by Sabre Lucian

Created on: April 26, 2008

It is a false belief that meditation involves only the abstract; that it is a form of relaxation therapy concerned only with the realm of thoughts. In fact, studies have shown that the mind has a profound capacity to affect the body and its immediate surroundings: We feel this in increased or decreased bodily performance when influenced by abstractions such as excitement or idleness; through the reactive change of moods we can induce in each other; through subtle emissions released from our subconscious realm that veritably have an effect on our external life. With practice, we can draw on these inherent extrasensory powers to build up our persona and bring serenity into our chaotic worlds. The way to achieve this is through that most ancient and numinous form of contemplation: meditation.

Meditation

Meditation is engagement in sublime reflection with the purpose of relaxing the mind. With recourse to religious doctrines, meditation has numerous types of practice and intents. However, as a form of leisurecraft, the principle is to tranquilize the mind and fortify the character. Leisurecraft meditation, which takes a more eclectic approach, can be divided into an easy-to-learn sixfold exercise.

PHASE 1 POSTURE
The human psyche is capable of entering a contemplative state in any given environment. However, the essential is stable posture. Without being able to achieve comfort and repose, your body will cramp up and spasm, preventing your mind from floating in meditative recess. This is the reason why certain schools of meditation demand flexibility. The lithe body can more easily assume comfortable positions and subsequently maintain them over long periods of time. Explore your physique and find the meditative posture that suits you best; a soothing position that you can sustain extensively. (For novices, avoid environments or positions that remind you of sleep; dozing off every time you aspire to meditate is a sure way of being ineffective.) With repetition, your body will learn to ease into this position. Unite your mind and body to this task and entering the meditative state will be simplified: you'll be able to vary the position infinitely, increasing your capacity for composing yourself in different situations and atmospheres. Imagine the applications this power has in socio-corporate spheres.

PHASE 2 RESPIRATION
During slumber our breathing adopts a slower and deeper rhythm. We feel relief and our energies are replenished. However, our thoughts soar randomly

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