Meditation belongs more to the “Old Age” than the “New Age.” It is a relatively old practice that has been revived by the so called “New Age” movement. Ironically, what is called “New Age” today has its origins back in ancient times. First of all, let us start with a definition of meditation. According to the Encyclopedia Britannia Online mediation is defined as, “Private religious devotion or mental exercise, in which techniques of concentration and contemplation are used to reach a heightened level of spiritual awareness.”

Historically, meditation is associated with religious practices as indicated by that definition of meditation. Two eastern religions where meditation is practiced are Hinduism and Buddhism. Both religions date back to ancient times. Hinduism has several types of meditation based on different types of Yoga. The ultimate goal according to Patanjali the founder of Raja Yoga is, “The destruction of primal ignorance (avidya) and the realization of and establishment in the essential nature of the Self.” Therefore, knowledge of the Self is gained by meditation. One becomes more spiritually aware by becoming more aware of the nature of the true Self.

Meditation is a central focus in Buddhism. Buddha himself was meditating under a tree when he achieved enlightenment. There are different types of Buddhism which employ different types of meditation. The central purpose is always the same. Enlightenment comes from meditating using the breath or ritual for example. Meditation is combined with ethical behaviour and the attainment of wisdom as ultimate goals on the spiritual path.

Western tradition also has meditation as one of its ancient practices. The Christian religion quite simply uses prayer as a form of meditation. The prayer can be focused on an object such as the rosary. Prayer can also be done in church or at home. Prayer can also be done “anywhere” since God is “everywhere.”

If you follow any of these religions then you are already meditating with a lofty purpose. However in a modern, multicultural society your meditation does not necessarily have to have any religious associations. In fact, perhaps a new definition for meditation would be more practical. My modern day definition of meditation is, “Deep concentrated contemplation used to relax the mind and relieve stress and enhance creativity.” Along with the “modern” definition there is a need to modify the practice of meditation.

If the old sit in a chair with your eyes closed and breathe deeply method works for you by all means use it. However, with all the things going on in our lives it is difficult to think of nothing. Surely there will be some thought lurking in your mind! Besides, if I stop to meditate in this way, I will promptly fall asleep! It is possible to achieve “deep concentrated contemplation” in more practical ways. Basically you can employ a wide variety of audio stimulation, visual stimulation and physical stimulation to achieve this desirable state. Let’s start with audio stimulation. The most practical and obvious method to use is to listen to relaxing music. Your choice of music is vitally important in this exercise. You can listen to classical music or you can buy relaxation types of music or specifically meditation music. Of course, if loud rock music works for you, well then rock on man!

I find that instrumental music works best because you do not form any mental associations because of the lyrics. You can listen with your eyes open or closed just make sure you are breathing rhythmically and slowly. The sounds of nature can also be used. The sound of the ocean or the rain can be very relaxing. If youcannot get out to nature, bring nature in to you! You can buy CDs with the sounds of nature on them. Or you can purchase a little sound machine that has all sorts of nature and relaxing sounds on it.

If you like to have your eyes wide open during this mediation then some sort of visual stimulation will aid you. The old staring at a candle flame will work if you are careful and do not set the house on fire! Staring at the fireplace also works. If you do not live in a place with a fireplace you can buy a DVD of a fireplace. Watching fish swim in an aquarium also works. If you want to combine visual stimulation with audio stimulation try watching the computer graphics that form abstract patterns while playing music using “Windows Media Player.”

Some kind of physical stimulation can also be used. The most obvious form would be yoga which lends itself to achieving a meditative state. Walking on a treadmill while listening to music is a great way to eliminate stress. Even some common everyday physical activities can lead you into a relaxed state. Things like washing dishes where you can go on “auto pilot” with your mind will work. Knitting and sewing are good repetitive exercises that will also free your mind.Of course you can combine all three forms of stimulation at once. Doing a painting while listening to music combines all three forms. As long as the activity does not require your total awareness it will work for you. I do not recommend meditating while driving a car and listening to soft music. Do not drive and meditate!

If you want to use an “emergency” method of meditation during the day when you are getting totally stressed out then I recommend the “countdown” method. You can take a minute out of your day while sitting at your desk. Simply, countdown from ten to zero taking deep breaths between each count. Try to breathe deeper and deeper each time. By the time you reach zero you should be more relaxed than when you started. The deep breathing will relax you combined with the calming suggestions you implant in your mind. This is a lot better than climbing up on your chair in the middle of the office and howling!

Experiment and find a method that works for you. Remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically. Send calming thoughts to your mind. Let any extraneous thoughts enter and then dissipate from your mind. It can be a short meditation or a long meditation depending on your needs and personality type. Relax and do not try too hard. You will find your stress will be reduced and your creativity will be enhanced. Creativity is not only great for artistic type people but it helps to solve every day problems as well. Meditate and your next fabulous idea will come to you! Meditate and you will relieve stress!