Meditation session

With the stresses of modern life often seeming to press on relentlessly, many people are becoming overly fatigued, depressed, frustrated, impatient, and angry. The practice of meditation can help individuals deal with the stress, put their lives into perspective, and clear their minds. And it doesn’t have to cost anything.

Meditation primer
Meditation is a term that refers to various practices or techniques that allow people to focus or concentrate their attention. These techniques have their origins in many different religious and spiritual practices, although one does not need to be religious or even spiritual to practice meditation.

In fact, much of the attention given to meditation today is in association with mind-body medicine and how it can improve health and wellness. To that end, there are dozens of research project underway that are studying the effects and uses of meditation.

Generally, there are two basic types of meditation and many dozens of ways people can practice each one. In mindfulness meditation, people hold an open focus. It has been described as watching a parade go by: you just open up your mind and be a silent, nonjudgmental, nonparticipating observer. In concentration meditation, meditators focus their attention on a specific object or thought (e.g., a mantra, lit candle, breathing) while minimizing distractions. Whenever the mind drifts away from the object, the meditator brings his or her mind back to concentrate on the chosen object.

Benefits of meditation

The traditional use of meditation was--and is—to become more personally aware, to realize one’s spiritual self, and to connect with a higher power. Today an increasing number of people turn to meditation to help them cope with the chaos in their lives. One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to help relieve stress, which can have significant negative effects on both physical and psychological health. Other benefits include relief from insomnia, increased mental clarity, an awakening of creativity, enhanced ability to concentrate, and development of intuition.

Meditation in Phoenix

The Phoenix area has a variety of opportunities for people to learn and practice meditation. Here are a few you can consider.

Center for Divine Awakening, offers both free and fee-based sessions

Clear Light Buddhist Center (offers regular meditation on Sundays and Mondays and a series as well)

Sahaja Yoga Arizona, offers free meditation programs

Shambhala Phoenix Meditation Center, offers meditation sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays

Sri Chinmoy Centre, offers free meditation workshops

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