The practice of meditation offers clear physiological, mental and emotional benefits.

It can lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety and depression, aid restorative sleep and promote a general sense of well-being.

Meditation assists with integrating the inner world of peace and joy with the outer world of action and achievement. This integration produces balance in body, mind and spirit.

The purpose of meditation is to heal and transform; to look deeply within; to listen for messages and guidance, and to realize and accept your wholeness. 

In India it is known as 'tethering the drunken monkey,' quelling the babble of thoughts to focus on the profound essence within.  It can slow down mental chatter, bringing us back to the present moment from where we can access inner guidance and serenity.

The process helps us to reclaim inner freedom by letting go, rather than by trying to control our thoughts. Practiced regularly, meditation clarifies the inner voice of truth. It can help you untangle the knots of everyday life and bring about the desired results in life with more ease.

When coupled with guided imagery, meditation is also used to reprogram thoughts, to provide the body with imagery for healing and to create a new reality to step into.

Meditation empowers.  With regular practice, our relationship with ourselves and others can become transformed, easier and more joyful. The hopes, desires and manifestations of life all originate from within and shine outward from there. 

Our hearts show us the truth about ourselves and our potential every time we take the time to see and listen.  As we align with this truth, we discover the guidance, contentment and answers that await within.

Life is the constant unfolding of choices we make.  With regular meditation, we become more attuned to our inner guidance, empowering us to make optimal choices for our highest good.  This can open doors for wonderful things to unfold in our lives.

While there are many forms of meditation and it may take you a while to find the format that feels most comfortable for you, there are five basic principles common to all forms of meditation.

1. Get Grounded

To begin meditation, you must feel that you are wholly in your body.  Adopt any comfortable sitting position, preferably with your spine is straight.  You should sit solid as a rock, with your centre of gravity low.

2. Use The Breath

Allow the mind and body to settle as you sit quietly, by focusing on your breathing and being aware of it. Don't consciously make yourself breathe; rather, become conscious of your natural breathing.

3. Become Watchful

While in a state of complete relaxation, it is important to be aware of your thoughts without becoming absorbed by them.  Imagine your thoughts like clouds drifting by; watch them and realize that you are not your thoughts. Become the observer of all.

4. Allow Thoughts

As random thoughts emerge, don’t resist them. Resistance feeds opposition; instead, simply acknowledge their presence and allow the thoughts to float across the screen of your mind.  This process can be likened to focusing on the window of a moving car while allowing the scenery to pass by.

5. Continue Your Practice

While it is better to meditate for 60 seconds than not at all, the ideal minimum is 20 minutes.  Learning is easy; the main reason to keep going is that meditation feels good.