Meditation is a practice of training your mind to focus, relax, and be aware of your thoughts and feelings. It can have many benefits for your physical and mental health, such as reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing concentration, and more. To get started with meditation, you can find a quiet and comfortable place, choose a time and duration that suits you, and follow a guided meditation or use your own technique. You can also join a meditation group or class to learn more and get support.
Meditation
as a hobby
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The goal of meditation is not to get rid of thoughts or emotions. The goal is to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions and learn how to move through them without getting stuck.
Pema Chödrön
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The simple concept behind meditation: Happiness is the lack of suffering. A rested mind doesn’t suffer. Meditation is the process of resting your mind.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Asana: In meditation, the pose in which you do formal meditation. It should be comfortable and stable, but also support alertness.
- Japa: In Hinduism, repetition of a mantra or divine name.
- Mandala: Sacred diagram used as an object of meditation, particularly in esoteric and Tibetan Buddhism.
- Mindfulness: The practice of being aware of the present moment without judgment.
- Samadhi: A state of deep concentration and bliss achieved through meditation.
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First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
Download the Headspace app and try its free beginner meditation sessions. Apart from the how, they include bite-sized animations about the why. That is pretty important, as meditation isn’t a simple journey for some of us.
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“So this holy life, bhikkhus, does not have gain, honour, and renown for its benefit, or the attainment of virtue for its benefit, or the attainment of concentration for its benefit, or knowledge and vision for its benefit. But it is this unshakeable deliverance of mind that is the goal of this holy life, its heartwood, and its end.”
MN 29: Mahāsāropamasutta—Bhikkhu Bodhi | SuttaSentral
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Meditation can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain by changing the structure and function of the brain.
FAQS
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Q: Is meditation a hobby?
A: Meditation can be considered a hobby, but it’s more than that. Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and achieve a state of calm and relaxation.
While some people may approach meditation as a hobby, others may view it as a form of self-care or a tool for personal growth and development. Some individuals may also use meditation as a way to manage stress, improve their mental health, or enhance their overall well-being.
Ultimately, whether or not meditation is considered a hobby depends on the individual’s perspective and motivation for practicing it. While it can certainly be a leisure activity, it is also a serious practice with many potential benefits for physical and mental health.
Q: How often should I meditate?
A: You should meditate as often as you can, but at least once a day. Meditating regularly will help you develop a habit. You can meditate at any time of the day, but some people prefer to meditate in the morning to start their day with a positive mindset, or in the evening to unwind and relax before bed. Start with just 5-10 minutes a day. You can work your way up from there.
Q: Do I need to sit in a specific position to meditate?
A: No, there is no one “correct” position for meditation. You can sit cross-legged on the floor, sit in a chair, or even lie down, as long as you are comfortable and able to focus your attention.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to meditate?
A: No, you do not need any special equipment to meditate. However, it may be helpful to have a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down.
Q: Must I clear my mind?
A: Don’t worry about completely clearing your mind. Gently bring your focus back to your breath or a mantra when you notice other thoughts arise.
Q: Do I need any prior experience to start meditating?
A: No, you don’t need any prior experience to start meditating.
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Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
- Start small and be consistent. Aim for 10 minutes a day at first and gradually increase your time as you get more comfortable. As it might take time to meditate properly, your first goal is just to build a habit.
- Breathe naturally and focus on your breath. Use it as an anchor for your mind and gently bring it back when it wanders.
- Get comfortable with discomfort. Don’t worry about doing it right or wrong, just observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
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Studies have shown that meditation can help to rewire the brain for increased happiness.
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Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | |
| Fields | |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Adaptability, Attention to Health, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Mindfulness, Patience, Perseverance, Resilience |
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