Freeing yourself from any thoughts is a challenge many of us find difficult to meet. It seems that even with our eyes closed and seated in a perfectly silent environment your mind is continually active. Nevertheless, calmness can be approached, if not completely, but requires a certain commitment and self discipline. Keep in mind that even in our sleep our brain is continually working because we also dream. Regardless of age, situations arise where stress, physical or mental faces us and we resort to a variety of ways to find relief. Even when we are not stressed, there are times we would like to loosen up and sense tranquility. Sometimes we use mind altering substances to help us relax such as sedatives for reducing irritability or excitement. Alcohol and sleeping pills can at times provide a calming effect which overdosed can lead to unconsciousness. But, the healthiest way to reach a state of serenity is to be fully conscious and concentrate on what you would like to feel.
Meditation refers to a type of practice in which you can self induce a type of consciousness in order to realize some benefit. Scientific research has yet to find conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. However, recent randomized studies published in the Psychological Science Journal reported that meditation leads to better ability to maintain sustained attention. There are specific styles of meditative practices of which some are spiritual such as Zen Yoga, Kabala, Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism or Transcendental Meditation (TM). Mantras used in TM are energy based sounds that can quiet the mind and create thought. There are also secular or lay models such as Biofeedback, Muscle Relaxation or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs. You may have feelings of depression, anger, anxiety or fear that are so intense it might be necessary to employ some of the above techniques or even seek professional counseling. However, most of the time we are very much in control of our emotions and we can manage our life. It is your willingness to apply a calm, determined effort to raise our consciousness that allows for easier living. We have a natural ability to use our mind to relax by exercising self discipline.
Apply these suggestions: Find a quiet place where you are alone. Sit in a nice comfortable chair. Have the lights low. Close your eyes. .Listen to yourself. Concentrate on being very still. Imagine looking at yourself from head to toe. Feel every part of your body loosen up. Let your mind think of a happy desire. Focus on that thought and believe it can occur. This meditative approach does not need a mantra (a word or sound repeated to aid in concentration to meditate). These suggestions can be used any time of the day whenever you feel the desire to do so. However, the most appropriate times can be for ten or fifteen minutes when arising in the morning or when retiring at night.
Apply these above suggestions, they will work for you. Why? You are totally in charge of how you feel and how you behave. The world you are in is yours alone and only you can become calm. Sometimes we need support but we are responsible to make the decision to be tense or relaxed, sad or happy. Handle meaningful silence. 6/1/11
