Meditation - Practice or Magnificent Lifestyle?
Delving into the Art of Living Through the Simplicity of Meditating
Jun 19, 2009
A common misconception in regard to the subject of meditation is that it is solely a practice, an alternative to prayer or worship. While perfecting the art of meditation does take daily practice, the diligence of such practice methodically creates a lifestyle abundant in peacefulness, healthiness and wellness. The body, mind and soul all benefit from meditation, combining to forge a philosophy known as "The Art of Living."
So how does meditation directly impact each element of the body-mind-soul connection?
Optimizing Physicality with Meditation
The main product of consistent meditation is something life long Buddhists refer to as 'the emptying process." Over time, an enormous amount of negative energy accumulates. The emptying process of meditation allows one to let go of that negativity.
During each meditation session, a little more stress is released causing the body to feel lighter, more nimble and flexible. Professional athletes are beginning to incorporate meditation and yoga into their workouts. In fact, Los Angeles Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson, who recently won his tenth NBA World Championship, conducts mandatory sessions of meditation to his players throughout the season. Jackson, as well as many of his current and former players, including Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Scottie Pippin have acknowledged the importance of meditation during their outstanding careers.
Over the past few years, bodybuilders have also incorporated meditation and yoga into their intense workouts. These dedicated, disciplined warriors find that meditation aids in cleansing the body of toxins, while creating greater flexibility of their muscle groups when their work-out sessions are supplemented with simple yoga moves.
Sharpening and Strengthening Mentality with Meditation
There's a concept within the meditation community stating that thoughts, beliefs and most bits of information are meant to enter the mind and then immediately exit the mind. It is believed that a constant flow of information leads the mind to store nonessential clutter, resulting in mental lapses and low levels of consciousness.
Deep, peaceful sessions of meditation teach the mind to let go of clutter, stress and ego. This emptying of the mind allows one to raise their levels of consciousness to new heights, which rewards the mind with renewed clarity, awareness and compassion.
A recent concert was held at Madison Square Garden to promote the teaching of transcendental meditation in public schools. Among those taking the stage to share their life changing experiences with meditation were; Howard Stern, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eddie Vetter and Sheryl Crow. There's a growing belief throughout the world that meditation can sharpen mental skills at any age, however the younger you begin, the greater the benefit.
Freeing the Spirit Through Meditation
Another benefit created by the implementation of meditation into daily life is its connection to spirituality. Through the peaceful stillness and silence experienced during meditation the soul surrenders to a greater power. This power represents a connection to a source with no particular definition. Free from organized religion, politics, race, morality and color, this source shares an abundance of peace, serenity and tranquility with all who seek such beauty.
By all accounts meditation is much more effective when it is viewed as a lifestyle rather than a quick fix. The key is to treat both life and meditation as an artist would treat a painting, an athlete the game, a musician the song. Meditation is living in the moment. It is the beautiful, universal language of silence, the unlimited imagination of nature. A very wise meditative soul once said, "When you have a moment meditate, then take what you learn, go out into the world and live in the moment."
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