The Art Of Meditation: How Easy Is It?

Meditation is a form of relaxing and a method to spiritual enlightenment that has been around for centuries. Yet with all the different types of meditation as well as the varied methods, how do you know you are truly meditating? Which one is right for you?

We are often told that to meditate is to think of nothing and clear your mind, which to me is impossible. Our minds do not stop even when we are asleep, so how do we consciously clear them when awake? The fact is that our minds are equipped with a goal serving mechanism, which means that the mind does not hear differences but only understands actions. It does not understand "do" and "do not", "will" or "will not." So by saying to your mind, "do not think of anything whilst meditating," the mind did not hear the "do not" and consequently you instructed your mind to do the exact opposite of what you wanted. It will now think of everything.

So, if thinking of nothing is impossible, then logically, to focus on one thing is possible, and to me that is meditating. Ironically, meditating can be done at any time of the day and on the contrary does not necessarily require being in a quiet, dark room. To meditate is to be one with that which I am doing, and that means to be focusing on that one thing I am doing.

For example, if I am cooking, then to "become" the knife that cuts the tomatoes is to me being focused and being at one with that which I am doing. To be the knife means that my only focus is to be cutting through the fibers of the tomato. I am not focusing on my to do list, nor on the errands I need to run. My mind is clear of all other thoughts.

This way I am always meditating and reaching a higher level, and I am also going about my daily life. I am focused on that which I am doing. Therefore, meditation is not clearing your mind but focusing on one thought, one activity and being fully present and one with that activity.

This method allows me to meditate daily and be completely in the moment during all my actions.

Start with a simple exercise as indicated below. As you become more masterful in the art of meditating you will then be able to apply this method to more challenging tasks in your life.

How To Meditate

1. Pick a daily activity to focus on
2. Become one with the activity. If you are vacuuming be the vacuum
3. The key is to feel
4. The only purpose of the vacuum is to pick up dirt
5. Imagine you are the vacuum, and feel it as though you are

Enjoy this process. you most certainly can achieve enlightenment without skipping a beat!

Muneeza Khimji is a Coach and a Psychotherapist. She lives in Toronto, and currently has a practice that serves both clients interested in coaching and therapy. She works with emotional issues and traumas as well as coaches around career transitions, workplace issues, team coaching and life coaching to name a few areas.

For more information on Muneeza please visit http://www.muneeza.com or send her an e-mail on coach@muneeza.com

---

A Forty-Five-Second Meditation

Is Meditation Too Much Time And Trouble?If you haven't meditated before, you might think it's too much trouble to learn. If you do meditate, you know it... Read More

The Benefits of Meditation: Tips and Techniques

Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it's free. The only expense you'll have is a meditation mat, which isn't especially necessary-at least from my experience.... Read More

Herbal Teas

If you want to get hold of a particular tea and can't find it, then it is fine to use a combination tea, which contains the ingredient... Read More

Tips for Better Meditation

Meditation students often come to me and ask what they can do to improve their meditation. Success in meditation is not the result of any one single... Read More

Druids and Meditation

It's pretty obvious that the ancient Druids used several forms of meditation. That the Druids were able to still and control their minds is unquestioned, but the... Read More

Establishing A Daily Meditation Practice

It's important to establish a daily practice and then stick to it. This doesn't mean dedicating 12 hours a day to meditation, it just means creating a... Read More

Meditation - What is It Good for Anyway?

Meditation is an age old healing and stress relieving modality practiced throughout the world, in virtually all cultures and all religions, although it may go by different... Read More

Mindfulness and Eating: Divine Desk Dining

Are you stuck eating lunch at your desk again?Lucky you.You see, staying put can be surprisingly soothing compared to making a mad dash to the cafe for... Read More

Lighthearted Meditation: Playing With Mindfulness

I often meet people who say things like, "I've been working on mindfulness for over twenty years."My response is always this: "Oh, you poor thing! Have you... Read More

The Mind is Like a Frisky Monkey

People are often so discouraged about the results of their meditative efforts.They feel that they are not only not relaxed, but anxious because they couldn't focus at... Read More

Objective Meditations: What is Reality?

Is reality a projection from within the mind, or is it an "altered lens" into the outside world? Let's look at the altered lens theory first. Obviously,... Read More

Relaxation Techniques to Revitalize Body and Mind

We all get to a stage where we've just had it. We need a break. Well if a holiday is out of the question, try these relaxation... Read More

Do You Want To Relax And Think Clearly?

Learning To Be In The MomentImagine thinking clearly, and feeling relaxed at will. Could you get more done? Enjoy life more? Would you like to know how... Read More

Fitness Workout - Exercising the Present Moment!

The following exercise program has been designed to get the mind firmly in the present, not yesterday or tomorrow but right here, right now. It's a particularly... Read More

What Would Plato Think of Prozac?

Each person is unique and it is that individuality that we as a whole draw strength from. We should use such advantages to our benefit. Plato often... Read More

How To Meditate?

We are surrounded by negative forces like jealousy, hatred, fear, doubt, worry, despair, guilt, resentment, anger, pride hatred and anxiety. These are the dominating forces of the... Read More

Meditation Supply Items ? Can They Help Deepen Your Practice?

Can a meditation supply item help you go into a deeper state of inner awareness? If you choose the right item, there is a good chance that... Read More

Mastery Through Meditation

Are you still looking? For Love? Self-Worth? To know, truly KNOW, that you are of value to others and the Universe as a whole?What is it that... Read More

Meditation Is Not Just for Men with White Beards

What kind of picture comes to mind when someone mention the word "meditation?"I don't know about you, but for me, I use to get a picture of... Read More

Meditate to Unlock Your Hidden Potential ? Part 1

Meditation is often misunderstood by those who do not practice it. Very often, I hear meditation referred to as, "altered states of consciousness." That sounds more like... Read More

Meditation

Hello, sample some of the arguments below. But mind you, this is not an opinionated writer that is trying to forward his profound knowledge on an altruistic... Read More

Meditate to Unlock Your Hidden Potential ? Part 2

You can be the creator of your own manifest destiny. Through daily meditation practice and focus on changing your life for the better. In fact, you have... Read More

Active Meditation For Surges In Energy Levels!

When I first started learning about deep breathing exercises and meditation I had this pre-conceived notion of sitting very still for long periods of time, my body... Read More

Yoga Meditation For Pain Relief

The purpose of this article is to provide information on methods and techniques on how to cope with pain, or in some instances, possibly even overcoming pain... Read More

Meditation: A Path To Inner Peace

Throughout history, meditation has been an integral part of many cultures. Records indicate that meditation was practiced in ancient Greece and India more than 5,000 years ago.... Read More

Scientific Research on Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Scientific research has shown that the most beneficial meditation technique is Transcendental Meditation (TM). The striking reduction of stress and anxiety caused by TM are 3 times... Read More