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Learning Center: Meditations


Welcome to our Meditations section! Here, you can learn how to meditate, and view examples of fun and creative meditations you can try for yourself. This section is continually expanding, so please check back often.

Do you have a favorite meditation you'd like to share with others? If so, submit your own!

Popular Meditations

If you have never meditated before, check out our first meditation, a Simple Meditation for Mental Clarity:.

• Simple Meditation for Mental Clarity and Relaxation

• The Violet Flame Meditation

• The Unified Chakra Meditation

• The Complete Breath


What is Meditation?

When considering how to meditate, many thoughts may come to mind. Some feel that meditation takes a long time to master. Others feel that a degree of spirituality, "englightment," and many hours of time and practice is required to even consider achieving a meditative state. Some people consider it a form of worship, or assume it to be boring, or would like to try it but have no idea what to do or what benefits can be achieved.

First of all, meditation is very simple to learn. It can be practiced in just a few moments a day, and requires absolutely no experience of any kind. Secondly, meditation does NOT have to be boring. There are an infinite number of meditations, many of which when combined with verbal affirmations and creative visualization are fun and uplifting (that's right, you heard me... fun!). Meditation can be done while engaging in anything that is rhythmic, such as on a peaceful walk, or while running on a treadmill.

Meditation is simply defined as a quiet, peaceful, yet alert state of mind. The mind becomes clear and free of mental chatter and scattered thoughts. From this state, we are able to connect with our intuition, "rising above our problems" to a place of clear-thinking where the answers to our problems suddenly become clear. A sense of inner calmness and "expansiveness" is experienced as we become able to master the quality of our thoughts, instead of being a slave to mental "diarrhea." With practice, you will be able to enter a meditative state at any time - even when sitting in the noisiest of places such as a sports stadium or a movie theatre.

The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is considered a cornerstone of several healthcare systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. Published studies from the American Heart Association show that meditation significantly reduces high blood pressure, a risk factor in strokes and heart disease. With practice, meditation quietens the mind and brings a sense of peace and clarity, and a deeper connection to all that surrounds us. It can also bring a sense of connection to oneness or Godliness. It does not, however, require adopting a different faith or specific religious beliefs.

There are many studies and scientific research conducted to document the benefits of meditation practiced regularly, including a reduction in conditions and bodily states (including increasing DHEAAlso known as dehydroepiandrosteron, DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and which is converted to other hormones like estrogen and testosterone production) which cause premature aging. Meditation can also contribute to an individual's psychological and physiological well-being. One of the most important benefits of meditation is for the reduction of stress and tension. Other beneficial effects include:

• Increased ability to concentrate
• Greater mind-body awareness and control (especially useful for students and athletes)
• Decreased muscle tension
• Reduced morning sickness/nausea
• Improved memory retention
• Reduced swelling in legs and ankles
• Relief from constipation
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Bladder control
• Lower blood pressure
• Relief from aches and pain
• Relief from headaches

Many people meditate to simply achieve a state of relaxation and tranquillity. This, in turn, improves the quality of sleep, reduces tension and anxiety, and improves our ability to concentrate. Sometimes, immediate benefits are experienced, including a sense of calmness, confidence, and increased alertness. With practice, profound shifts of consciousness can also be experienced.

Meditation in Alpha and Beta

During a meditative state, the brainwaves enter an alpha state, characterized by brain rhythms of between 7 and 14 cycles per second. The mind and body become relaxed and a sense of awareness of your surrounding expands. The logical left brain activity reduces, and the intuitive, emotional, and creative parts of the mind become increasingly active. This often triggers a heightened state of creative inspiration. During meditation, daydreaming, and light sleep, we enter an alpha state.

With practice, we can enter a deeper meditative state called theta, characterized by brain rhythms of between 3.5 to 7 cycles per second. Increased receptivity, the resurfacing of lost memories, and sudden feelings of inspiration are experienced. When we are able to retain an awakened state in theta, we are fully conscious of our surroundings but feel a sense of detatched from the physical body. Sensations of floating, suspension, and timelessness may be experienced, as well as peak creativity. Theta typically characterizes the mind in a state of deep sleep. Practice is required to maintain conscious awareness in the theta state.

◊ Click here for a list of member-submitted meditations! ◊

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