The Self Aware Self

Many people have tried and found it wasn't what it was cracked up to be. Others had great expectations only to have their hopes dashed, while some dip in and out of practice, according to their inclinations and timetable. And then there are the 'dabblers' who are always on the lookout for a new and better ways to 'do it', dabbling as they go. All would probably consider themselves to be 'practicing meditators'.

Here we identify a few of the benefits and some good reasons to get started. Meditation is as old as the Eastern hills and during the last two decades its been occupying an increasing number of Western minds. But where do you start? Dip into the menu of 'types of meditation' and you will find a dizzying number of methods, some ancient, some newly 'designed', some with recognized 'pedigrees' stemming from their origins, others appearing from nowhere in particular. Some are practiced sitting down, some standing up, and some are done while 'strolling' around. And then there are the promises. Some promise greater concentration, some guarantee deep relaxation and others promise enlightenment. Some should be done as the sole form of spiritual practice, some are just one of several practices necessary for the awakening of spirit, and some forms of meditation have become required practice within a religious vocation. Most 'methods' are free of charge so there is no commercial 'price comparisons' to asses the apparent efficacy of each. So for all those new to the idea and practice of meditation it's no surprise they find it challenging just choosing where to start.

The original meaning of meditation lies in Latin, and apparently it originally referred to all types of physical and intellectual exercise. Only later did the meaning evolve into something more akin to contemplation.