We live in a busy world. There is never enough time! Our priority lists start with the necessities such as family, work, cleaning and eating, and only when we juggle or sacrifice do we find the time for hobbies, personal development and dare I say it, Relaxation. And by relaxation I don't mean sitting on the couch mindlessly flicking the remote.
Physical and Mental relaxation is vital to a balanced and healthy life. Relaxation should be one of your priorities!
But you are busy, I know. So lets focus on a solution. How to relax, in a busy world.
Let me introduce you to Guided Meditation. And don't shy away on reading the word ' meditation ' drawing from your pre-conceived ideas. You don't need to sit still for hours, and you don't need to completely silence your mind. Guided meditation is easy, and the benefits are Instant!
Children love hearing stories before bed. They are all consumed by the words and enter the created world and leave all other concerns behind. And then they relax and fall into a deep sleep. And in principal, Guided Meditation is the same.
The author, or guide, reads a story to you, and you just go along for the ride and reap the rewards. Reduced stress, increased mental clarity, connection to your true life's path, increased passion , joy and energy... The benefits are as diverse as the stories to choose from. And they are yours, Instantly!
There is no ' learning process'. Everyone can follow a Guided Meditation on the first go. There is no waiting for the results. Everyone can receive the instant benefits.
So how does it actually work? Well the meditations usually start with an awareness of your breath. You consciously watch your breath as it becomes deeper and slower. You are then asked to scan your body for areas of tension. Your eyes, jaw, or shoulders are often held tight without your knowing. And this instruction is all given to you step by step. Anybody can do it. In just a few short minutes you will be feeling balanced, aware and complete. Forms of the breath awareness and body scan start most guided meditations.
But then the stories get more interesting. You are taken on a journey into your imagination . And as your conscious mind follows the words and creates the pictures, the 'chatter' of your mind naturally falls away. Concerns of the real world are not a priority. The ties and anchors are released, so that when you do return, you view your current situation with greater clarity and perspective.
What was a massive problem may seem smaller, and creative solutions often present themselves right away, so your concern may be nothing more than a hurdle, which you can now skip over with zest.
And just as a child can choose from a library of books , you too can choose from a variety of Guided Meditations. Skim the titles and see what grabs your interest.
It is best for beginners to start with meditations that 'balance' your energy, and reduce physical, mental, and emotional stress. If you are unsure of your abilities, be assured each Guided Mediation walks you through the process step by step.
When you are comfortable with the basics, you can choose titles that will introduce you to more complex themes, such as meeting your higher self and inner child , your spirit guide or even regress to see who you were in a past life . It is all safe, it is all easy, and you are in complete control.
Most Guided Meditations go for 15 to 30 minutes. For the benefits you will receive it is worth making time in your busy life, for if you do, the rest of your life will flow better.
Regular meditation is an investment in you own happiness and prosperity .
Nigel Coates is the moderator of Explore Meditation
This website allows you to download Guided Meditations as MP3 audio files. There are a variety of Meditations for Spiritual Growth, Psychic Development, Physical Relaxation and Peace of Mind.