What Is Meditation?
Table of Contents
Meditation is an ancient, over 3000 years old practice which derived from Hinduism and Buddhism. There are several different meditation practices, each designed to either suit your current meditative level or achieve a certain goal. Meditation practice will lead to mindfulness, being completely present at the moment – diminishing the lingering uncertain feelings of the future, melancholic memories of the past, and daily stress triggers. With several different techniques or practices, meditation was designed for everyone – if a certain practice doesn’t suit you, don’t give up – there is plenty more to try which may pose an entirely different experience.
How Does Meditation Work?
During the day, our brain functions on autopilot; we are almost entirely unaware of how much of our functioning becomes automatized; we get up and reach for our glasses, brush our teeth, and make our coffee without actively thinking about it – and why should we, we’ve repeated those tasks so many times that we are experts on them.
By repeating a certain pattern of behavior, the neurological connectors responsible for transmitting those brain patterns, strengthen. Our minds work on their own, inhabited by our routine. But those strengthened connections aren’t always positive – suddenly, we stop and realize that our reactions and, consequently our wellbeing, are suddenly out of our control. If, for example, we have a fear of public speaking, we do not have to be on stage to experience the fright – the thought alone will trigger anxious feelings about something that isn’t even happening in real life. We suffer from stress and sleepless nights, anxiety affects us physically, and depression can have us in a headlock.
What meditation can do is rewire our brain. By either focusing on a specific subject, repeating a mantra, chanting, or just staying “present” and actively training your wandering brain to come back to stillness, we can gradually weaken those connections and create new ones, supporting this newly found peaceful mental environment.
When practiced with intention, meditation can be incredibly rewarding. Most importantly, it gives us some space and introduces us to new feelings, new experiences, and new reactions. It can benefit our private lives, and mental well-being and also influence our professional relationships and personal creativity.
How To Meditate?
Meditating is and isn’t easy – it takes practice and dedication as does everything else we wish to learn. If it seems hard at first, remember that our brain is designed to resist the unfamiliar and keep us in the comfort zone; it can tell your body that your back hurts, or that you have a million other, more important things to do – when in reality, all you are doing is sitting down with your eyes closed for 15 minutes a day.
1. Find the right time and space
You do not have to meditate in a completely silent space, but the room needs to be free of distractions; if needed, turn your phone and computer off.
2. Sit down or in a chair
You do not have to sit in a lotus position if it feels uncomfortable. Many people start meditating sitting on the floor with their backs against the wall and legs straight. You can also meditate in a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
3. Find your posture
Meditative posture is important; straight back, relaxed neck. The more you will meditate the more you will be able to eliminate tension in your body. But don’t strain it – you shouldn’t physically force your body in any way while meditating. Keep your palm comfortably in your lap.
4. Choose duration
If you are not following guided meditation and wish to meditate by yourself, try doing only 5 minutes of meditation at first. This is more than necessary to get familiar with the practice. You can meditate for as long as you want.
5. Focus on your breath
Focusing on a physical point in your body, such as above the navel can help you relax and ease your breath. Start by inhaling and exhaling consciously, but not forced. Let each breath come in naturally.
6. If your mind wanders
Do not judge yourself, just allow it to happen and focus back on your breathing. This will likely happen plenty of times during your first meditation – remember, we are rewiring the brain. It can also happen to a more skilled meditator, depending on their day. It is more important to stick to your daily routine than obtain perfection.
Types of Meditation
There are several different types of meditation; guided vs. unguided meditations, calming vs. insight as well as some forms such as Vipassana, Zen, Mantra, Yoga meditations, and so on.
At Omnipemf, we are inclined to support your meditation practice so that it can be performed with less effort, and manifesting the full potential of meditation. Gently pulsing electromagnetic waves support the brainwaves that distinguish the chosen meditation. The support works on the principle of resonance. The meditation program is divided into six groups; Focus, Open Heart, Quiet Mind, Mindfulness, Theta, and Calming & Synchronization. Each one has a specific intent and uses two frequencies – a dominant and an accompanying one.
Focus Meditation
A Buddhist meditation practice on mindfulness strengthens concentration, cognitive abilities, and overall alertness by sustaining focus on either breath or a mantra. Beneficial for ADHD.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Low Gamma 34 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Gamma 54 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Frontal
Quiet Mind Meditation
The most stereotypical of meditations, the Quiet Mind meditations refers to a state of mind in which the internal dialogue is minimal, also present in traditions such as Zen or Transcendental Meditation. The brain pattern connected to this practice includes a significant spike in introspection, a path to illumination, and better access to the subconscious mind. Quiet Mind is a meditation that leads to spacious awareness and expanded consciousness, most suitable for minimizing your internal monologue and experiencing restful awareness.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Alpha 10 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Delta 4 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Frontal
Meditation for Calming & Synchronization
During the Calming and Synchronization meditation, the brain releases and responds to alpha-frequency brainwaves, allowing you to enter a calmer state where cognitive functions are well balanced. Suitable for calming down and centering yourself.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Alpha 9 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Theta 6 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Back of the head
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation creates a perfect environment to quiet the part of the brain designed to create our sense of self and designs a non-evaluative awareness of the present moment, suitable for calming down anxious thoughts and stressful situations. Suitable for those who wish to take a step back from their thoughts and get in touch with their feelings and sensations.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Theta 4 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Theta 6 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Frontal
Open Heart Meditation
A practice of obtaining positive emotional processes, such as forgiveness, gratitude, and kindness. This practice activates neuronal regions responsible for empathy and is suitable for mood management and for everyone feeling resentful or hate towards someone to become more empathetic and kinder.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Theta 6 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Gamma 40.5 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Frontal
Theta Meditation
During a deep meditation, when your mind is completely present and your body relaxed, your brain produces theta frequency brainwaves. Suitable for entering a calm state where cognitive functions are well balanced. Theta state is between wakefulness and sleep and can access the subconscious mind.
- Frequencies
- Dominant: Theta 4 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 2.5 mT
- Accompanying: Alpha 10.5 Hz; Magnetic flux density: 0.5 mT
- Position: Back of the head
Disclaimer
NeoRhythm has not been evaluated by the FDA. These products do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. Always consult your medical doctor regarding any health concerns.