Guided Meditation and Relaxation
Healing the Body and Mind through Focused Meditation
Although the exact date of origin of meditation is unknown, its origins are speculated to be as old as humanity – with the oldest written record indicating its beginnings over 5,000 years ago. Today, people are turning to meditation as a form of alternative or holistic healing as a means to improve health, increase mental clarity and focus, create harmony between the body and mind, reduce stress and deal with personal issues.
Guided meditation is a form of focused meditation lead by another individual. Learning to meditate, meditation techniques, guided imagery, quieting the mind and focusing thoughts can be difficult and overwhelming for beginners. Using guided meditation, individuals of all experience levels can find and utilize proper techniques – maximizing the benefits of meditation.
Guided Meditation at Home
It is possible to learn guided meditation and meditation techniques at home through a variety of audio and video script found on CD, DVD, mp3 or other audio or visual file sold in-store or online.
One method of guided meditation utilizes a narrator reading a script allowing the individual to focus on a specific physical and mental journey. The narration uses verbal cues for the individual to focus on breathing, mental clarity and other meditation techniques.
An alternative form of guided meditation allows for the focus on a specific sound, word or phrase – repeated verbally and mentally. Regardless of the method, the results using meditation techniques are the same but the technique used is based on personal preference.
Maximizing the Benefits of Guided Meditation
Using guided imagery at home allows for anyone to fit meditation into a busy schedule. However to maximize the benefits of guided meditation, the following factors should be considered:
- Create a meditation space – The size of the area used for meditation and meditation does not matter, but it must remain an undisturbed area for the entire length of the guided meditation
- Clothing for meditation – Wear loose, comfortable clothing during meditation. Tight or uncomfortable clothing creates a mental and physical distraction, limiting the benefits of a meditation session.
- Start slow when beginning meditation – Starting with a 30 minute meditation session can be overwhelming for beginners. Choose a guided meditation session able to suit individual, personal and schedule needs.
Group Guided Meditation
Group meditation sessions are led by experienced individuals enabling mediatation beginners to quickly learn and perfect meditation techniques, while advanced students can tune their skills, share their mediation techniques and experience.
Although this may take additional time out of a busy schedule, this method has the advantage of providing individual learning and uninterrupted time for meditation.
Guided Meditation for Children
Typically meditation and meditation techniques are associated with adults, but many believe that guided meditation can benefit children as well. Guided meditation for children does not need to be complicated, can be done at home and can aid a child’s physical, mental and emotional focus. Meditation for children contains the following differences from adult meditation:
- Time – Meditation sessions can range from one to five minutes depending on the age and child’s personality.
- Guide – The guide in these meditation sessions is usually the parent. Hearing a familiar voice will make meditation and focusing easier.
- Sitting – Being completely still during meditation is not a requirement for children. Allowing the child to be comfortable will allow them to achieve greater mental focus, increase physical benefits and promote relaxation.
The Guided Meditation Experience
Practicing daily guided meditation on a daily basis can improve the overall mental and physical health of both adults and children. Based on personal preference mediation and meditation techniques can utilize a variety of methods – and be performed in a group or personal “at home” setting.
Learning Guided Meditation Takes Time
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