Some of the earliest written records of meditation date to 1500 BC in Hindu Vedantism using repetitive, rhythmic chants and offerings to appease the gods. The Islamic practice of Dhikr date back to the 8th century and involves the repetition of the 99 Names of God in the Qur’an, breathing techniques and postures, as well as prayer beads which is believed to lead to knowledge. Eastern Christian meditation practices date back to the 10th Century involving the repetition of a phrase in a specific physical posture; the phrase is usually a prayer to Jesus. Western Christianity dates back to 12th Century and does not involve any specific posture or breath work. It is simply divine readings of the Bible in the formal four steps of the ladder, read, ponder, pray, contemplate.

Some of the benefits of Meditation are:
-Increased brain function
-Eliminating stress
-Calming the mind
-Developing a strong connection to the earth
-A feeling of oneness
-Feeling closer to a higher power

The benefits of meditation are astonishing! So why is it so hard? Many people believe mediation is sitting in silence with no thoughts in the mind. This is a tough task for some people to accomplish, but that’s not exactly what meditation consists of doing. The fact is that meditation is more of experiencing inner calm and deep relaxation. And there are many forms of meditation that are easily achievable. Taking a walk in nature, listen to the birds outside or calming music, sitting by the ocean while watching the waves, reading an uplifting book (with no interruptions), or just being present in your mind. Or spending time on your favorite hobby can be quite easy a form of meditation. Anything you find relaxing that brings you peace and balance is a form of mediation.

Some quotes on Meditation:
“To meditate means to go home to yourself. Then you know how to take care of the things that are happening inside you, and you know how to take care of the things that happen around you. All meditation exercises are aimed at bringing you back to your true home, to yourself. Without restoring your peace and calm and helping the world to restore peace and calm, you cannot go very far in the practice.” -Thich Nhat Hanh, interview with Melvin McLeod, 2006.

“Whatever forms of meditation you practice, the most important point is to apply mindfulness continuously, and make a sustained effort. It is unrealistic to expect results from meditation within a short period of time. What is required is continuous sustained effort.” -Dalai Lama

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless – like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
-Bruce Lee