Meditation is a state (of stillness, of oneness, of being in the here and now, of a calm mind) that we can achieve using various techniques. It is a spiritual practice practised in many cultures and faiths. Meditation is also known as the royal road to self-knowledge, as it leads us inwards, into the depths of our own true being. The highest level is awakening, enlightenment.
Meditation is a healing force for body, mind and soul. The various techniques such as observing, breathing, focusing, visualising and reciting or active techniques with movement (for example walking meditation) serve to calm the mind and find inner peace. Meditating allows us to gain new access to ourselves and the world in which we live. Regular practice brings numerous health benefits for body and mind, such as increased concentration, better stress management, stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, slower ageing.
How often and for how long?
To begin with, 5 minutes of meditation a day is enough - preferably daily. Because meditation is a way of experiencing and practising.
At first it may be a challenge to sit still and you realise how much you identify with your thoughts and feelings. Over time, you can let go and observe everything more and more without judgement and underneath it all, your true self emerges, which is perfect and always there.