Meditation has been has been around for thousands of years. Every religion uses some form of meditation which bring about peace, joy and a deeper spiritual understanding of themselves and life around them. It helps in uplifting and unifying the body, mind and spirit.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Studies show that meditation can significantly reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, decrease irregular heartbeats, improve immune system, and lower blood cholesterol regardless of ones diet

HOW TO MEDITATE:

Yoga teaches that one should sit with the spine straight. This allows one to breathe deeply. Breathing slowly and rhythmically quiets the mind and brings one into a state of inner calmness and peace. Choose a comfortable seated posture, either sitting cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair, feet together and flat on the floor with the backs of the hands lying at the juncture of the thighs and abdomen. Sitting in any of these positions keeps the life energy within the body as in a close circuit. Sit on a woolen blanket. This acts as an insulation to neutralize the downward pull of earth vibrations. Keep the chin level, leaning the body slightly forward for balance. This allows the bodily weight to be placed on the thick part of the thighs instead of the seat, which is the natural and most restful way to sit.

Most important is the eye mudra. Lift the eyes and focus their gaze and the attention of the mind at the mid-spot between the eyebrows, which is referred to in the Bible as the single eye, and in other texts as the organ of psychical sight. The Christian Master taught in the books of St. Matthew and St. Luke: "If . . . thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light" (Matt. 6:22). "Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness" (Luke 11:35).

This mudra acts upon the mind much as the brakes act upon an automobile. When the mind is freed from all its desires, thoughts, worries, and cares, one enters an inner silence and becomes conscious of the indwelling presence of God.

The Master Paramahansa Yogananda said that meditation is the missing link between religion and self-realization or revelation. Meditation is the science of penetrating the darkness that we see behind closed eyes. In the Bible, that darkness is called the veil to be rent asunder. Master Yogananda also said that with the pickax of meditation, the meditating devotee breaks through the darkness behind closed eyes into a dazzling ocean of light that permeates the universe. Out of that great light we have all come and back into that great light we shall all return.

1. Set aside a quiet time each day to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Eventually one will be able to lengthen the time.

Sit quietly in a comfortable position with eyes closed. Relax your muscles progressing from your feet , calves, thighs and on up. Breathe slowly and naturally. Take a deep breath and then visualize letting go of all your worries and cares on the exhale. Then simply watch your breath as it flows easily in and out. If concerns or thoughts come into your mind, just acknowledge them and then let them go.

A short phrase or prayer that is rooted in your belief system, such as Peace or The Lord is my Shepherd, can also help in quieting the mind.

Daily meditation should be done consistently in order to gain the desired results.

By being mindful in all that you do can also invoke the relaxation response that you attain in meditation. You can do it while walking, jogging, playing a musical instrument,yoga, knitting, gardening. The possibilities are endless.