How to Reduce Stress Through Meditation

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Courtesy of Fontplay.com

Our thoughts barely cease to give us the much needed rest or freedom from daily stress.  Even at night when we sleep, many of us don’t rest peacefully, but our minds continue the cycle of busying our thought process with more things we need to do for the days ahead.  This increases stress, but how can we stop the endless cycle and get proper rest?  

I have found that meditation is a powerful tool not only used for relaxation, but it liberates the mind with profound freedom.  Over the years it has helped to calm and release me from the build-up of negative and harmful stress.  In addition, it has aided me with peace during the most adverse periods in my life. 

No human is stress free, yet there are different types of stress that if left unchecked can wreak havoc on our minds and physical bodies.  This is when severe stress turns into disease.  Diet, exercise and being active is part of the process to keep stress down.  Another distinct way is through meditation.  By quieting the mind, one can see things more clearly and make rational decisions when confronted with adversity.  To get the best results, meditate daily for at least fifteen minutes. 

Meditation, a simple technique

Find a quiet place, light a candle if you prefer.  Close your eyes and concentrate on the spot between your eyebrows.  Don’t strain the eyes, but relax and gaze softly.

Relax your gaze and concentrate on your breath.  Breathe in to the count of eight (or any number), hold to the count of eight and exhale to the count of eight.  By doing this you are controlling the breath.  Now you are on your way to calming your body and mind. 

Many thoughts will come, but don’t get attached and just let them go.  Things will come up and make you feel as if you have to rush or leave from meditation—this is the ego.   Ignore all fearful and negative thoughts.

By doing this daily, liberation from the mind’s negative and busy thoughts will follow.   Soon you will start to go about your life in a more calm way and incredible awareness will flourish.   

All the Best, 

Bev