Mindful Meditation

This series of articles is brought to you by Optimal Modification, Inc. (also known as OMI). The founder of OMI, Dr. Thom Rogers, is a pioneer in the field of aligning businesses (and all their aspects) to the quantum field, so that these businesses may experience their full potential.

Mindful Meditation Contributes to Healthy Mind and Body

Mindful meditation helps in ways you may have never imagined. So much has been said about the power mind has over body. By thinking positive thoughts, we can actually invite positive situations into our lives.

One way to exercise this mind-over-body principle is through meditation. While a number of more complicated types of meditation techniques (e.g. Merkaba Meditation, Chi Meditation, and Japa Meditation) may intimidate a beginner due to their rather complex nature, there is one type of meditation a neophyte meditator can perform through considerable practice; it is called mindful meditation or open-focus meditation. 


What is Mindful Meditation?

There are two basic types of meditation, one is the concentrative method, and the other is mindful meditation. In concentrative method, the meditator focuses on a particular thought or object and holds it in his mind during the entire duration of the meditation routine. Careful analysis of the idea is practiced. Other thoughts or ideas are considered a distraction, so when they do come up, the meditator immediately discards them, and goes back to the object of his meditation.

In Mindful Meditation, there is no concentration involved, only quiet mindfulness. The person  ‘views’ the various thoughts and emotions that pass through the mind without making any commentary or judgment. When a new thought enters his mind during the mindful meditation session, he moves his focus to this new idea and views it, and then, goes back to the original thought or idea that he is meditating upon without analysis.

The goal is to develop a full awareness of everything and anything within or around the individual at the present time sans evaluation or intellectual attachment.  

It is said that any activity done mindfully by a person is already a form of mindful meditation, whether it be walking in the woods, washing the dishes, or focusing on the hourly chimes of clocks. This means that it is possible to be practically mindful all the time.


Benefits of Mindful Meditation

Meditating mindfully has been credited for its therapeutic role in improving mood, combating stress, as well as boosting the immune function. This meditation has also been clinically shown to be effective in treating a number of medical conditions, particularly chronic pain, high blood pressure, and sleeping disorders.

Mindfully meditating is also being employed to prevent anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies in persons with severe mental illness. Currently, research is being done to explore the potential benefit of mindful meditation in ADD and ADHD therapy.


Creating the Right Environment for Meditating Mindfully

Each meditation session is a journey towards self-awareness. To get the most of this type of meditation, you must be in a place conducive to this exercise. It doesn’t matter if the place is small as long as there is privacy and quiet. It is not advisable to practice meditation of the mind in a setting where you may be driven to irritation or agitation. The phone and the TV/radio must be turned off, the door closed, and pets and children must not be in the same room.   

You may practice this meditation frequently but only for short periods of time, say, 10 to 20 minutes. In the beginning, achieving a relaxed state may take some getting used to, so you  must be gentle and patient with yourself. Remember that in meditation, the main goal is to achieve a calm state of mind, which is a natural aspect of the mind, so that we feel content. Through regular practice of this soothing meditation, we develop and strengthen this inner peace; getting stressed over it therefore defeats the purpose.

The Proper Posture for Mindful Meditation

It is very important that you are relaxed during your meditation routine. You may sit on a chair with your feet touching the ground, or you may opt to sit cross-legged on a cushion, with your hands resting palm-down on your thighs provided that you are comfortable in this position.  

In mindful meditation, as in other types of meditation, the body must be erect, but not stiff, and the shoulders are level with each other. Energy flows better when the posture is upright.  When the body is bent, it disrupts the normal flow of energy, and in turn, affects the person’s thought processes.


Techniques in Mindful Meditation

You must be calm throughout this meditation session, yet very much awake. If you notice yourself getting drowsy, check your posture. Direct your gaze downward, just a couple of inches in front of your nose. The eyes are open but not staring or straining.

The breath should be even and natural, not labored or forced. Imagine yourself getting more and more relaxed with each inhalation and exhalation. Focus on the sensation as the air moves in and out of your body with each breath. Notice and feel your belly rise and fall as you breathe in and out during your mindful meditation routine.
 
During this meditation session, when a peculiar thought enters your mind, you may simply let the thought pass and then come back to paying attention to your breath. Gently put aside thoughts that belong to the past, as well as those that belong to the future; you must stay in the present. Tell yourself, “I know this particular thought or idea is important to me, but right now I am trying to focus on the present.” When you feel restlessness, fear or worry arise, gently push them aside without judging and/or clinging. Don’t ignore or resist them, but simply note them, and remain calm. This is what meditation of the mind is about.

As your calming meditation routine draws to a close, don’t stand up right away. Savor the feeling of relaxation for a few more moments with your eyes closed, and become aware of where you are. Feel the sensation of your feet, legs and shoulders and the surface that they are in contact with. After a minute or two, stand up slowly, and gently stretch your body. Start moving your hands and toes. Your eyes may remain closed for a few more moments. After another minute or two, you may open them.  

Your daily meditation session is now ended. You may now resume your daily activities. Throughout the day, you may recall the experience you had during meditation, and use it to again invite a calm attitude in dealing with everyday stress.


Mindful Meditation / Conclusion

No matter what technique you choose to develop focus and inner calm the benefits will be far-reaching. Not only will you be less affected by life's daily stresses, you will be in an optimal position to attain prosperity in your working life as well.

Thank you for visiting the “Mindful Meditation” page. Want more information on both personal and business success and what it takes to get there? Then we recommend learning more about Optimal Modification, Inc.

To find out more about OMI & Dr. Thom Rogers’ work, and learn more about this fascinating way to optimize your business, go to OptimalModification.com.