I have encountered three types of reaction when I mention the word meditation:
1 “It’s not for me, I wonder how people do it, it’s so boring.”
2 “I really want to learn; I have done it in the past and left.”
3 “I practice regularly”
Obviously the three options are in descending order of occurrence.
There are a lot of myths which surround the practice of meditation; also there are a few informal meditation practices which are unknown to most people.
Let me lay done a few facts about meditation:-
1 It is not religious in nature
2 It can be learnt by anyone and it’s okay if you think you can’t sit still.
3 Meditation doesn’t mean clearing your mind of all thoughts.
4 You don’t have to create an ambiance for meditation or sit in a particular posture.
5 Meditation is for everyone not just people who are stressed.
6 Children as young as 5 years of age can be taught to meditate.
7 There is no such things as perfect meditation, it is a practice
8 It doesn’t mean you’re running away from problems
9 It is different from relaxation, hypnosis or concentration.
10 There is no goal, it’s only the experience in that moment
You don’t have to sit in a particular posture or chant anything. It takes about 3-4 minutes and can be done anywhere.
This is the simplest form. Plug in your ear phones for some guided meditation.
In Hindi
In English
Informal meditation practices like Mindful Eating, Mindful Walking, etc. I will uploading guided meditations for the same soon.
- Dr Nahid Dave
Consultant Psychiatrist