Meditation as a form of alternative medicine brings about mental calmness and physical relaxation by suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. Generally performed once or twice a day for approximately 20 minutes at a time, meditation is used to reduce stress, alter hormone levels, and elevate one’s mood.
Try this meditation from “Emotional Yoga, How the Body can Heal the Mind,” by Bija Bennett, for deepening contentment.
– Decide on an attitude you’d like to cultivate – happiness, for example.
– Sit comfortably with eyes closed and direct your awareness within. Lengthen the flow of your breath and allow yourself to feel the silence.
– Now, bring your awareness to your heart, while thinking the word ‘happiness’. Then release your intention into your field of consciousness. It’s like blowing the seeds off a dandelion – you say the intention in your mind, then let it go with the breath. Next, bring your awareness back to yourself and be there silently for a moment.
– Repeat this procedure with one intention at least two to four times, always coming back to yourself.