We do lot of
physical exercise for our body but often ignore exercise of our brain, which is
the most important part of body and control full functioning of our body. Just
like our body our brain also needs exercise which will keep it healthy and
functional for long time.
The best
exercise for brain is meditation, it is a process through which we try to calm
our brain and increase the blood supply to brain through various techniques. Now
the question arises WHY should be calm our brain? Just like our body or any
other machinery our body also need some time to rest and rejuvenate itself.
Remember our brain is working even when we are sleeping. So, it become all the
more important for us to give little rest to it.
Let me
narrate my story about meditation
I was under
the assumption that meditation is for elderlies and youngsters should refrain
from it, hence I always stayed away from it.
Due to some
back issues (backpain), I was advised for bed rest for 15 days and during this
time my sleep was erratic too, because of backpain. As my doctor was averse to
the idea of heavy pain killers and sleeping pills unless it is absolutely
necessary. I was put on mild doses of pain killers and bed rest was the only
way forward for me.
During that
time, I saw advertisement for yoga classes close to my house. Since I had ample
time I decided to give it a try, my cousin also supported my decision as he had
already done a course in meditation.
I called the
yoga class organizer and informed them about my condition and checked if I can
enroll for the class. They said, it’s a beginner’s course and we have chairs
for people with such issue and they will ensure good support to me. And I
enrolled for the class
With
trembling feet, I entered the class on the first day and I had one more
surprise waiting for me there. I was the only guy in that batch, rest were all ladies.
But they all welcomed me warmly with a broad smile.
First time I
closed my eyes during the class, I wasn’t able to close it for more than 1 min
and I opened my eyes. Then our trainer said, it is normal but if we keep trying
this practice we will be able to close our eyes for long duration and towards
the end of the program I was able to close my eyes for 20 mins at a stretch
without any hinderance.
Another
benefit of the session was my pain subsided slowly and I was able to get good
sleep all throughout the session days. Reason my body and mind were in sync.
Here I would like to narrate an incident from our class.
One day our
trainer asked us a question “are you people seeing any change in your life”? We
all looked at each other and suddenly one aunty said, “I want to say something”.
She said I am
sleeping a lot these days, be it in the afternoon or even at night and the best
part is I get good sleep. When I get up from sleep I am fresh and active. We
all said yes, we also feel the same. Our
trainer smiled and said it is because of the transformation our body is
undergoing now.
It has been
years now since my introduction to meditation and I still make it a point to
meditate daily except when I am unwell or during unavoidable situations. After
my basic class in meditation, I enrolled for another class in meditation to a
higher level. I was really happy with its outcome too.
Few words of
cautions,
- Learn meditation from a certified trainer only, as they will guide you in a proper way as well as answer your queries.
- Don’t meditate for 24 hrs after consuming alcohol
- Don’t meditate for 8 hrs after smoking
These are
some set guidelines which people should follow while meditating. I practice
them as I respect the power of meditation.
Give
meditation a try before jumping into conclusions like me.
