What is meditation? From its origin to its benefits.

Meditation ... a word coming from the Latin ''meditare'' meaning ''to contemplate''. Meditation is much more than a fad. It is a real mental and spiritual practice to promote letting go by calming thoughts and therefore being at inner peace, but also to achieve spiritual awakening to fully realize oneself. In some religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, meditation is a fundamental element. In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about this approach: from the origin to the benefits of meditation and some techniques.

What is the origin of meditation?

The art of meditation is an approach that is about 4000 years old. Frescoes of people in meditation positions have been found in Indian caves. However, the first written evidence dates back to 500 BC. Subsequently, you can observe various currents depending on each religion. On the one hand, Buddha who achieved enlightenment through meditation under the "Bodhi tree" and who transmitted it in the Buddhist religion. On the other hand, for Hinduism, meditation finds its origin in the Yoga Sûtras of Patanjali in the 2nd century BC. Finally, the practice of meditation has undergone a "Westernization" to be spread in many countries.

How is the art of meditation practiced?

Meditation requires practice . Don't worry if you don't get it right at first or get tired quickly. That's completely normal! First, start with a few minutes. There are also various meditation techniques that will help you feel more comfortable. The most important thing is to listen to yourself. But generally speaking, once you've settled in comfortably, your attention is focused on your body, your environment, a thought, your emotions, etc.

Mindfulness meditation

This is the most well-known meditation technique . I find it to be the easiest approach and perfect for those who think too much. You are simply focused on the present moment: what is happening inside you (like your breathing or your emotions) and around you (noises for example). What for? By practicing mindfulness meditation regularly, you will be more often in the present moment, in your daily life. You will live your life more consciously without leaving too much room for your negative inner speech.

Active meditation

Are you one of those who can't stay still for more than 2 minutes? Then opt for active meditation at the end of the day. You meditate while dancing, etc. in short, you will be in motion. Listen to what your body wants to do without controlling yourself and without giving way to the mind.

Transcendental Meditation

In transcendental meditation , you will focus your attention on reciting a mantra to control your thoughts, especially negative ones. This practice lasts about 20 minutes.

What are the benefits of meditation?

Meditation is a concentrate of incredible benefits for the body, mind and spirit:

• Soothe negative thoughts,
• Being in the present moment,
• Relax,
• Be more positive,
• Improve concentration,
• Increase creativity,
• Help to have better health,
• Allow for greater self-confidence,
• Develop intuition.

What equipment for meditation?

Please note that you can meditate without the need to use any equipment. However, I advise you to opt for meditation accessories for a more enjoyable practice.

• The meditation cushion : by far the most useful of all. Indeed, this practice requires being seated comfortably. There are meditation cushions of various shapes depending on your preferences: round, rectangle, heart, moon,
• The meditation blanket : this meditation object allows you to cover yourself in order to be more comfortable and not to be cold,
• The mala: it is an accessory resembling a pearl necklace. The difference is that it is useful for reciting mantras, especially during transcendental meditation . One pearl corresponds to one sung mantra,
• Meditation eye pads : a great way to immerse yourself in darkness to help you relax more easily,
• The candle: some people prefer to calm their mind by concentrating on the flame of the candle.

Do you want to start meditating? The Tayronalife store offers meditation accessories .