Are you tired of constant racing thoughts that interfere with your ability to concentrate, make decisions, or even fall asleep? A racing mind is not just a nuisance but may contribute to anxiety and stress. Instead of trying to stop the racing thoughts, focus on quieting your mind through mindful meditation. By helping your mind and body relax, releasing tension, and rejuvenating your entire being, you’ll be able to direct the path you want in life.
Meditation 101
Meditation generally refers to practices that involve focusing attention without thought or analysis, leading to altered states of consciousness, enlightenment, awareness, insight, or simply deep relaxation. While many people have heard of meditation and are trying various forms, there are dozens of variations, each with its own practices and goals. Two basic categories are Insight Meditation (Vipassana) and Mindfulness.
Insight Meditation vs. Mindfulness
Insight Meditation, or Vipassana, is an ancient Indian practice that aims to transform the self through self-observation. It may help you know yourself better and understand your self-imposed suffering. According to Vipassana, happiness comes from within and doesn’t require manipulation of the external world.
Mindfulness, which originates from the Indian Vipassana tradition, helps you become aware of your own breathing, thought patterns, and focus. It’s a common tool in Western psychotherapy used mostly to help individuals live in the moment and quiet their minds.
Including Mantras in Meditation
One aspect missing from mainstream Western meditation practices is the use of mantras (power phrases). Most commonly associated with Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, mantras are chants of short phrases infused with intention and energy. The recitation of these phrases creates powerful sound waves that center your energy, heighten your mental state of awareness, promote healing, expand creativity, spur insight, and encourage spiritual growth.
Examples of Powerful Mantras
One of the best general mantras is known as the Universal Mantra, “Baba Nam Kevalam.” In Sanskrit, it refers to “only the name of the beloved” or globally as “Love is all there is.” Here are some other powerful mantras to help you along your path:
- Healing Mantra of the Medicine Buddha: “Tayatha Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye Mahabhaishajye Taja Samudgate Svaha.”
- Mantra for Developing Compassion and Protection from all Fears: “Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha.”
- Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha for Developing Morality, Meditation, and Wisdom: “Om Muni Muni Mahamunaye Svaha.”
- Mantra for Healing Misunderstandings in a Relationship: “Om Sharavana Bhavaya Namaha.”
Including mantra back into mainstream meditation might help accelerate the meditative state, whether for relaxation, sleep, or enlightenment.
Choosing the Right Meditation Practice
The type of meditation practice you choose depends on your goals. Mindfulness may be better if you’re aiming for relaxation or stress reduction, while other forms, such as Jappa, could lead to altered states of consciousness. Chakra meditation might help build energy. Before meditating, try to identify your goals and select a meditation practice that suits them.
Benefits of Continuous Practice
There are many benefits to various forms of meditation, especially when practiced consistently. Regular meditation can change a person’s DNA, increase brain density, relieve anxiety and depression, clear the mind, relax the body, and increase neuronal connections. Regardless of the method, meditation is a powerful tool for boosting your mental, emotional, physiological, and spiritual health.
