Meditation has been used for thousands of years for a myriad of different issues, ailments and situations. The common use of meditation is for spiritual health the benefits of any kind of meditation have the potential to enhance all levels of health; mental, physical, emotional, and of course spiritual. Many people utilize this versatile tool of mindfulness to create a feeling of calm and peace of mind, as well as stress relief and relaxation.

Two questions regularly asked by those who are just starting to delve into the world of meditation is, how often should someone meditate, and what kind of meditation is best for me. This is entirely up to you and what your soul needs. Everyone is different, and your meditation needs may change from year to year or even day to day. For some people to feel grounded they require daily meditations. If this is what your soul needs but you find it hard, try setting your alarm for 15 min before you have to get up, use this time every day to quiet your mind and center your soul. Others do best when they take a chunk of time once a week, 1-2 hours to dedicate to meditation. This could be a weekly mindfulness class or group, or mindfulness activity that suits how you decompress. Others still enjoy taking a day or 2 a month to get reacquainted with their zen.  Any combination or length of time that works for you, is what’s right for you. Follow your intuition to discover what pattern fits you. That being said some form of mindfulness, no matter how small on a daily basis is immensely beneficial. This could be taking a few deep breaths, or rubbing bare feet on the floor, or simply taking a moment to exist in the present. Meditation can be done by anyone at any time, anywhere, don’t limit yourself.

The answer to the second question is much like the first, meditation is whatever it needs to be for you. We will go through some conventional and nonconventional options to better understand the diversity of meditation. There are several activities that people wouldn’t think could be done mindfully or transformed into a meditation. There is a wonderful new trend that has transformed coloring into a mindful activity for adults. Many lines of adult coloring books have become readily available with intricate designs, made to help you be in the moment, destress and relax without distractions. Coloring books are one example of thinking outside the box when meditating. Another adaptable example is chores. When you set the intention, do the actions mindfully and stay in the present moment it can be a relaxing experience. There is a woman who talks frequently about how hand washing dishes, even though she has a dishwasher, is her favorite form of mindfulness. Being able to feel the water and suds while accomplishing something is her zen. Chores isn’t the only physical form of meditation. Walking is a well known mode of meditation, mindfully taking steps, continuous breathing, and if you do it out in nature the added bonus of scenery and balancing your Chi. An amazing option for an active meditation for those interested in stress release is exercise, this can be anything from jogging to weights. When you set the intention and stay in the present moment almost anything can be a mindful experience.

Some kinds of meditation are multifaceted. Dance and yoga can be considered both a physical and spiritual form of meditation. This can depend on your own personal views and philosophies as well as the intention you set while doing these activities. Yoga was created as a spiritual experience to help people be grounded and centered, the trend now is that it’s a fitness routine or workout, both can exist simultaneously in balance.

There are some quite simple forms of meditation as well. Sitting and just being present in silence is a well known one. Most beginners, and even people seasoned in the art meditation can find difficulty with this one. Many people find it problematic to quiet their mind with no additional stimulus, such as background music or an activity.  Breathing is another basic way of meditation, concentrating on your breath. There are several techniques to this kind of meditation. Equal counts inhale and exhale, longer exhale than inhale, 4’s which is inhale for a count of 4 hold a count of 4 exhale count of 4 and hold count of 4, and many others.

Meditation can do accomplished or enhances with all 5 senses. Incense and essential oils are a wonderful way to relax into a centered mindset. A popular scent that assists with calming is lavender. Visually, as stated in last month’s article, labyrinths and mandalas are amazing mediation tools. Both are beautiful and rich in culture and history. Sound is used in many styles of mindfulness, whether it’s listening to music and allowing yourself to become relaxed and at peace, to a guided meditation where you listen to someone following the prompts of the meditation. Sound and music are often used in conjunction with other forms of meditation, playing in the background to set the ambience, down out unwanted noise, and create a sense of calm. Taste is a sense not often used in meditation, though the act of eating mindfully is becoming more popular. This involves being in the present moment and really experiencing your food and nothing else. It is a wonderful way to become more intune with your body. Last of the senses, many people require being physically comfortable. In meditation and yoga classes it is often suggested to wear comfy clothes. It is hard not to get distracted when you are physically uncomfortable. Being too warm, or cold are also factors in how effectively one can meditate.

There are numerous forms of mindfulness. Hopefully this article gives you a glimpse into the wonderful world meditation. The benefits of any kind of meditation are countless. Go out, explore, find your zen.

Lily McNamara is an Intuitive Energy Worker and has been a Spiritual Counselor for the past 15 years. Her passion and life’s purpose is to help people on their sacred path. She is a psychic/medium certified in the art of energy healing including Reiki, as well as trained in guided meditation, life coaching and counseling.