Do Baby Yoda Proud: Meditation 101

What is Meditation?

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same. The most important among these principles is that of removing obstructive, negative, wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus. This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity. The negative thoughts you have – those of noisy neighbors, annoying coworkers, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam are said to contribute to the polluting of the mind, and shutting them out allows for the cleansing of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners can even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them. You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal. It may seem deafening at first, since we are all very accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise, you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything around you.

How to get started

If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening, those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions, you need not worry. The principle here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration. This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, that is a good starting point. While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight. In other positions, the only no-no is slouching and falling asleep. Loose, comfortable clothes help in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to be restricting and make you feel tense.

Your Space

The space you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere. It may be in your living room, bedroom, or any place you feel comfortable. You might want a yoga mat, if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release). You may want to have the space arranged to be soothing to your senses.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area absent from the ringing of the phone or the hum of the washing machine. Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn't such a bad idea.

Do: There Is No Try

The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra. This, in simple terms, is a short creed: a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value. You do not need to perform in the exact same way; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions such as breathing and humming, help the practitioner enter into a higher state of consciousness. The principle here is to focus. You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to – while in a meditative state – silently name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body. Mentally visualize releasing this tension. It works wonders.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember, we're relaxing here!). Studies have shown meditation does bring beneficial physiological effects to the body and there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects. So, in the near future, who knows? That mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!