Meditation Monday
The Observer
Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Watch your breath.
Observe your thoughts. Where do they take you? Release each thought, memory, or anticipation, with your exhale. Observe your body. Is there a part that is hurting as you sit? Become the observer of where your thoughts go. Release each thought with your exhale. Clear your mind to be able to focus more clearly.
Are you going back in time to a troubling moment?
Are you going forward to an anticipation or worry?
Bring your mind to the present moment.
Exhale the pain with your breath.
Bring your attention simply to your breath.
As a train conductor, with each changing station or each changing thought,
get back on board to the simple movement of your breath.
Back on board again to your breath.
Take a moment each day to clear your mind and simply focus on your breath.
Benefits of Meditation
Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of meditation. Some of these benefits include: lowering cholesterol levels, reversing arteriosclerosis (hardened arteries), lowering blood pressure levels, reducing angina (chest pain), lowering levels of stress hormones in the blood, lessening fatigue, altering brain wave patterns reflective of a calmer state, lessening anxiety and depression, reducing insomnia, improving muscle and joint pain, strengthening the immune system, lessening craving type behaviors like smoking, and increasing overall confidence, awareness and general health.