Our mindset is designed in such a way that it could fluctuate between the state of attention and distraction. This switching of mind is a kind of lack in concentration. To be fully present is impossible at any constraint. The power to control the mind is the significantly less in humans. But, this could be improved to a better rate with the help of meditation, and hence one can seize control. Meditation is said to be a comprehensive variety of practices, and it ranges from techniques that are intended to promote relaxation to exercises that are performed to improve the well-being. Meditation also helps in reducing stress, and stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depression. This is due to the radical changes in the brain and nervous system that happens as a part of meditation. In addition to that, meditation is also helpful in acquiring peace of mind. International Day of Peace is up next week, and here we are discussing the benefits of meditation and its levels or stages.
Meditation can cure insomnia by reducing stress. Meditation is a course of training your mind to focus or concentrate more on a particular thing or scenario or a thought. This introspective technique can help in shaping an identity by letting us know what our capabilities are. Presently, the world is occupied with more unhappy and frustrated people and with meditation, a state of peace can be developed. By controlling the mind, meditation could also be helpful in reducing emotions such as anger, fear, and painful thoughts. Meditation can also help the bodily functions in getting streamlined. Lower cholesterol level increased production of anti-aging hormone and decreased blood pressure are such benefits.
An individual who meditates recurrently will receive reflective benefits on their physical, mental, spiritual and emotional levels. Meditation can get into deeper levels with the power of concentration, but for a beginner, there are three essential states. These three levels are :
Dharana / Concentration
The art of focus is the primary part in learning meditation. Here the objective is to hold attention to an object as long as one can. With frequent practice, one can hold the attention progressively for more extended periods. To achieve this prime focus, it is essential to grasp physical and mental existence at a steady level. Focusing on an object is hard, for beginners, this can also be done by holding a candle and concentrating on to it without distraction.
Dhyanam / Meditation
Dhyanam is the purest form of meditation, and it leads to a profound conscience. In this stage, the concentration should be on the inhalation and exhalation. After acquiring concentration there will form a relationship between the mind and the object. In this process, the mind will get expanded, and one can attain the level of peace. Once we achieve this meditative stillness, it is easy to understand the core of contentment inside us. One can gain some insights about themselves through Dhyanam.
Samadhi / Contemplation
Contemplation is the stage where one can experience the domain of peace within. In this stage, the relationship between the object of concentration and the mind will get merged into a single unit, and there will be no other external interaction. Contemplation is not an easy task, and it takes at least a few years to conquer this stage in absolute perfection. In this stage, one can reach up to the qualities of a deity.
Meditation is something one can do to improve their emotional and mental health. This doesn’t need specific support or something to practice. Practice meditation for a few minutes every day, and you can notice the improvement in the quality of your life.
