Meditation is the natural process of withdrawing attention from environmental, physical, and mental processes and consciously directing it inward to a chosen focus of attention.

The beneficial side-effect of regular meditation practice have been widely reported in a variety of news media. These include stress reduction, strengthening of the bodyıs immune system, more orderly thinking, improve powers of concentration, and slowing of biologic aging processes. For these reasons, meditation practice is recommended by an increasing number of doctors as a pleasant way for their patient-clients to be more responsible for their own total well-being.

While the side-benefits can be welcomed, the primary purpose of meditation practice is to bring forth clear states of awareness that will make authentic spiritual growth easier to experience. The following basic method is easy to learn and practice.

2. Sit upright in a comfortable chair or a cross-legged posture. Hold your head erect, with attention flowing to the area between front region of the brain which is related to creativity, will power, and discernment.

3. Inhale and exhale once or twice to elicit physical relaxation. Remain still for a few minutes until you feel calmly poised. If you have a devotional temperament, invoke the presence and blessings of God or your favourite aspect of deity. If you have a guru, reverently acknowledge him or her.

4. Be aware of your natural breathing rhythm. When inhalation occurs, mentally recite a chosen word (mantra), such as God, peace, joy, or any other pleasant word that is agreeable to you. When you exhale, feel happy and peaceful. Feel the sound of the mantra spontaneously emerging into your mind and awareness. Continue this procedure without any anxiety about the results of practice.

5. When a state of mental calmness is experienced, disregard your breathing, listening to the mantra. Eventually allow the mantra to fade away and rest in state of mental peace and clarity of awareness for a while, until you feel inclined to conclude the session.

When engaged in daily activities and relationships, endeavour to maintain a state of mental calmness and Self-awareness. Cultivate cheerfulness and optimism. Maintain your emotional balance. Adhere to wholesome routines of activity and rest. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: choose a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Let all of your thoughts, feelings, and actions be wholesome and constructive. You will then be empowered to live enjoyably, effectively, and successfully.

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