Meditation is an ancient art of controlling the mind which has been passed down for millenniums. Originating in India, meditation has over the past few decades escalated in terms of popularity in Western countries. This is probably due to extremely stressful upbringings and lifestyles, with people needing an alternative kind of medicine to fight tension. Even though meditation is embedded in Eastern philosophies and religions, this technique can be used by anyone of any race or religion. Meditation allows the mind to calm down, and often results in the mind becoming more peaceful, calm and focused. In essence, meditation allows awareness to become 'rejuvenated'.
One of the great things about meditation is that it can be done (if you are experienced enough) virtually anywhere: at home, on a bus, in a park or, as is usual in Thailand, at a temple or meditation retreat. So, unlike other ayurvedic therapies, meditation needn’t cost you a penny. In fact, recent research has shown that a couple of sessions a day of meditation can significantly lower the risk of sudden death by heart attack or stroke. There are innumerable meditation methods to choose from which, at the end of the day, all lead to essentially the same goal.
Synonym
Concentration, Contemplation
About the Procedure
After you have learned meditation, your heart rate and breathing rates slow down, your blood pressure normalizes and you will use less oxygen. Your mind will age less and your immune functions will improve.
Types and Options
The main type of meditation in Thailand is Vipassana, probably the most basic form of meditation there is. This method is very simply concentrating on one's breath and being mindful.
The number of other forms of meditation is incredible, too many in fact to write them all down here. Some examples are as follows:
Transcendental Meditation
Journey Meditation
Vibrational Meditation
Movement Meditation
Body Scan Meditation
The Instant Calming Sequence
Five Meditation Steps
Taoist Meditation Methods
Loving kindness meditation
Breath And Navel Meditation
Master Han's Central Channel Meditation
Microcosmic Orbit Meditation
Human Anatomy From The Taoist Perspective
Tonglen - A Buddhist Prayer/Meditation
Length
The minimum recommended amount of time to practice meditation is 20 minutes per session. Meanwhile, some experienced practitioners can meditate from dusk til dawn.
Benefits
Practitioners and history books will explain to you that meditation is probably the finest medicine to soothe the mind that has ever been invented. Recent scientific studies have already and are currently proving that meditation also has physical benefits.
Psychological benefits include:
• Decreased anxiety
• Decreased depression
• Decreased irritability and moodiness
• Improved learning ability and memory
• Increased self-actualization
• Increased brain wave coherence
• Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation
• Increased happiness
• Increased emotional stability
Physical benefits include:
• Decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart
• Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate-two chemicals associated with stress
• Reduction of oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage
• Decreased high blood pressure
• Higher skin resistance
• Drop in cholesterol levels
• Easier breathing for asthma sufferers
• Younger biological age
• Actually look younger
Who is an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate would be completely stressed-out with life and want to soothe their mind. They could also be suffering from several physical illnesses such as high blood pressure and high cholestoral and want to both look and feel younger and more rejuvenated.
Planning your surgery
When planning your meditation course, it essential to find a location which has had decent reviews and has been operating for quite some time.
Preparing your surgery
When preparing for your course, you ought to pack only very light and loose clothing, preferably white in colour. If your course is in rural forest areas, then it is advised to pack mosquito repellant, a torch and basic medication, basically, similar bag contents for when you go camping. Do not bother taking any books (except those on religion and meditation)