When you first begin to meditate, you must be in a relaxed state. Your mind and body should be slower then normal, along with your breathing, at this state, your brain waves will become slower also. Guided Visualization meditation has a relaxing effect on the mind and body which help to reach a state of consciousness. It has also been proven to be more productive then the beta level of consciousness when achieving the visualization process. In simpler terms, this means instead of thinking, worrying, and pondering over your daily activities, such as school, work or kids in beta level, if you slow down, relax, and do visualization you will be able to make better, informed decisions in your life. Thus, resulting in a better environment not just for you but also for the people around you.
If you currently have an effective plan for relaxation and your system is working, do not change a thing, continue on using your system. However, if you have a hard time slowing down and relaxing try the methods we have talked about, such as slow your breathing down, take deeper breaths, count from ten to one slowly as you relax every muscle in your body from your head to your toes, most importantly find a nice quiet secluded place to relax. It defeats the purpose of meditation if you are trying to relax at a busy bus stop or at home with the television blaring in the background. If you are like some people, you may not get this down to a science and you may need to seek the help of a yoga instructor or a meditation specialist the trick is to find a system that works great for you, and keep in mind that not everyone is the same. Although with a little practice and patience, you will master relaxation and the alpha level of consciousness.
It is often easier for the mind to meditate when you are naturally relaxed, such as in the morning when you are first rising out of bed and at night just before you turn in. At times like this during the day, you have had a chance to wind down and relax not only physically but also mentally; doing it at either of these times will allow a better outcome. Some prefer to lie down and visualize, however others my find them selves dosing off. If this is the case for you sit upright in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the ground, making sure your spine is balanced and straight, this will allow better flow of energy and it will be easier to allow the alpha pattern to arise. If you have had an extremely hectic day you may find in beneficial take a short break and meditate, the benefits of doing this are not only mentally but also physically, you can return to your day with a clear mind and you will be able to see things with a new perspective.
Many people are stuck on the word “visualize”. When some people visualize they may see crisp, clear pictures, they may even be able to “feel and smell” their surroundings while visualizing. Others my close their eyes and only see the insides of their eyelids. They find it hard to get into that deep of state, they may have a general idea of what they see but it may not be as clear as others may. Everyone uses their imaginations throughout the day, regardless of what they are doing. Everyone has his or her own process and ideas of what visualizations is, whichever process that seems to be working for you is just fine there is no right or wrong in meditation and visualization.
A good way to practice and build whatever technique you use, is to close your eyes and picture your self in a familiar place a quiet room in your house or your garden outside. Visualize your surroundings. The colours, smells, even what your feel on your feet as you are walking in, visualize every little detail. Imagine yourself actually there enjoying these quiet surroundings. Now think of something that has happened to you this past week that was not only emotionally pleasing but physically and remember how you felt at that moment in time. What ever you need to do to bring these pictures to you is your own unique way of visualization, and if it works for you keep it up.
