Have you ever fallen into a reverie while sitting in front of a fire? The natural calming effect of looking into the flames produces clarity of mind, which allows us to see deeper into our thoughts and experiences. This naturally occurring process is the essence of the simple yet profound gift that meditation has to offer.

What was once a foreign word is now appearing on billboards and posters throughout our neighborhoods. There is a bewildering range of possible courses and styles, and people usually think it is something foreign and exotic. It often conjures up pictures of Asian monks seated motionless staring into space. But in reality meditation is as natural to us as breathing.

Throughout history we have been using the ancient art of meditation to penetrate the mysteries of our existence. We have learned that it is possible to train the mind with simple exercises that will increase our awareness. This enhanced perceiving carries itself into all the circumstances we meet during our lives.

That sounds very grandiose and you may well ask "but what will it do for me and my problems?" Quite simply you are not separate from the universe, you are part and parcel of it. How you perceive your environment affects the way you react within it.

The vibrant colors of an early dawn, mist rising from the stillness of a lake, leaves tumbling by on an autumn breeze. All these scenes evoke quite different mental states. So too do our thoughts and feelings.

The more we are aware of these continually shifting/changing mind states, the more we see how our home environment, occupation and relationships are affecting us.

This insight then allows us to see through the mirage of our personal problems and to get to the root of the matter.

We are, all of us, struggling to find better ways of living our lives. Often people get curious about meditation at a point in their lives when they are hungry for change. This can be at a time of crisis, a time of transition, a time when they are at a crossroads searching for new directions.

The fact is, once we have been fortunate enough to realize that we need to change, then we have already made the first steps away from suffering.

So what are the benefits of meditation? It has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, enhance concentration and give one a greater feeling of connectedness. By learning more about our own processes we are in turn able to help others to discover how to improve their lives. And they in turn will pass on the joy. Happiness is irrepressible and continually flows onward in its journey.

If you would like to begin to study, it is always much easier to learn from those who have gained some mastery over the subject. Working with a meditation teacher is a delicate dialogue. You need to find someone who can assess what type of meditation practice would best support your development and guide you with skill and sensitivity.

Take your time and choose well. Ask yourself questions such as - Do I feel confident with this person? Does he or she seem sincere, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and patient?

Meditation is not just about sitting practice. There are many types of meditation practice, each with its own virtue. Any meditation you do will fit into one of seven basic categories:

Breathing

Visualization

Point (or chakras)

Sound (mantra)

Movement

Devotional

Direct essence of mind

The possibilities from meditation are immense! Why else would people have meditated for thousand of years? Developing a practice will require some discipline, but the fruits of your efforts will be immediate and far-reaching - beyond your wildest imagination.

© Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan - 2004
www.malasikka.net
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