What do you think when you her the word "meditate"? Sitting with your legs tied up in an uncomfortable pretzel position agonizing over how long you can hold this posture?    Meditation is really a state of mind, than body. In fact, mind over matter (physical posture) is only part of the goal.  Meditation comes in a variety of suggested forms and depends much on what foundational system you decide to learn it from.  For example, the monk from the Far East might meditate to free himself from all thoughts by walking or other forms of exercise, because in that part of the world, meditation isn't always sedentary. In the West, a physician might recommend meditation to a patient to alleviate stress and help regulate blood pressure, so a sedentary, inwardly peaceful practice is more desireable. Some people meditate alone or in groups to integrate lessons and ideas so they can manifest outwardly in viable and comprehensible ways.  All of these ways aside, meditation is a tool to reconnect you with your higher self (the self that is intune with your highest potential for well-being, intelligence, creativity, love). For those of you who have tried meditating and become frustrated, bored, or distracted, try thinking about it differently. Instead of seeing it as a chore, think about it like you do those times when you lose yourself to a good or an activity that you love. When indulging yourself in these relaxing hobbies, time seems to go by unnoticed, almost as if you are in a zone and all around you takes many steps backward away from your awareness. That type of focus is meditation. If meditation has proven difficult for you, don't feel alone. It's very common to be frustrated at first. You are retraining your mind to quiet all the things that normally float around in that holding bin you call your mind, and turn your attention inward. Some simple things have proven helpful to many people: These include: playing music, taking a walk in nature, wearing comfortable clothes, looking at a picture or statue that sends your spirit soaring, focusing on your breathing, listening to your heartbeat, and being in a very comfortable position. Staying constant in your practice will help you feel the results sooner. think of it like taking a spiritual vitamin. It's not only good for your soul, it's good for your body too. As a Master Life Coach and Spiritual Counselor I can help assist you in finding what style of meditation will benefit you most. Please Contact: Instructor Tess at TLCINST@aol.com or call The Academy of Health & Martial Arts to set up your private lesson today!!! 603-672-1333.