Yoga and Meditation

The art of meditation has been around since time immemorial. No one knows the origin of this art; it is believed to have been practiced since the prehistoric era. Meditation has always been a means to relax the human psyche and to develop focus and clarity in general. Many methods of meditation exist around the world ranging from quiet introspective meditation to focused rhythmic chanting. Another method that is gaining popularity these days is guided meditation.

Guided meditation is coach based. The coach provides training and enlightened thought to the learning practitioner as they begin their journey of meditation. The guide provides the stepping stones and keeps the student on the right course of learning. Sure, anyone can go online and look up meditation and read everything written but that doesn’t give you the opportunity to question and discuss specifics of meditation.

This is because the work usually done at the subconscious level is now being performed by the guide. Guided meditation can be spiritual or religious in nature. In both cases, it is extremely beneficial for people who have difficulty concentrating on a single task or who have attention span disorders. Christianity, Judaism and other Sufi sects promote the concept of guided meditation. In a religious context, the audiovisual cues are in the form of chants or prayers.

The main technique of guided meditation prevalent today is the one involving auditory stimulation. This technique involves speaking, chanting or singing to a person in order to bring the person into a meditative state. This form of guided meditation is prevalent in Eastern meditative techniques such as Yoga and Tai Chi. The guided meditation technique is generally a precursor to independent meditation.

Guided meditation may involve a technique called chanting. That is when a phrase or mantra is repeated over and over. Your guide will usually give you an appropriate chant. Some time chanting is done at specific time of day or when feeling stressed. It can be done as a group or by yourself. Chanting is another way of the practitioner to provide focus on inner feelings and for clearing the thoughts that clutter thinking. Chanting can be beneficial as long as you are not annoying others with it.

Guided meditation is not only good for the mind but good for the soul. Many religions use guided meditation as a means of being one with a higher power. To bring about a sense of peace and caring not usually found with a busy life. Guided meditation is also a means of self expression brought about by a desire to cleanse the mind.

After a term of guided meditation the practitioner usually has the means to practice meditation on their own. They have successfully absorbed the lessons and can take that knowledge and use it for their own benefit. It isn’t out of the question that one may call on the guide from time to time for a little meditation refresher and reinforcement.

Michael Webb has used guided meditation for many years. For more insights and information, go to http://www.guidedmeditation4u.info