Meditation is guaranteed to bring you clarity, calmness and the peace of mind we all seek!  It also makes you feel and look younger; it stimulates the human growth hormone and is equivalent of up to seven hours sleep. And let’s be honest, if Miranda Kerr swears by it, what have we got to loose?

Meditation is becoming increasing popular and the number one reason for this is that we lead such busy and stressed lives. When we are stressed we send signals to our adrenal glands saying ‘more energy please! More adrenalin!’ Over time, stress and the release of too much adrenalin can cause a number of changes in our body including:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased stress hormone release
• Sweating
• Weakened immunity (sneezing, catching colds, virus etc)

But through meditating we are able to learn how to handle this stress. Basically the body shifts into a state of restful awareness, in which we see:

• Decreased heart rate
• Normalisation of blood pressure
• Reduced stress hormones
• Reduced sweating
• Strengthened immunity

How to Meditate

• The most important thing with meditation is to be comfortable. You don’t want to be sitting for 20 minutes and thinking that your legs, arms or bottom is hurting as it will prevent you from meditating. It is best to sit in an upright position with good back support whether that be sitting on a chair, on the sofa, against a wall or on your bed – all with plenty of pillows. Place your hands comfortably sitting over one another.

• Close your eyes and start gently and silently repeating the mantra ‘OM’ or ‘So-Hum” to yourself. When you notice that your mantra has drifted away and you are focussing on your thoughts or you are listening to a noise outside, gently go back to repeating your mantra. Always favour your mantra over your thoughts or outside distractions. Continue this process for 20 minutes.

• A mantra has no particular meaning so there is nothing to keep your focus at the level of the mind. By repeating your mantra over and over again, it helps to stop the constant flow of thoughts and therefore you are able to still your mind.

• After 20 minutes, stop repeating your mantra and take a few moments before you slowly open your eyes. You will find that your body and your breathing will really start to settle down and you will feel more relaxed, calm and energised.