Overview
Meditation is used in many Eastern religions, and guided meditation is becoming increasingly popular. Meditation is thought to enlighten the mind, and create a more calm, relaxed person. Meditation is often proclaimed to have many health benefits as well.
Identification
Meditation is the process by which a person attempts to find a deeper state of mental understanding beyond the conscious realm through techniques of relaxation. In guided meditation an instructor talks a person through this path by using a soft voice and speaking words that direct the way along the journey.
Function
Guided meditation has many purposes, including relaxation, stress relief, healing and promote self-improvement. Many use guided meditation to find a high form of enlightenment through the use of human energy. This is often seen in Chakra meditation.
Types
Meditation is used in many religions. The type of guided meditation varies depending on the beliefs of the guide. Some guides will use imagery, while others will use breathing and body. Still, some will direct the student to form her own images in the mind.
Considerations
Guided meditation is often used for children that have trouble concentrating on school work or have anxiety issues. Parents can purchase guided meditation books for children or write their own. Meditation books for both children and adults can be purchased at most book stores. There is also a wide variety available on Amazon.com.
Benefits
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, meditation has many benefits. These include increased empathy and an increased ability to process information. Recent research by the University of Alberta for the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research found potential health benefits but it also found that "firm conclusions on the effects of meditation practices in health care cannot be drawn based on the available evidence." They are conducting more research to find out which diseases and disorders will see improvement with the use of meditation.
Misconceptions
Meditating does not require the mind to be blank, it only requires that thoughts be turned down to create inner quiet. Another misconception is that meditation requires a great deal of concentration, making it difficult. Meditation is easy to learn and requires daily practice. Beginners should focus on breathing and not worry about concentration. Many people also believe that a person must see objects in their mind, but this is not necessary. Some people only feel sensations.
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