A Simple Exercise

Here is an exercise in the basic technique of creative visualization:

First, think of something you would like. For this exercise choose something simple, that you can easily imagine attaining. It might be an object you would like to have, an event you would like to have happen, a situation in which you’d like to find yourself, or some circumstances in your life you like to improve.

Get in a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, in a quiet place where you wont be disturbed, relax your body completely, starting from your toes and moving up to your scalp, think of relaxing each muscle in your body in turn, letting all tension flow out of your body. Breathe deeply and slowly, from your belly. Count down slowly from ten to one, feeling your self getting more deeply relaxed with each count.

When you feel deeply relaxed, start to imagine the thing you want exactly as you would like it. If it is an object, imagine yourself with the object, using it, admiring it, enjoying it, and showing it to friends. If it is a situation or event, imagine yourself there and everything happening just as you want it to. You may imagine what people are saying, or any details that make it more real to you.

You may take a relatively short time or quite a few minutes to imagine this- whatever feels best to you. Have fun with it. It should be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, like a child day dreaming about what he wants for his birthday.

Now, keeping the idea or image still in your mind, mentally make some very positive, affirmative statements to yourself (aloud or silently as you prefer) about it, such as:

Here I am spending a wonderful weekend in the mountains. What a beautiful vacation. Or

I love the view from my spacious, new apartment. Or

I’m learning to love and accept myself as I am.

These positive statements, called affirmations, are a very important part of creative visualization. If you like, you can end your visualization with the firm statement to yourself:

This or something better, now manifest for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways, for the highest good of all concerned.

This statement leaves room for something different and even better that you had originally envisioned happening, and serves as a reminder to you that this process only functions for the mutual benefit of all.

If doubts or contradictory thoughts arise, don’t resist them to try to prevent them. This will tend to give them a power they don’t otherwise have. Just let them flow through your consciousness, acknowledge them, and return to your positive statements and images.

Do this process only as long as your find it enjoyable and interesting. It could be five minutes or half an hour. Repeat every day, or as often as you can.

As you see the basic process is relatively simple.

Meditation for Children

Learning meditation has been found to be one of the biggest gifts that children can receive since it allows them to understand themselves and accept themselves. Children, these days have a hectic life. Apart from school, most kids are involved in a variety of hobbies and activities. By the time they are through with homework and supper they are completely washed out at the end of the day. On top of this, they are expected to perform well in school and in other areas of life. Because of this, they not only face pressure from their parents, but also from school. Along the way, they forget how to relax and end up losing their initiative and become de motivated. Here is where meditation for children becomes a crucial requirement in their daily routine. Meditation allows them to regroup their energy and calm down, gradually feeling enthusiastic about everything they do.

How It Helps

There are many children that suffer from various emotional problems for various reasons. It could be the prevailing situation at home or it could be anything. Through meditation, these children can benefit by learning to relax and deal with their issues in a better way. Meditation for children improves their confidence levels and makes them feel less pressurized.

Children also need to connect with their souls and understand themselves better. This helps them develop positive self-control, clarity of thought and a broad outlook. Children are basically innocent, and have not yet become conditioned to the vagaries of life, its dogmas and misplaced ideals at times. Children are amazingly logical and see most situations in black and white. Since they already have the potential for self-awareness and lack of ulterior motives, they are natural candidates for meditation.

Meditation for children is very essential, as they need to learn how to maintain serenity, silence and be relaxed. The interesting thing is that children can learn to meditate a lot more quickly than any adult can. A lot of schools are adopting the policy of including at least one hour of meditation right from the primary school level. It is suggested that children follow the practice of meditating at home also, along with their parents so that all can benefit from this wonderful state.

Too Many Benefits To Ignore

Meditation for children develops in them clear focus and a sense of well-being. They can easily get rid of their anxiety and stress through this. It is also an effective way to release frustrations, hyperactivity, etc. They sleep better. Children who feel aggressive from time to time can come to terms with these issues and get over them. Children suffering from ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder benefit in a major way through meditation.

Every parent would like their children to grow up with a healthy mind and body and have a happy childhood. Meditation for children can ensure this. Children who are relaxed and do not feel under pressure find it easy to do well at school and get along well with their peers. They find it easy to stick to a healthy routine. Meditation helps to develop their creativity and keeps them alert. Meditation lowers the risk of developing health problems as they grow up. Just a few minutes a day is all it takes to enjoy all these benefits.