Meditation Techniques for Beginners: Mantras, malas and mandalas
Focus on the beauty of life
Meditation means a focus on the present and a clearing away of the thoughts in your mind. This definition of meditation is what prevents people from even starting. I know it did for me for a very long time. Most people see this as an impossible task. How could one ever stop the mind from thinking. In fact this space of absence of thought probably frightens most. If you’re not thinking then what are you doing?
It’s actually a very peaceful place but a difficult space to enter into. You should not let this stop you. Instead you must understand that meditation is a work in progress and with practice it gets easier. There are many simple meditation techniques for beginners to help you do this.
Removing all thought
Your focus should not be on removing all thought but instead allowing the thought to pass through your mind without paying it any attention or deep analysis. What you should do is instead say “Wow, there’s another thought, isn’t that interesting” and then let it go on it’s merry way. Often you will find your mind will get caught in a thought and eventually you will recognize what you are doing and you can pull yourself out of it by again saying this sentence. Don’t get frustrated that you can’t control your thoughts. Just let it go and move on.
Mantras
A very simple way to remove the thoughts from your mind is to simply repeat a mantra or phrase over and over again. The most well known is ‘Om’ which represents the sound of the Universe. You can instead choose any word or phrases that are meaningful to you. The sound or vibration of the phrase will act as your central point of focus. Find your mantra, test it out to see if it helps to make you feel peaceful, alert, calm and relaxed. Allow this to become the focus of your thought.
Malas
Meditation Mala beads
Create your own mala to help you stay focused with your mantra and meditation. A mala is simply a bracelet of 27 small beads and one large bead. When meditating hold your mala in your hand and move each bead between you fingers as you repeat your mantra. Pause between each bead and acknowledge the silence. The large bead represents wisdom and when you reach this after your mantra circle,begin again, this time moving in the other direction.
Mandalas
Mandala
Mandalas are circular designs used as focal points in your meditation. They are meant to symbolize the journey of self realization. I recommend creating your own as it’s a powerful meditation exercise in itself. To make one, create a circle outline with a bowl. Trace around a quarter in the center of your circle and then add in your own details. Include colors, images, words and symbols that are meaningful to you and will help you on your path to self awareness. When meditating focus on your mandala as you say your mantra,
These meditation techniques for beginners are a great starting point for your path on the removal of thought from your mind to find the space of eternal peace and stillness.
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