In many religions and philosophies, winter is the season of turning inward for self-contemplation and self-nurturing. Now is the perfect time to join 50 million Americans, (19 percent of the population), who practice some form of meditation. But what is meditation? How do you get started?
"Some people think that meditation involves sitting in bliss, like a Buddha with half-closed eyes and a mysterious smile", says Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., (www.drdharma.com), author of "Meditation as Medicine". "But meditation means acknowledging what you are feeling and opening yourself to what is really true", Dr. Khalsa explains. "At first, this may hurt, but it soon helps you heal". Start a meditation practice by focusing on your inhalation, your exhalation, and the space in between breaths, Dr. Khalsa suggests. "Meditate while you are waking up, housecleaning, walking, cooking or taking a shower. Pay attention, release thoughts and emotions, and focus on your breathing". |
