Purposeful Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool used by millions of people worldwide as a method to reduce stress, increase spiritual growth and impact overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, there are many myths stigmatizing the art of meditation. Meditation is often thought of as a “clearing of the mind”. This could not be further from the truth. Meditation is also often associated with the chanting of religious mantras. This is only one type of meditation. There are many different types of meditation and most have no association with any form of organized religion. When performed regularly, meditation can be instrumental in centering one with their intended purpose and opening the mind to greater enlightenment.

Meditation, by definition, is continuous and profound concentration on a single subject. It is to give something your complete, undivided attention. The very meaning of the word does much to dispel the beliefs that meditation is meant to empty your head of any thought. The purpose of meditation is to center oneself or to achieve balance. It is to redefine your life’s focus. It is to become in harmony with your purpose. The act of meditation needs energy in the form of activity in order to be realized. It is a practice meaning that you have to do something.

Activity is crucial to reaping the benefits of meditation. The type of activity you choose to perform is based upon what benefits you hope to achieve. What is your purpose? If the purpose of the meditation is to increase spiritual growth, then the activity you perform could be prayer. If the purpose of the meditation is to gain knowledge or enlightenment, then your activity could be reading. If your purpose is to relieve stress, then your activity could be a visualization exercise. Other activities can include: belly breathing, singing, yoga, martial arts, painting or any other action that requires your complete attention. The point is that whatever type of activity you choose to perform as your meditation, it must be able to produce your desired benefits. Your meditation should be purposeful.

What are the benefits of purposeful meditation? Since it is not a “clearing of the mind”, meditation does not help you to escape your problems. Just as in detrimental coping techniques such as alcohol or other substance abuse, your problems will still be there when you are finished. What meditation can do is help you to gain clarity and focus, work out answers and solve problems with a “quieter” mind. The human brain is such an intricate network of thought and emotion that it is often difficult to truly hear oneself think. Focused, purposeful meditation allows you to dedicate your attention to concentrate on troubling issues without interruption. Furthermore, a quieter mind permits your brain to increase its function by absorbing and processing information better. Meditation also, because of any physical activity, promotes better oxygen intake, lowers the heart rate, reduces blood pressure and regulates the levels of cortisol, a hormone identified as a key culprit to inducing stress.

Purposeful meditation is a way to strengthen the mind, body and spirit. It allows you to achieve balance and hear your own voice. It is a journey of self-discovery. You can not do it wrong so don’t beat yourself up when your mind wanders to other things. It is the nature of the human brain to think. Focused meditation takes practice. Choose an activity that is comfortable, meaningful and that will allow you to achieve your intended purpose. Start with short sessions of 10 or 15 minutes and work your way up to an hour. Remember, purposeful meditation is just one tool to aid you in your journey to a happy, fulfilling life.

© 2007 - All Rights Reserved.

About the Author:

Niquenya D. Fulbright is a Chicago area executive life coach, professional speaker and corporate trainer with over 10 years experience specializing in motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, groups and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. Niquenya wants to partner with you in building a bridge between your dreams and ultimate reality. For more information or to schedule a complimentary coaching session, visit www.niquenyafulbright.com send inquiry to contactme@niquenyafulbright.com or call 773-368-3575. All coaching sessions are performed via telephone.



Purposeful Meditation - To learn more about this author, visit Niquenya D. Fulbright's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

E-Mail | Print | More

Related Articles
Purposeful Meditation
	Meditation is a powerful tool used by millions of people worldwide as a method to reduce stress, increase spiritual growth and impact overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, there are many myths stigmatizing th...
Empathy Means Not Going It Alone
	When I feel overwhelmed, it's often because I forget that I'm not in competition with the rest of the world, but I always have the option to join in cooperation. That requires that I adjust my attitude toward the re...
'Purposeful Change': The Way Forward
	Change happens all around us, but we're not 'victims' of change. We have a critical part to play in seeing that change moves us in a positive direction. That's what 'purposeful change' is all about: getting involved...
Wisdom Is Knowing What We Don't Know
	Comprehension, as most people understand it, is not a strength but rather a weakness. People often presuppose wrongly that everyone has the same comprehension as they do. Arrogance insists that our vision of the "fa...
The Top 10 Methods of Meditation
	Readily recommended throughout the ages, meditation serves as our own personal fountain of peace. Whether studied or spontaneous, meditation fulfills our deepest need for serenity and self-knowledge. To follow are s...

---

Related Forum Posts
	Learn How to Improve Your Business and Personal Life