Ultimate Brain Exercise

Types of Meditation
Methods for Spiritual Fitness

The Ultimate Brain Exercise
As a serious practitioner and instructor in the vast field of the science of mind training for more than 30 years, the ultimate exercise for the brain is most definately meditation.

The purpose of this general discussion will be an introductory overview into types of meditation methods with an emphasis on spiritual fitness as a portal to the Soul.

Brain Exercise: "Alpha Waves"
Let's take a brief look at our brain, which is the primary physical organ of our mind. Although, remember that the intelligence of our mind is present everywhere throughout our body.

Our brain has two hemispheres, two sides, the right and the left. Our right brain is the more "creative" side, where we "meditate from." The left is responsible for linear, analytical thinking, computing numbers, etc. We know from fascinating, cutting edge research in Neuro Technology more detail but for the purposes of this discussion I keep it simple.

There are four types of measured brain waves: beta waves, alpha waves, theta waves and delta waves. Alpha waves are "meditative state" waves, so it is desirable to bring your mind into the alpha rhythm. To learn more about "alpha waves" meditation, I have an entire page devoted to explaining brain wave function so you may choose to click here for Alpha Waves Meditation Methods.

Why meditate? Meditation is the most beneficial and ultimate way to stretch and strengthen your mind. What do I mean by that? Well, stretching your mind means that you expand your view and therefore expand your consciousness. Imagine the arising thoughts of your mind becoming more flexible, spacious, peaceful, and more gracious and accepting.

Strength of mind means healthy, grounded, stable and balanced in your thinking, decision making processes, etc.

So in essence, various types of meditation methods improve the fitness of our mind, and that is a very good thing. Don't you agree?

You may choose to actually do a brain exercise right now (my unique, sphere meditation visualization) click here for this experience.

The benefits of establishing a meditation practice or doing lots of brain exercise are scientifically documented. Here in the 21st Century meditation is no longer 'on the fringe.' It is certainly accepted as a viable and practical, effective method for reducing and managing stress levels. However, at this stage of development in humanity it is crucial to understand meditation methods as the ancients did: Portals to the Soul.

In this very moment you are reading these words, we are all experiencing a tremendous upwards, accelerating shift in our consciousness. Our vibratory frequency is evolving. As in all life forms: We grow or die.

It is no accident, coincedence or happenstance that you are here today reading about brain exercise in "doing a 360," which is a circular journey to wake up and see clearly a healing vision in all directions--three hundred and sixty degrees.

I believe your Soul guided you here. That's what I mean by a portal to the Soul. This whole web-site is a portal. Meditation is a portal. You don't have to open any doors...the sacred space is right in front of you leading the way to wholeness, to fulfillment of your higher purpose.

So, "brain exercise", if you don't already do some form of it, is a necessary part of expanding consciousness, and becoming aware of the nuances of your mind and its functioning. Let a specific path speak to you...call to you. As Don Juan teaches his student Carlos Casteneda:

"If the path does not have heart...you will know."

Follow your heart. As I always say: "Follow your heart of hearts." What is heart of hearts? Your SOUL. Your Divine Essence. Your God-ness. Your Higher Self. Whatever you are comfortable calling IT.

Types of Meditation Methods
Let's look at a few types of meditation as an overview. There are many more meditation methods that I haven't mentioned here. This list is simply a sample like a course I have taught called The Meditation Sampler, for new students to the art and science of training the mind for enlightment.

Webster's Dictionary defines meditation as follows: "act of meditating; deep, continued thought 2. deep reflection on sacred matters as a devotional act. Meditate: "to reflect upon; study; ponder 2. to plan or intend, to think deeply and continuously; reflect; muse."

Meditation is a very big subject as you see by this extensive yet very partial list:

Ultimate Brain exercise: Types of Meditation Methods

• Mindfulness meditation
• OM meditation
• Japa meditation
• TM meditation
• Guided meditation
• Chakra meditation
• Communion meditation
• Manifestation meditation
• Shamata meditation
• Vipasana (insight) meditation
• Dzogchen meditation
• Deity meditation
• Mantra meditation
• Mandala meditation
• Nadam (sounds of nature) meditation
• Walking meditation
• Zen (zazen) meditation
• Sky meditation
• Breath meditation
• Movement (conscious) meditation
• Dance (Nia) meditation
• Shine ('shee ney') (counting numbers/breaths) meditation
• Christian (contemplation) meditation
• "Indian" yogic meditation
• Yoga asana meditation
• Cosmic meditation
• Object (ex, flower) meditation
• Eating meditation
• Bubble meditation
• Body (Sufi Dancing) meditation
• Love (path through emotion) meditation
• Sensory Awareness meditation

...and so many more from other Sacred Traditions.

If you are just beginning to learn about meditation, it doesn't matter what religion, if any, you are. Anyone can practice this ancient healing art. Just watch your breath. Notice everything without making judgement, or any mental comment. Do not accept or reject anything arising in your mind or environment (ex., any noises you hear). Be gentle with yourself as you start stretching and strengthening your mind with brain exercise. Be compassionate. Be patient.

CLICK HERE to practice 'watching your breath.' At 2 Types of Meditation: Structured & Unstructured, you'll learn more. I'll help you through a simple meditation, step-by-step.

You CAN do it! It's spiritual fitness. If I can...you can, too.

Thanks for visiting today. Write to me if you need further assistance. Best with Blessings,
Rev Nancy

Questions on Meditation Methods, etc.? Contact me here...

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