Be the Observer of Your Own Thoughts, Meditating!

What does meditation mean?

We often hear the word “meditation,” but what does it actually mean? Entering a state of meditation means reaching that “space” where there is a pause between thoughts and staying there. That is the pure state of meditation, where there are no thoughts, where breathing is so deep and slow that we can barely feel it, where bodily functions decrease to a minimum, and we simply exist in that space between thoughts. There, time has a different meaning, and we feel that we merge with everything, and everything becomes a part of us.

Training to reach the meditative state

To achieve this state, training is required, just as we train our muscles for good tone, we also train our minds to remain thoughtless for a period. Any form of movement, but especially yoga, helps to achieve this state.

The benefits of meditation backed by science

What are the benefits of meditation? Numerous benefits are strongly supported by science: it reduces anxiety, improves memory, reduces stress, improves sleep, helps lower blood pressure, enhances overall well-being, strengthens the immune system, and the list goes on.

Confronting our thoughts during meditation

You may have noticed that when you decide to meditate, thoughts eagerly try to invade your mind with incredible speed. In fact, this is human nature. The mind is in constant activity, and during these moments of respite, we become aware of the “chaos” in our minds.

Perseverance and repetition in meditation

When people experience these states, they often give up, thinking that meditation is not suitable for them.

At the same time, frustration sets in, the feeling that “I can’t calm my mind.” Rest assured, it is perfectly normal for this to happen. Each person has their own pace in which they can invite thoughts to leave as they came, of course, thanking them for their visit. By doing this, initially, you will experience good sleep because the mind gets bored with repetitive tasks over a long period and reacts accordingly. After a while, you will be able to stay awake and observe the flow of thoughts, and then comes the moment when you start gaining control over them and can invite them to leave your mind as they came.

This is the stage where the training to meditate begins.

Creating an environment conducive to meditation

The key to success in both body and mind training is perseverance and repetition. It is not surprising that it is said, “repetition is the mother of learning,” and the same applies to meditation. Do not feel discouraged if you can’t reach the same state every time, but persevere and enjoy every moment.

To facilitate meditation, I recommend surrounding yourself with things you enjoy: a comfortable space, a comfortable posture, a comfortable temperature, ambient music, comfortable clothing, pleasant scents, scented candles, or anything else that you feel would be helpful. Another important aspect is to let everything flow at its own pace without developing attachments or expectations. Regardless of obstacles, remain steadfast and continue daily practice until it integrates into your daily routine. To receive something, we must give something, and our investment, time, and consistent practice will yield the desired benefits.

The initial procedure for meditation

How do we proceed? Once you have prepared a comfortable space where you feel at ease, adopt a comfortable posture, preferably a position that does not require you to move your body, such as the easy pose, lotus position, or savasana. Start by becoming aware of the temperature of the air as you inhale and exhale, and for a period, focus only on your breath, observing how your body gradually relaxes, allowing its weight to sink into the place where you are seated, with the breath becoming calm and tranquil.

This is the starting point for any type of meditation you wish to try. Here are a few recommendations: relax your physical body and follow your breath; initially, this may be sufficient. If I do this for a longer period, I can enter a state of meditation simply by observing my breath and the movements of my body. Visualization exercises can also be added, for example: we can visualize a white light coming from the universe and entering our body through the crown of the head, filling the entire head with light. Then, the light descends along the central line of the body, reaching below the navel and from there, it extends to each cell of the body and every organ, then it expands through the skin and returns to the universe. Continue this visualization for a period, observing what sensations and states this process leads to.

Simple techniques to reach the meditative state

There are three simple techniques that can lead us to that space, the “pause between thoughts,” if we choose to practice them consistently and detached, enjoying the practice and letting go of the results.

Reasons to practice meditation

Why do we choose to practice meditation?

– changes our mood.
– brings us to the space of calm and inner peace.
– provides a broad perspective on the subject we meditate on or on life in general.
– brings us patience, detachment, healing, trust, and deep self-knowledge.
– improves our sleep and prevents us from entering the turmoil of life in reaction but rather through choice.