"Infinite silence is the mind of God. It is a mind that can create anything out of the field of pure potentiality." -Deepak Chopra
We will be using meditation to prepare, relax, and heal the body and the mind from our physical training, as well as, to further develop the proper mindset. Meditation is also being included to prime our subconscious mind for the use and application of our other subconscious reprogramming techniques.
Meditation works well in unison with the other techniques like creative visualization and affirmations. It also helps to put you in the proper brain wave frequency (alpha state) that is most conducive to these subconscious programming methods.
It is important to note though, that meditation is quite effective on its own for body and life transformation. When used with the other techniques we will cover in this series I believe that they have a synergistic effect on each other.
There are many different techniques on how to meditate and many are effective, however I prefer to use the ancient Zen Buddhist form of meditation.
I believe this is the purest form of meditation and is in alignment with the whole point of meditation to begin with, which is to clear the mind of thought while becoming highly alert and aware.
Most of the other meditation techniques are simply devices used to help one get to the point of pure meditation.
The practice is rather simple. Find a comfortably place to sit, kneel, or lie down (I prefer kneeling in Seiza, a Japanese sitting posture where your butt rests on your calves/ankles.) You may close your eyes or leave them open.
Maintain an erect and upright posture, if sitting or kneeling.
Then simply breathe, focusing on your breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe deeply into your abdomen and observe or notice the rise and fall of your belly. Breathe deeply, but naturally.
Clear your mind and just focus on being there fully. Concentrate on your breathing. Listen intently. No need to label what you hear, just notice it. You may look with your eyes, but again do not label anything. Just be an observer. Be still. Be silent. Just be.
Embracing this stillness and clearing the mind of all thought will help develop a calm, relaxed presence that will benefit you in all aspects of your life.
This mindfulness is the power to be intensely present at whatever it is you are doing or whatever situation may arise. To be one with the moment… this is Zen, or in other words to be fully conscious.
If a thought arises, and they will, do not grasp or cling to them. Just let them go. If you suddenly notice that you're thinking, immediately stop and return to focusing on your breathing.
Continue meditating in this way for as long as wish. Start with 5 minutes twice a day. Raise it to 10, 15, or even 30+ minutes twice a day. The choice is yours really. I have found it beneficial with as little as 5 minutes a couple times a day. Start wherever you can.
Eventually the goal is to remain in this heightened mind state as you go throughout your day.
Give this practice some time and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Meditation can really benefit your life and your training if taken seriously. Whenever I have practiced the martial arts, meditation was always a part of the training and definitely helps you to get in the zone. Your workouts will become more effective.
Many times I will meditate after a good workout, the sweat pouring out of my body as I sit in silent meditation, resting in the moment and triggering the healing process to begin.
One you get the hang of it, try adding moving meditation. I like to walk my dogs, clear my mind and become fully present. I focus on all of my senses, looking deeply into the trees, the clouds, sky, and grass.
I open my ears to any sounds, the birds, insects, wind, footsteps, distant cars on the highway, a train passing, and dogs barking.
I don't listen and go "oh there's a dog barking", rather I just listen… I just hear the bark. The idea is simply to experience the moment fully without judging it, labeling it, or otherwise interpreting it in anyway.
Meditation is the first technique to harnessing the power of your subconscious mind and priming it for the other techniques to follow. Put it into practice immediately and you will find that the transformation has begun.
Next I will cover six characteristics of the subconscious mind that will allow us to communicate successfully with our subconscious and impress our desires, goals, and intentions upon it more effectively.
Knowing the ways in which the subconscious operates will improve the efficacy of the programming methods I will reveal in the final part of this series.
Brandon Cook
Author's Bio Brandon Cook is creator of The Awakened Warrior Blog, and co-creator of HardgainerMuscleBuilding.com, a website specifically designed to teach the ectomorph the laws and scientific principles for building a classic, muscular and functional physique.
HargainerMuscleBuilding.com features a free email class covering the basic principles of training naturally, eating a nutritious, muscle-building diet, and understanding the truth about supplements. The website is filled with free articles, videos, and the programs you need to create your ideal body. Please visit us at http://hardgainermusclebuilding.com
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
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