Yoga is a science offering a system for an individual to extend consciousness beyond the known and familiar limitations of the personality into the limitless realms of Universal Consciousness. Although experiences of this kind generally come to us spontaneously through outer stimulus or through religious experience it can also be achieved through deliberate desire and training. The practice of quiet mindedness or meditation is designed for this purpose.
Beyond improved mental fitness, the ultimate benefits of meditation include not only a wider perception of life as a whole, but increased understanding, and a more vital, purposeful attitude towards our personal life. Not only do we become more self-confident of our own potential but feel more certain of the beneficence and magnitude of the world in which we live.The classical education in mental fitness advises that we use the simplest method that inspires us, or feels natural to us. It generally proves to be the best. Then it only requires our sincere aspiration and regular practice of meditation. It begins by selecting about twenty minutes or so of assured privacy in a pleasant or sacred place where we can be guaranteed to have no external interruption.
First is to attain a comfortable position for our bodies in which we can retain stillness. Some choose the western upright position in a straight backed chair, with feet together and hands on the thighs or on the lap. Others find the cross legged position of the lotus pose or asana, in the eastern tradition is a better and more comfortable choice.
It is required throughout reflective meditation to close the eyes gently in order to be aware of what is occurring in our inner consciousness rather than suffer the distractions of the world outside. Getting to known our inner world includes many facets of awareness that possibly have not been experienced since childhood, such as the colours, pictures or thoughts that pass across the screen of the mind. Our senses become more acute as we sit immobile for a period of time, at first from ten to twenty minutes with our only movement being through the established rhythm of our breathing.
So once a comfortable seated position has been mastered together with an ability to be physically still and regulate our breathing, we have successfully prepared to advance in the art of meditation and improving our mental fitness.
Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions.
