HOW DO YOU MEDITATE?
by Bronwen Stiene

Every self help book you read seems to have a meditation in it and yet so many people ask us 'how do you meditate?'. Meditation takes many forms - it can be a simple (yet profound) breath exercise or a complex visualisation. The aim of meditation is to discipline or quiet the mind.

Ask someone what they want out of life and 'Happiness' is more often than not on the top of their list. Happiness is a state of mind - therefore it is something which is always possible. But if it's possible why don't we just go out there and get it then? The reason - lack of mind control. Regular meditation will allow you to focus your thoughts on what you want, it will slowly lengthen the gaps between those rat race thoughts until those gaps eventually become stillness. A stillness which you yourself have chosen.

'How often should I meditate?' is another common question we hear. The answer to this is to make a routine. Routines are difficult to make but are also not easy to break. Try every evening to commit to sitting for five minutes, eyes closed, becoming aware of your breath while observing your thoughts. Don't berate yourself for breaking your concentration just resume sitting, breathing, observing. This exercise can be enough on it's own to continue nightly and you will soon begin to notice your own clarity, balance, peace of mind and mental strength. Your 5 minutes will eventually extend itself to however long you feel is right. You may begin to include different techniques into the content of your meditation.

'Do I have to sit cross legged on the floor?'. You need to sit so that your spine is straight, you have a connection with the ground (if on a chair - feet flat on the floor), hands either on thighs or in a mudra position. Eyes can be closed or unfocused.
  
Here is a simple explanation of two popular forms of meditation:

• Single pointed meditation is the concentration of the mind on one thing (for example the breath or a candle flame). This process allows us to observe the workings of the mind. Leading us to understand our true nature and that of others.
• Visualisation is a form of meditation that by calming our thoughts and going deep within ourselves can aid us in discovering our true nature and that of the universe. The mind is lead through a visual story that touches on the unconscious self offering glimpses of information and insights.