Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Meditation

       Meditation Tips by experts


Meditation: Time to Stop & Listen


As a co-active coach, one of the underlying principles that I subscribe to is that everyone has their own answers within. Most of what I do as a coach is to give people the time, space and permission to find these answers (and sometimes I provide a question or two to get things going).

So, outside of a coaching session, how can we learn to access these answers that we all have? One thing that I'm learning is that the answers can't come to me if my head is always busy figuring things out, working, talking, or reading. If I'm doing those things, I'm actually blocking myself from hearing my own wise answers.

One sure way to get an answer to a question is to ask the question and listen for an answer. We're all quite well-versed at this practice, "Have you seen my briefcase?", "What would you like to do for dinner tonight?", "When is that report due?".

And what I've noticed for myself is that I forget this logic when it comes to listening for my own answers. Rarely do I sit quietly and listen. Rarer still do I actually intentionally *ask* myself a question.

I'm working at increasing my practice of asking and listening for answers from within. Since I'm still a beginner, I thought I'd ask someone with more experience to speak further on this topic with us.

Karen Kofman, who co-led a workshop on "Gratitude" with me in November 2003, has a background in corporate training. She currently gives workshops of a spiritual nature involving inner serenity. Karen practices reiki, aromaptherapy, yoga and meditation.

Linda: What is your definition of meditation?

Karen: Meditation is a process to empty and calm the mind, which results in a sense of peace, serenity and calmness and eventually opening yourself to new insights and a sense of overall well-being.

Linda: How has your life changed since you've been practicing meditation regularly?

Karen: Meditation has come into my life very slowly, when I first started I didn't notice much change, but over time, there have been major spiritual and emotional awakenings. I am more settled, less anxious, have more energy and am less judgmental of those around me.

Linda: What's the best way for someone to start meditating?

Karen: The first thing I want to make clear is that meditation is not complicated, doesn't take a lot of time, and can be done by anyone. Most of us have dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious relaxation, perhaps during an exercise class or sport activity.

Here is a meditation exercise you can try for yourself.

Start by paying attention to your breathing. The practical effect of focusing completely on your breathing leads to a sense of calmness, as it takes your mind away from the "clutter" that constantly tries to invade.

Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. Begin to breath again and with each exhalation feel your body relax into a peaceful state. Let go of thoughts, worries. Feel the presence of stillness within you. Feel a softness around your heart.

If thoughts emerge, acknowledge them and go back to your breath. Continue this process for 3-10 minutes to begin and you may increase the time as you feel necessary.

With repeated efforts, the goal of clearing your mind to think of nothing will come more easily. You will have the ability to be clear and open and to welcome spaces for fresh and clean thoughts to emerge. The process of meditation will begin to take on its own energies.

Thanks so much to Karen Kofman for sharing her wisdom with us this month! It's certainly inspired me to "stop and listen" more often.

(c) Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of "The Everyday Self-Care Workbook". To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Meditation here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Meditation

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief-loss, Elder Care Relationships
Inspiration, Inspirational, Positive Attitude,
Positive Attitude
,  Meditation, Spirituality

Latest info on : Meditation

 

 


New York Times

Can Meditation Curb Heart Attacks?
New York Times
Richard Patterson for The New York Times Recent research suggests transcendental meditation may be good for the heart. ...
Transcendental Meditation: At-Risk College Students Reduce High Blood PressureNewsBlaze

all 4 news articles »


PsychCentral.com

Meditation may lower BP and college stressors
Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - If the stresses of college have put you at risk for high blood pressure, try transcendental meditation. ...
Try Meditation to Lower Your Blood Pressure and Protect Your HeartU.S. News & World Report
Meditation shown to improve healthSuperior Telegram
More evidence that Transcendental Meditation helps the heartLos Angeles Times
Science Daily (press release) -BBC News -eMaxHealth
all 95 news articles »



Learning to focus with meditation
Examiner.com
A study of individuals interested in meditation, led by UW-Madison scientist Antoine Lutz, focused on whether voluntary mental training can affect attention ...



Indian Express

Police widen probe into Headley's visit to Osho centre
Times of India
... branch to get detailed information on terror suspect David Coleman Headley's visits to the Osho International Meditation Resort at Koregaon Park here. ...
Headley's links to Osho AshramSify
Headley stayed in Pune hotel: PolicePress Trust of India
David Headly stayed in Pune twiceIndlaw.com
Daily News & Analysis -Indian Express -Times of India
all 83 news articles »


Meditation Retreat
Northfield News (subscription)
Description: “Transforming the Heart and Healing the Mind,” presented by Mark Nunberg, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center, ...



Calm yourself with meditation
Detroit Free Press
Dr. Michael Seidman, medical director for wellness for Henry Ford Health System, says there's ample evidence that meditation, mindfulness, Tai Chi and other ...

and more »


Examiner.com

Just how much control do I have over the health and wellbeing of my body?
Examiner.com
I know from experience through the daily practice of Tai Chi that meditation and exercise can be very healing for both the body and mind. ...



FOX 9 News

In-Depth: Motivated to Meditate
FOX 9 News
I take an eight week class of meditation. Can a person find peace in eight weeks? Let's see. From my early morning workout, to my late night combination of ...



Cosmic Rays Of Healing Light
Times of India
Gradually, through practice and meditation, visualisation and conscious imagination, the body of the practitioner soaks and breathes the seven components of ...

and more »

Google News

 

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Useful articles on Meditation


| Meditation Article Home | All articles on Meditation-complete list 

 Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved