If you have thought about beginning a meditation practice or just have questions.
I hope this list of FAQs provides you with some answers.
For a more in depth discussion check out the book Meditation Made Easy (Harper One, 2001).
What is meditation? Meditation helps you to get to a naturally occurring rest state.
You are at rest and yet you are awake and your mind is alert.
A mind in meditation is actually more alert than a thinking mind as is shown in brain imaging studies.
The rest obtained in meditation is deeper and happens more quickly than the rest obtained from sleep.
They are a different kind of rest from one another.
Meditation can be planned or spontaneous.
Two elements define any meditation style: How you focus, and what you focus on.
The how is generally gentle, restful, and steady, and the what is something simple like the breath.
Is it good for your health? Yes.
It can have a powerful effect on your health.
It helps you to function at your best mentally and physically.
It allows the body vital rest to restore and replenish itself.
It helps you to feel less stress response so you will have fewer stress-related illnesses.
What kind of meditation should I do? There are literally thousands of types of meditation practices.
You should find whatever style works best for you.
There is no right or wrong, better or best.
It is an individual preference and you may try many styles to find what you prefer.
This preference may change over time and you may feel like doing one style one day, month, or year and another the next.
What happens when you meditate? Many things take place in the meditative state.
Muscles relax, the body and its organ systems rest, the mind is alert and is busy reviewing experiences, healing pain, letting go of past hurts and readying itself to be more adaptive and balanced.
After wards you will handle stress better and feel less stressed over things that may have previously bothered you.
Where did meditation originate? Since it happens both in a planned and a spontaneous manner, it is likely that people have been meditating forever even when they did not know it.
Sitting quietly in nature is a form, as is being intensely involved and focused on an activity.
Running can have a meditative quality.
How do I know what kind of meditation to do? Read and learn about a variety of different styles from books, DVDs and classes.
Decide what you prefer.
Understand that your preference will most likely change over time.
What is a mantra and do I need one? A mantra is generally understood as a sound.
Some people prefer to use one and some people do not.
Some styles include a mantra as a part of the practice.
The breath can be a mantra.
How will I know I'm doing it right? If it feels restful and gives you a sense of ease, you are on the right track.
Can I learn from a book? Yes.
Some people can learn from books or recording, some from a teacher or class or for some people it is a self-taught exploration.
What do I need to get started? Nothing more than yourself.
You can do it anywhere at any time.
It is best not to be disturbed for 5 to 30 minutes.
You can sit in a comfortable chair or on the floor.
Whatever feels comfortable and relaxed to you.