Learn to Meditate

+ How does meditation work?

Our brains are contantly working, generating electrical activity (brain waves) whether we are asleep or in the middle of an important activity, concentrating, ruminating or intentionally thinking. During meditation electrical brain waves continue but the brain goes into a relaxed yet wakeful state.
+ Why should I meditate?

Meditation is one of the most powerful tools there is to help us restore the harmony within and to gain access to our bodies' inner intelligence. In meditation, we rediscover the silence in our mind and make it a part of our life. Silence is the birthplace of happiness. It is where we get our bursts of inspiration, our tender feelings of compassion, and our sense of love. Meditation is a journey to freedom and self-knowledge.

+ Will meditation affect my health?

Doctors are increasingly citing stress as a major factor in such illnesses as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, cardiac pain, insomnia, diabetes, ulcers, colds, fevers, asthma, arthritis and alcoholism. Even though meditation should not be considered a cure by itself, research has shown that it contributes to reducing stress and achieving deep relaxation and a profound state of rest. By reducing stress, meditation has important benefits for a wide range of health problems, and also allows mind and body to function with maximum effectiveness. Learn more about health-related benefits of meditation

+ Will I need to change my lifestyle?

Meditation can be learned by people of every age, education, culture and religion. It does not require specific beliefs or a change in behavior or lifestyle. The only change or adjustment we need to make is to allow the time to meditate regularly. Other than that, any changes in our life come spontaneously.
+ What are the benefits of meditation?

When we meditate our minds become quiet allowing our bodies to gain the rest necessary to release stress and fatigue. In meditation we re-connect with our essence. This connection extends into our daily lives and can result in improved health, more fulfilling relationships and enthusiasm for life and increased creativity.

+ What will meditation do for me?

Mediation will help you:

Enrich your life

Access your true self

Achieve deep relaxation

Improve your physical health

Clear your head and raise your awareness

Increase creativity and intelligence

Improve your memory and ability to learn new facts.

Make you feel more energetic

Promote inner calm and peace.
+ Is meditation a religion?

Meditation is not a religion. However meditation and religion, some say, go hand-in-hand. If you are not ‘religious’ don’t be put off by the religious feel of many sites. More often than not they are addressing the health of the mind, body, and soul. Or is you prefer the soul, mind and body!
+ What if I fall asleep when I meditate?

Stay calm. Don't worry and be gentle on yourself! Give yourself time to take a nap or mini siesta and meditate later. Make note of times of the day when you are sleepy and try to avoid that time for your meditation practice.

During meditation, you have complete awareness of your physical body and every movement it makes. You are also very aware of your state of mind and how it can change in just a minute. Meditation is not napping and it is definitely not hypnotism. It is, as described by Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD, scientist mindfulness meditation teacher and author, "falling awake" and by Deepak Chopra as "pure awareness".

+ Can children meditate?

Absolutely! Children often find it easier to learn than adults. Go here to find out about a very good (and free) meditation series for children.

+ How long does it take to learn to meditate?

As with all new activities it takes time to learn; the length of time depends on the complexity and depth of knowledge that you have time and the inclination for. Learning how to meditate is not a fast process but it's not complicated.

Some techniques take minutes to learn (longer to master though!)
Some techniques take hours
Some techniques take days
Some techniques take years

+ Where can I practice meditation?

Anywhere where you feel safe and where you know you won't be interrupted. I read about a father of three boys who parks a block away from home in the evening to meditate for 10 minutes in his car. He knows that as soon as he walks through the door his boys will be his focus for the rest of the evening until he's ready to fall sleep. It's definitely easier to meditate regularly if you have a place, however small, where you know you can sit right down and start straight away without having to clear or tidy up first. If you picture a messy, unappealing place your mind is going to come up with all sorts of reasons not to go meditate.
+ How much will it cost to start to meditate?

There's a whole range from free at home to pricey residential courses. I would first decide which type of meditation appeals to you and then read more about it. Decide if you have the personality to learn alone or not. If you think you won't stick with it on your own make a search for local teachers and groups related to the kind of meditation you think you will prefer.