Combining Meditation and Visualization

Reprinted with permission from www.TheZenDiaries.com

Do you get frustrated trying to meditate and quiet your mind? Many people do. One trick you can do is to combine meditation with visualization. It is a myth that you have to sit in complete silence and empty your mind in order to meditate effectively. If you can do that, it's wonderful, but it's not always necessary.

I like to combine meditation with visualization because I find it's a great way to relax and unwind. You can also use nature sounds or environmental sounds like the sound of the rain falling or the sound of the waves at the beach.

Visualizing is nothing more than creating a picture in your mind, and most of us are quite skilled at this from a very early age. We do it all of the time whenever we daydream or get lost in thought.

Combining meditation and visualization helps you move into the future - because you can literally see yourself achieving those important goals.

When you visualize, your brain is often in the alpha brainwave state, which is a more relaxed state of mind than you are typically in.

The alpha brainwave state is typically accessed through meditation or hypnosis and it is a wonderful state of mind to make changes in. Your brain does not often differentiate between reality and imagination in this powerful state of mind as well.

In addition, focusing on an important goal helps you manifest it that much faster. Your mind is very powerful and it brings to you that which you continually focus on. If you are always focusing on those things you are trying to move away from, and talking about your problems and illnesses, you will continue to manifest those things right back into your life, whether you realize it or not because ALL of your thoughts eventually become things!

If you want to make changes, you have to start focusing on those things or that state of mind you are moving towards. It's as simple as that. Five to ten minutes a day spent meditating and visualizing is worth its weight in gold.

How Long Should I Meditate?

Believe it or not, you don't need to meditate for hours on end to see results. If you are short on time, you can sit quietly for 5 minutes, and work your way up to 10 or 15 minutes.

Meditation as a Mood Booster

The time you spend meditating and reflecting is extremely beneficial for your mind, body and spirit. Meditation causes your brain to release powerful chemicals called endorphins, which can help ward off anxiety and depression. This is similar to a “Runners High” or "Being in the Zone."

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, using meditation was actually found to be just as effective as more traditional antidepressant medications, without the side effects, which is incredible. With so many people suffering from depression and anxiety, techniques like meditation are a smart choice and much less costly than any medication you could try.

In many ways, meditation is the medicine of the future and certainly worth a try if you suffer from any adverse health condition.

The next time you get stressed, try setting a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and focus your mind on those things you are hoping to bring into your life. The more you focus on that ideal state of health, or that perfect life, the faster the Universe will deliver!