FAQs - About Meditation

What is meditation?

Meditation is a discipline utilised to move beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of awareness and relaxation. Meditation is recognised as a component of almost all spiritual paths and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It is also practiced outside religious traditions.

Different meditative disciplines encompass a wide range of spiritual and/or psychophysical practices which may emphasise different goals: realisation of a higher state of consciousness, deep healing, increased self awareness, stillness of the mind, unblocking creativity, or simply to archieve a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind.

Eastern meditation techniques are increasingly practiced in Western culture and are now incorporated into contemporary counselling and psychotherapy. Relaxation training works toward achieving mental and muscle relaxation to reduce daily stresses. These techniques are used in conjunction with other behavioural techniques. From the point of view of psychology and physiology, meditation can develop a new level of consciousness, and its goals in that context are around seeking spiritual opening, transformation of attitudes and associated benefits to the body. (primary source: www.wikipedia.org, Aug 08)

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Why is meditation so important?

Meditation creates awareness. Through awareness, change happens.

By bringing awareness to our repetitive cycles of behaviour, it is possible to gain perspective and create an internal realignment. From this space we can take back the power of choice over our actions.

Meditation or mindfulness, develops the ability to be present, to be with your current reality, right here, right now. It brings awareness to joy, pain, love or grief ...whatever this moment brings... so that the experience can evolve.

This transformative process releases us from unresolved issues, forges the connection with who we really are and allows a fresh, authentic response to life.

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What is mindfulness?

Being mindful is being aware of, or watching yourself in the present moment, the here and now, in a non-judgmental way, with loving acceptance.

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What is spirituality

Spirituality can mean different things to different people, but the commonality is that it relates to matters of the soul. The intrinsic qualities often sought in spirituality may include a sense of peace, freedom, acceptance, joy, balance, unconditional love, surrender, trust, expansion and strength. For many people this experience can be initiated and cultivated by practices of self-enquiry, meditation, body-oriented practices like yoga, via more organised philosophical approaches like those found in religion, or just by going into nature. Enjoying a safe, serene and natural environment can refresh your being and provide the opportunity to pursue whatever form of spirituality moves in you.

Research and experience suggests that a person's unique spiritual development is crucial in recovery from addictions and other life challenges.

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