Meditation for Contentment in Life
Iromi Dharmawardhane
At a Monash Ball (2008). ▶
At the base of Mt Kinabalu
with collegemates (2008). ▶
Starting to Meditate
Meditation is a self-regulated focusing of attention
and includes increasing levels of contemplation,
concentration, observation/mindfulness, and
awareness/consciousness. Generally speaking, there
are three main types of meditation: meditation of love,
focused-concentration meditation, and observation/
mindfulness meditation (leading to or also known as
insight meditation).
Meditation of love practices involve both the cultivation
of the feeling of universal love/compassion as well
as concentration, as it is to project love towards
oneself and others (or God, as practiced in certain
religious traditions) in a focused and continuous
manner. Focused-concentration meditation practices
involve directing attention on a single ‘object,’
such as the breath, an inner or external image, a
movement pattern or a word/ phrase that is repeated
continuously, to develop the power of concentration.
Observation/mindfulness meditation practices involve
observation, awareness and concentration, as it
is to observe ‘mind objects’ (any thought, feeling,
perception or sensation) as they arise in each
moment, with the intent of understanding.
When embarking on the practice of meditation, it is
important to select a teacher or textual source with a
good reputation, and one who/which adheres closely
to the original teachings and practices. Most meditation
practices discussed in religions such as Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism and Islam, are conducted in
solitude in a quiet place, so as to minimize distractions.
Meditation centers usually advise adults to meditate
for one hour a day, as an adult is thought to be able
to handle this exertion. However, one can begin with
fifteen minutes of meditation a day, and increase to
an hour over the course of several months. Some will
begin to experience the benefits of meditation sooner
than others. It has been observed that the first few
weeks of meditation could see an increase in stress in a
practitioner − as the mind is ‘re-aligning’ itself − and the
process of detachment can also be stressful. Following
this point, stress levels begin to reduce tremendously.
It, therefore, may be necessary to practice meditation
continuously for at least one month in order to reduce
stress, and two months would be a better timeline to
see greater benefits.
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Meditation
promotes
good
mental and
physical
health,
allowing
one to
live one’s
life fully
and
contentedly.
Meditation has an overwhelmingly positive impact on
the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects
of human life. It has been practiced for thousands of
years as a part of human civilization – and everyone
is free to do it. Yet, many people have not yet been
introduced to the life-enhancing practice. Meditation
promotes good mental and physical health, allowing
one to live one’s life fully and contentedly. Thus,
meditation is recommended by many medical
professionals for improving health and countering
illness, as there is now much clinical evidence to prove
its health benefits. It is recommended that meditation
is included in one’s daily routine for well-being, along
with a healthy diet and exercise.