Learn How To Meditate Effectively - By: Laura Whitelaw

Many in today's society rush through their days with barely even a thought to slowing down - a habit which is putting their health at risk. Learning to meditate effectively is a requirement in order to ward off possible illness and disease that come from too much stress.

Meditation has been proven to help reduce cortisol levels (the hormone released during stressful periods) resulting in a overall feeling of happiness and well-being. Some other benefits of meditation include enhanced creativity and problem solving ability. There are different styles of meditation practiced throughout the world and all of them produce peaceful results.

You are probably most familiar with the use of a mantra during meditation. Many yogis are pictured chanting "Om" while they sit cross legged with their eyes closed in deep relaxation. This meditation technique is used to focus a wandering mind and is ideal for the beginning meditator. Choose a simple to repeat word and repeat it over and over while allowing your mind and body to totally relax. The word you choose for your mantra should be a positive word or one that has no meaning for you. You don't need to repeat your mantra out loud but you can if you wish.

Another form of relaxing meditation is to simply become aware of your breathing. Sit comfortably and with your eyes closed, notice your breathing without trying to change it. That's right; just notice the sensation of your breathing and how it feels moving in and out of your nostrils, your lungs and how it travels down to your abdomen. Take note of how your breathing sounds and if a distracting thought comes to mind, gently acknowledge the thought and return your attention to your breathing.

The loving kindness meditation uses the expression of gratitude as the focus. While sitting in meditation, we remember all the wonderful people, animals, places and things that have helped along our journey. We express our gratitude and love for them and offer them our blessings. The key is to be in a state of deep appreciation and gratitude for everyone and everything in our lives.

For the benefit of your health and peace of mind, it is worth investing the time in learning how to meditate. The same results can be achieved regardless of the techniques that are used. Find what works best for you so that you will practice for a minimum of 10 minutes daily. In a very short period of time, you will begin to notice the benefits of meditation and you'll be hooked!

Learning to meditate is a required skill in today's busy world. Many people are stressed and over-worked with their mental, physical and emotional health at risk as a result.

Visit Meditation Positions to discover four different postures and find one that may be better suited to you and your level of flexibility. Laura Whitelaw is a Certified ZPoint Practitioner and Meridian Tapping Coach at The Way To Bliss Now an online bliss spa that empowers you to shed your stress and live a life of bliss! Sign up for the newsletter to get access to a free prosperity audio!