The word meditation in Latin Comes from “meditatio” meaning “contemplation”, in Sanskrit it comes from the word “medha” which is wisdom. Meditation has been a part of both eastern and western religions for centuries. Like Yoga, meditation has many uses and levels, from simply a method to relax and de-stress, to personal or spiritual development. There are relaxation techniques to suit everyone’s individual needs.

No, you do not need to have a spiritual or religious belief to meditate, and if you are religious, it will not interfere with your belief system.

Meditation helps to reduce stress and develop a sense of inner peace, joy and strength. Scientific tests have shown that meditation can improve your memory stimulate creativity, Improve sleep, & strengthen your immune system.

Meditation is now used in hospitals to calm patients with serious disease, and in the management of chronic pain. In 1972 medical studies showed that meditation affected people’s metabolism by decreasing the heart rate and blood pressure, and produced calmer brain waves. Meditation also calms your emotions by assisting you to observe your feelings as if you’re watching a movie – the melodrama of your own life; just “noticing” what is going on. without reacting.

Meditation helps you still your mind:you do not forget the mind in meditation; you learn to still it. It becomes poised and alert. There is a difference here, because in meditation you are quieting the lower, rational mind, and working with the higher abstract mind.

It’s important to find a regular, comfortable place to meditate where you won’t be disturbed. Meditating in the same place and around the same time of day, helps to programme the sub-conscious mind into relaxing more quickly and easily.
For those interested in meditation on a spiritual level, specific methods can strengthen your intuition, open your heart, and help transform negative emotions.

Relaxation – focusing on the breathing and relaxing the muscles of the body.
Concentration – steadying the mind & focusing energy and attention on an issue.
Creative – using the mind to build positive pictures & giving them life and direction with the thought energy of the mind.
Receptive – inner listening to receive impressions and inner guidance
Contemplation – reflecting on the deeper meaning of a seed thought (such as peace, compassion, forgiveness)
Mindfulness – observing in a detached way, thoughts, sensations, feelings.
Invocation – calling in higher energy such as a prayer to Christ, Buddha, Mohammad, Saints, Angels, etc.