The Power of Meditation
The differing roles played by the left and right hemispheres of the brain have long been recognised. Typically the left brain deals in logic, language, and is the seat of intellect, liking order and organisation. The right side handles feelings, imagery, creativity, and is equally at home with “chaos”.
For the most part, in the Western world, the left brain is revered, and education is geared to it. The artistic right side tends to be rather neglected, though this is not so in the East where art is revered, and emotional and devotional practices are the norm.
In either case, but especially in the West, the hectic pace of modern living gives little scope for “quiet time”, for gentle introspection. We rarely give our brains a rest, let alone a treat - spare time and relaxation usually being given over to hobbies, tv etc. which are designed to keep us occupied and amused. All too often sleep, which is natures way of encouraging us to rest physically and mentally, is an inefficient, haphazard, and for many people tormented, activity. There is little awareness of dreams, and even less attempt to understand their messages or relevance.
Meditation is the conscious way to take control of our thinking and give ourselves a mental break, to put things in order and perspective. In the past terms such as concentration and contemplation have been used, but I think this tends to add confusion. Concentration can be a doorway to meditation, but it can also be a diversionary tactic, and can involve intense, heated brain activity, and is also used when we are simply lost in a movie or book. Contemplation tends to be used a little too lightly, as in “contemplate my navel” with little effort or discipline involved.
It is often said that pursuits such as gardening and fishing are meditative. I totally agree that they can be very relaxing, and that in itself is excellent, but there is seldom any attempt to control brain activity, whilst golf, which I have often heard touted as a way, is usually played competitively and often stressfully .
If your desire is for a specific outcome then I use tapes/cd’s. I have tried many different types; hypnotic scripts, subliminal messaging, affirmations, from many different sources, and I have found the most effective to be the “Think Right Now!” series from Mike Brescia (author of “Today Is Your Day To Win”, available, free, here).
There are many ways to meditate, and I will list a few here in no particular order. Any meditation is better than no meditation, though whatever method you use, try to put in at least 15-20 minutes each morning, preferably twice a day (morning and evening).
A very popular method in the East, and often taught as part of yoga, is focus on the breath. It is something we all do all the time, but rarely consciously. Simply count breaths, usually on the in breath, and for a set number - try starting with 7 or 8, and then back to one. If you lose count go back to one - do not try to guess where you’re up to. With practice you will get better and better, and may choose to increase the count.
Similar to this is the repetition of a chant or mantra, eg the yogic “Om” sound. Transcendental Meditation is a western variant on this theme with a personalised mantra (phrase) being allocated and used.
Focus on a candle is another popular method. Simply focus your attention on the candle flame, and if other thoughts come into your head just let them go, like watching a stick float past down a river, then return your attention to the flame.
Personally I prefer just to sit and watch the thoughts float by, gradually letting them get fewer and fewer and slower and slower until I find myself in a unique quiet place, often just for a few moments at a time, sometimes for a longer period. Whatever happens be patient and gentle with yourself, stay calm and relaxed, even if your having a not so good day (in fact especially then!).
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