is too many to enumerate but certainly
include:

· learning to relax and focus your attention on the present
· getting rid of negative emotions such as fear, guilt or worry
· relief from stress
   · improved physical and mental health
· a sustained sense of well-being
· a sense of calm and fulfillment
· a heightened level of concentration
· increased state of awareness

   "Meditation trains us to be present in each moment with
awareness, with a great sense of openness of heart, and with clear
   seeing....
Meditative awareness reduces tension and heals the body.
Meditation quiets the mind and gently opens the heart. It steadies
the spirit. It helps us to learn to live more fully in the reality of the
present, to see more clearly the people we live with and the world
we live in."

-Jack Kornfield