With yoga and the spiritual healing arts having hit the peak of popularity these days, the practice of meditation is accepted by the mainstream. If you have ever said, "I need quiet time" or "I need to take a bath in peace," you are already a “meditator.” It is not just Zen Buddhists, Tibetan Monks or Yogis. It is for anyone wanting to improve their state of wellness. IN STILLNESS, WE FIND ALL WE SEEK. Meditation quiets the inner chatter of the mind and reconnects you with your core being.By focusing your attention on one thing such as your breathing, a peaceful image, or a sound, you become aware, alert and create a space within your consciousness for energy, clarity, inspiration and peace to enter.

All forms of meditation are beneficial and regular practice is a must! The Journal Of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that meditating regularly for two months will reduce psychological distress and induce a greater satisfaction with life. Experts have also documented that the body is literally reprogrammed through meditation to respond differently in stressful situations. Other benefits include reduced muscle tension, lower blood pressure, improved digestion and energy flow. The relaxation response and deeper breathing employed during meditation also reduces physical pain, insomnia, anxiety and panic attacks. On an emotional level, meditation helps us to feel less irritable. It reduces anger and helps to create that place in your mind needed to detach from emotions. Mentally, meditation helps us to focus, concentrate and improve our performance and skills. It brings about a sense of self-awareness and understanding, promotes compassion and creates a feeling of unity with spirit and all living things.

SUN MEDITATION Find a comfortable, upright position facing the sun or a sunlight-filled window. If it is a dreary day, do this exercise facing where the sun would be.(The magnetics of the sun enhances your energy field). With your palms outward, place your thumbs and index fingers together, creating a triangle shape with your hands. Position your hands over your heart region and set your intent that your body will absorb the light of the sun. Don't worry that the cat is eyeing you strangely..they meditate all the time.

Close your eyes and begin to inhale slowly and evenly then gently and completely exhale. Expand and contract your lungs completely...feel it in your diaphragm. Imagine that with every inhalation, you are taking in more light through the triangle over your heart and into your body. Follow your breathing and visualize the light entering and filling your body. Feel full and nourished by this light. You may wish to begin and end this meditation with a short prayer. Thank your angels and guides, your cat or whomever, for their assistance, love and protection. Meditation doesn’t have to take up much of your time to be effective; it just has to be practiced on a regular basis.