As humans, we have long been fascinated by meditation, but it took us some time to figure out what it felt like. Now there is research and experience to explain. Meditation is not about thinking about the past or future. It’s about being present at that moment. You need to focus on your breathing as you become aware of your thoughts and emotions. As a result of being mindful, you may even make better decisions for other aspects of your life.
Key Takeaways
- Meditation can have different effects on different individuals, and the experience can vary.
- Some people report feeling relaxed, calm, and at peace during meditation, while others may feel more alert and energized.
- Some may feel a sense of inner stillness and stillness of the mind, while others may have vivid thoughts and emotions arise.
- The goal of meditation is not to have a specific feeling but to become aware of and observe the present moment, letting thoughts and emotions pass without judgment or attachment.
Differentiating Sleeping and Dreaming vs. Meditating
You may wonder how meditation is different from sleep and dreaming. When you sleep or dream, your brain is relaxed; it is not thinking about anything. On the other hand, when you meditate, you focus and stay in the moment.
You clear your mind so it can focus on one thing at a time: something specific like breathing or counting the breath. Your brain goes through cycles of being alert and asleep until you finally reach an awake state without trying too hard where you can focus on what’s happening now.
This feeling of peace might be familiar if you’ve had a headache or other stress-related symptoms after a long day of work, and you finally get home to lay down in your bed, close your eyes, and relish in the restful darkness. If only life were always so simple.
Being in the Moment: The Meditation Experience
When you meditate, you are actively trying to be present in the moment. You are conscious of your thoughts, everything happening around you, how your body feels, and any emotions that emerge. Simple experiences exist in this world and contribute positively towards our well-being, even if they don’t always feel pleasant.
For example, we are present when someone says something to us, and we look at them and listen carefully before responding. Moreover, when we eat or drink something hot or cold (or even sweet), we notice these sensations without judgment and appreciate them for what they are.
Having an Open Mind
An open mind is a mind that’s not fixed. It’s a flexible, receptive mind that doesn’t judge. Having an open mind, by definition, means having the ability to accept and embrace all these things about ourselves without judging them negatively.
We might feel like nothing more than fleshy sacks filled with organs. Moreover, we may believe ourselves too heavy-handed to succeed at anything, or other things about us don’t fit into this category (like having feelings).
But suppose you think of yourself as an entity with thoughts and emotions (and perhaps even a will). It becomes clear how easy it can be for our minds to get stuck in rigid ways of thinking about ourselves.
What Are the Common Feelings Experienced During and After Meditation?
During and after meditation, people may experience a range of emotions, including peace, clarity, and serenity. The process of meditating crossword clue feelings can prompt a sense of calmness and tranquility. Moreover, it may bring about a state of inner joy and contentment, as well as a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings. After meditation, individuals often report feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with a greater capacity to handle daily stressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do We Mean by Being Mindful?
Being mindful is a way of turning your attention inwards to your thoughts and feelings. It’s not about thinking about the past or future but instead focusing on what’s happening right now.
Mindfulness can also help you become more aware of your body, which is important because it can tell us much about how we feel.
The physical sensations in our bodies are often handy indicators for us when it comes time to make changes in our lives. Mindfulness practice helps us learn how to use our bodies for guidance (and maybe even some inspiration).
Can Other People Tell You Are Meditating When You Are Around Them?
Possibly. Other people might be able to tell when you are meditating if they see you do something you wouldn’t normally do. If they see you sitting cross-legged, they may think that’s what you do all day long.
But if your posture is more upright and relaxed, it’s probably because of the meditation itself and not because of how boring it would be for someone who doesn’t know what meditation feels like.
Is There Any Value in Closing Your Eyes to Meditate?
Meditation is a very personal experience, and there are many different ways that you can approach it. One of the most common ways to meditate is by closing your eyes and focusing on breathing.
This method may be helpful for some people, but it’s optional. For some people, it helps them focus better or pay attention better because they don’t have distractions when looking around at what’s happening around them. But other times, people use this technique as an excuse not to try harder than usual simply because they already know how it works.
Is It Normal To Feel Tired When Meditating?
Yes, as a novice in meditation, you will likely feel tired. This is because your body and mind are adjusting to a new routine involving sitting still for long periods without any distractions.
It’s important not to give up on yourself if this happens; instead, try going back into meditation after a few minutes and then take another break if needed.
If you’re feeling more energetic than usual during your session, try meditating at another time. If you meditate as either the first or last thing you do each day, your body will thank you.
Conclusion
Meditation can help you better know yourself by focusing on the here and now. It allows you to find a way to relax and enjoy the moment as it helps you stay calm and be open-minded.
However, meditation takes patience and practice. If you find yourself struggling with meditation, try some of the tips above or ask your loved ones for help.