This question is easy to answer: Because meditation has a very
positive effect on us. It has now been proven that regular
meditation not only calms the mind, but also strengthens the immune
system and can heal the body or alleviate symptoms. Especially when
dealing with pain, stress and illness this method is incredibly
helpful. By concentrating on the 'here and now' the soul can
finally come to rest. The pioneer in this field is the US doctor
Jon Kabat-Zinn, who already in the 70s researched the effects of
meditation. At that time it was still controversial, but today the
inner contemplation and practice of mindfulness is part of the
medical standard.
Get healthy through meditation
Meditation is not only about spiritual enlightenment, but often
a very concrete technique that makes life and everyday life easier.
It has been proven that meditation has a very positive effect on
health, because body and mind are closely connected. For example,
studies have shown that the level of stress hormones in the blood
drops and with it blood pressure. Meditation has also proven to be
effective against stress, depression, anxiety disorders and pain.
The relaxing effect of this method has no side effects, costs
nothing and can be part of a modern stress management besides
exercise and healthy nutrition.
Which meditation accessories do I need?
Basically you need nothing more for meditation than yourself.
You just sit down and start to immerse yourself. However, this is
not always comfortable, so accessories such as a meditation cushion or a meditation bench can improve the sitting
position. They are available in different heights and designs, so
that even physical limitations such as back problems or height are
no obstacle. Other useful meditation accessories are yoga mats for
the lying position and extra large blankets that keep you warm. Not
to forget: malas. These prayer chains are ideal for reciting
mantras. They are made of gemstones, wood or plant seeds and look
very beautiful at the same time.
Meditation for beginners
Everyone can learn to meditate. To start the meditation
practice, you first have to decide: walking meditation, sitting or
lying meditation, yoga, qigong, tai chi or the dynamic meditation
according to Osho. There
are now countless good books on this subject, e.g. "Healthy through
Meditation" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. In the beginning, a few minutes a
day are enough to go to a quiet place, close your eyes and pay
attention only to your breathing. Focusing on inhalation and
exhalation leads to relaxation and, with time, more and more
quickly to a deep calm. What is important is the regularity, not
the duration. With continued experience you can extend the
meditation.
Set up a meditation place
It has proved to be a good idea for the meditation practice to
have a fixed place for it. This meditation place does not need much
space, an armchair in a corner is sufficient. The suitable ambience
can be created by beautiful statues of Buddha, Ganesha, Jesus or
Mary Magdalene. A corner for meditation has the advantage that with
time you can connect peace and inner reflection with the place and
come to rest faster than in changing places. If you want to use the
positive effects of singing bowls, you can place a decorative
GongTimer or a singing bowl clock there and end your meditation
with the gentle gong of a singing bowl. Please also read our blog
post.
The successful yoga practice
Yoga is healthy and, like meditation, needs regularity for
success, regardless of whether it is Hatha, Kundalini, Kriya or
Ashtanga Yoga. There are exercises for many health complaints, such
as in hormonyoga for women with menopausal complaints. Pregnant
women can experience relief in pregnancy and birth through yoga.
Yoga can be practiced at home alone without problems. Ideally,
beginners should attend a course beforehand to learn the asanas.
Yoga DVDs or YouTube videos are also a practical help
for the yoga practice.
Yoga: What else do I need besides a yoga mat?
A yoga mat is indispensable for the yoga
practice. For the asanas an easy-care mat made of wipeable material
is practical, such as the Ökotex mat. A wool mat is recommended for
the relaxation phase at the end of the yoga class, as it keeps you
warm from underneath when lying down. A large blanket is also a good choice for the
final meditation. Because if you are cold, you cannot relax. Yoga
belts and yoga blocks are inexpensive and practical aids when
mobility during the asanas needs some support. Of course,
comfortable clothing is important, such as the unisex wellness
pants from The Spirit of Om. The yoga outfit is rounded off with
beautiful yoga music.
Meditation or Yoga with children
Yoga and meditation is also something for children. There are
many books that contain special exercises for the little ones and
emphasize the playful character. Meditation works best in the form
of pictorial relaxation stories. But sitting meditations are also
accepted. In yoga, children love the many animal asanas, which can
also be easily incorporated into stories. Children are still so
mobile that they can usually meditate in lotus position without any
problems and do not need cushions. It is certain that children
benefit greatly from these exercises. They become calmer, more
peaceful, more mobile and can concentrate better.
Tips around meditation
- If the neighbours or the street in front of the house are too
loud, headphones can be a good solution. Either in the
noise-suppressing version or with trance-enhancing meditation music.
- Candles and the scent of incense have proven to be a good
atmospheric meditation accessory. Both spread an incomparable magic
and a pleasant meditative atmosphere.
- A meditation corner can also be set up in the garden. Ideal for
this are all weatherproof statues made of synthetic resin, such as
these Buddha figures. More about this topic in our blog post
"Buddha in the garden".
You can find these accessories for yoga and meditation at
Ongnamo Versand: