Jots and Tittles and other Random Things

Meditation

Meditation

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines mediation as: 1. to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness. 2. transitive verb. : to focus one's thoughts on : reflect on or ponder over. This writing will be focusing more on the second definition.

Why meditate? For peace of mind, to give oneself a space to "breathe", for clarity of purpose. These are just of the few benefits in using mediation. It doesn't have to be done for long periods of time; but periodic mental breaks are necessary to avoid burnout. Work production, whether for business or pleasure is increased.

What to meditate on? Whatever gives your mind a break from what you are doing. It can be focused on your breathing. You could also focus on relaxing the different parts of your body in a systemic way, such as from top to bottom. Releasing tension from your body to help relax is one way of doing so. If one is a Christian, using scriptures as a focus could be beneficial. The point is to put focus on something that relaxes, and takes one's mind off of the problem that is looming.


What If one just cannot meditate? Visualization has been considered as a way to focus on problem solving as well as a relaxion technique. Coloring is a possible alternative. There are many different kinds of children's and adult coloring books that give you something to focus on, to concentrate on the lines and colors rather than on what is going on all around. On a beautiful day, if possible, go lay down on the grass and gaze at the clouds. Focus on what the clouds are doing, and the shapes that are made. Anything that distracts a person from their problems would be beneficial; even if it were for a short time.

In conclusion, meditation isn't for everyone. For those who can use this discipline, the benefits are many. For those who cannot do so, there are several alternatives that can be used. The main thing is to relax the body, lower the blood pressure and to help relieve stress. This in turn may help in problem solving and getting over roadblocks to figuring things out.

Word Count 381


Sources:

https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=definition+of+meditation&sourceid=o...

https://www.google.com/search?q=why+meditate&client=opera&hs=nPD&sxsrf=APwXEdcme...

https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&hs=3DY&sxsrf=APwXEdfUEg8BPSMef9MeHEHF...

https://ideas.ted.com/cant-seem-to-meditate-7-joyful-activities-for-you-to-try-i...