MEDITATION Q & A

U.S. News & World Reports found that meditation is the #2 recommended way to improve your life (#1 is setting goals).  Following are some frequent questions about meditation.

What is Meditation?
Meditation is a natural state when we are absorbed in something.  It is a laser-like focus on a single object while being in a relaxed state.  It has been called "falling awake."

You have already meditated if you ever...

• Looked at the night sky and became absorbed in the stars
• Listened deeply to a piece of music
• Tasted lemonade and felt the sensations on your tongue
• Felt the warmth of sun throughout your body
• Breathed deeply the aroma of a rose

Doesn't Meditation Always Focus on the Breath?
You can meditate on anything, such as the above examples.  You can also meditate on ideas or questions, like the old Bill Cosby skit, "Why is there air?"  Breathing is often used as a focus because it is always available and changing.

Why Would I Want to Meditate?
Meditation is relaxing, fun and interesting.  If you are curious and like to know how things work (like your mind), if you like the feeling of restfulness after a vacation, if you are very busy and stressed, you'll like meditation.  Meditation allows us to be more "productive" because we learn how to have a different relationship with time - becoming both focused and relaxed.

Many studies have shown benefits of meditation which include:

• improved ability to focus
• decrease in stress hormones
• improved memory and brain functioning
• lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• improved relationships at work and home
• increased sense of self-worth

Is Meditation Hard?
Meditation may seem difficult because it's probably unfamiliar.  Meditation is natural to all human beings, as natural as curiosity and appreciation.  That's why a walk in the woods is so rejuvenating.

How Long Should I Meditate?
When you begin, practice for 3-5 minutes at a time. Do this no more than twice a day.  Practice this for a full month to get used to how to do it, to build a rhythm and note the way you feel afterward.  You may want to meditate longer, but resist that urge.  This will motivate you to continue meditating as it becomes more familiar.

When Should I Meditate?
Meditate before you start a task - such as first thing in the morning, after you get home from work and before your evening meal.

What is the Best Way to Approach Meditation?
Have fun with it.  Don't put it in the box with the other "shoulds" in your life.  Instead, put it in the box of pleasurable activities you do for yourself. 

References:
U.S. News & World Reports, January 2005
Lorin Roche, Ph.D., Meditation Made Easy, Harper Collins, 1998