A very brief history
It is believed meditation originated in India several thousand years ago. The earliest written evidence can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures written over 5000 years ago. These ancient texts explain meditation as obtaining oneness with the absolute. In Hinduism they call this state Moksha. The script explains how meditation can help you remove ignorance and acquire knowledge.
As one of the oldest civilisations known on earth, Aboriginal Australians can trace their ancestry back 75,000 years. The meditative practice called ‘dadirri’, meaning deep listening and silent awareness was passed down the generations orally through story telling.
Meditation also has roots in many other religions and traditions, including Buddhism, Sufism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
What is meditation?
Meditation is focussing ones awareness and attention on the present moment.
What are the benefits of meditating?
There are many benefits of meditating, including
- Increased calmness and focus
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved attention and clarity of thinking
- Improves mental emotional and physical wellbeing
- Can be done anywhere and costs nothing
Ready to go deeper?
How do I meditate?
You can begin with as little as 3 minutes a day and gradually build it up.
- Find a comfortable position and close your eyes
- Breathe in to the count of 4
- Breathe out for the count of 4
- Focus on the count
- When you notice your mind wandering…
- Come back to the breath and the count
- Continue to notice when your mind wanders away from the breath
- Don’t think about where your mind wandered just bring it back
- Bring your mind back to the breath and the count
- When you are ready open your eyes, notice how you feel physically and emotionally
- Notice your thoughts
It really can be as simple as that. No need to complicate it.
You may be interested in researching the many various types and styles of meditation including, guided, walking, focussed, open, loving-kindness, transcendental, visualisation, mantra and mindful. Guided meditations are great for beginners as they can help build structure to your practice and keep you focussed in the early stages.