Modern society demands that we lead busy lives and stay connected 24/7 with the outside world via our phones, laptops, and tablets. Technology has become so much a part of our existence that many people have been known to claim that their phones are like extensions of themselves, and that without them they feel lost. What we often neglect to realize, however, is that when we feel a constant need to connect to our devices and social networks, we actually feel more lost, empty and disconnected than before.
Meditation is a wonderful natural way to reduce stress, improve overall health, and even keep PMS at bay. However, a common but false belief is that meditation is hard to do or that there is not enough time in the day to practice it. According to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, all it takes to start seeing results from meditation is 25 minutes per day for three consecutive days. If you feel that this is too much for you, you can start out with two minutes per day and then gradually add in more time.
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There are 8 basic popular forms of meditation. Many of these focus on your breathing and aim to make you more present in the moment. If you are interested in trying out meditation then you should consider testing a few of the different types of meditation and see which one works best for you. There is no “right” way to meditate, only what feels best and gives you results. Some people prefer to focus on images like in guided visualization; others prefer to practice “mindfulness” where they observe their surroundings but do not let their thoughts wander or affect them, and some individuals prefer to totally empty their minds and simply sit for hours.
When you practice meditation you do not need any special tools or gadgets, however, many exist on the market that could ultimately enhance your meditation experience. An essential oil diffuser or aromatherapy burner are good ideas, because you can use essential oils with them, which are meant to heighten your senses. A few essential oils to consider using are:
- Cedarwood: Helps increase focus and relieve anxiety. The scent is very comforting and grounding
- Frankincense: Quiets the mind, helps with respiration
- Myrrh: Opens the spiritual energies to help deliver tranquility
- Sandalwood: Encourages feelings of well-being and promotes trust
We hope you will find five minutes in your day after reading this article to disconnect from the outside world and its stresses and reconnect with your inner self and discover what truly matters. Your inner peace is the most important part of your being, and you should cherish and nourish it as much as you can. Namaste from the Maxim Hygiene team.