Meditation

Introduction

Meditation covers a variety of techniques used to transform the mind. Do you think meditation is too mystical or religious for you? Think about meditation as having many layers that offers something for everyone. See it as a method to improve your attention span and focus. It's also a great tool to use in your daily life. It can for instance help you to stop dwelling on the past and become more present, help you to navigate your mind, get in touch with your inner emotions, develop inner strength and work toward your lifetime goals. It's pretty easy when you get the hang of it, anyone can learn how to meditate!

Why should I meditate?

For the past ten years, scientific research has provided evidence of what has been known by practitioners of contemplative and spiritual traditions for centuries: the practice of meditation can help us to overcome negative and destructive state of mind and maintain a positive, joyful and peaceful state. We can change how we perceive ourselves and the world thanks to our brains, that so easily can alter and change structure. Allow a few minutes of meditation every day and you will soon see results!

Meditation can help us to realize that we are not our thoughts or feelings. It also teaches us to view our lives from a different perspective and helps us to see the bigger picture. With daily practice we can develop a higher state of consciousness and focus our attention on the present. Meditation gradually transforms our way of perceiving the world and ourselves in a positive way. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Start meditating at home and online

Discover different meditation techniques here on Yogobe and combine different elements to match your needs. Awareness of the body is a good place to start, something yoga can help you to develop. Why not check out some of our videos with guided meditations here on Yogobe!

Benefits of meditation

• Reduces the body’s negative reaction to stress
• Lowers and stabilizes blood pressure
• Relaxes and brings inner peace
• Increases concentration and attention span
• Balances the mood
• Improves sleep patterns
• Improves self-confidence and self-esteem
• Improves self-awareness
• Helps you live life to the fullest and let go of setbacks and negativity

When should I meditate?

Start by making meditation a part of your daily routine. Begin with short sessions and aim to do it regularly. It helps if you meditate around the same time every day. Why not start your day with a short session or end the day by relaxing your body with guided meditation!

Stress and meditation

If we experience a lot of stress, it's likely that we start dwelling on negative thoughts and tense our bodies. Harmony needs to exist between body and mind, and when we learn how to breath properly and unwind, it will be easier for us to keep our focus when we meditate. When we become better at focusing our attention on the body, our negative thoughts become less frequent and lively.

If you already practice yoga, try to consciously keep your attention on the body and on the breathing throughout the yoga class by focusing on the sensations of your body. Let go of thoughts when they arise and refocus your attention to the body every time your mind wanders. Even if you already know every movement and do them automatically, try to be aware of how your body moves.

Transform how you view life

Do you sometimes feel that you have no room left in your brain, and wonder how you possibly can fit in more information? Whenever you feel like that, it's tempting to try to take control of every detail in your life and change the outer world by placing everything and everyone in boxes. Unfortunately, since the world is rapidly changing, you will end up frustrated and exhausted. Instead, we should focus on ourselves, and take the time to take care of our body and mind. When we change our attitude and how we behave, we'll discover that our relationship to the world and ourselves will become more gratifying.

Different types of meditation

There are so many types of meditation, but none is better than the other. There are a number of meditation techniques and which one you choose depends on your needs and what your want to achieve.

• Focused attention: Samadhi, Shamatha (Mindfulness + Introspection)
• Mindfulness: Maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness
• The Four Sublime States: Loving-kindness (Metta), Compassion, Sympathetic Joy, Equanimity
• Self-Compassion: Relationship to yourself and your experience (alternative to compassion)
• Mantra: Oohm, Transcendental Meditation (TM)
• Insight meditation: Vipassana, body scan
• Pranayama: Breathing exercises

Here you can find more information on the different types of meditations.​