Recently we have been reviewing different presentations by several different people on several different topics. One of these topics was specifically about the art of meditation. Our presenter, Hilary, led us into a topic which caused us to have to research for the class the benefits of meditation. In my research I found several different answers to this question, but I decided to go with the one regarding the increase in knowledge. A study done by a university shows that the use of meditation can actually increase a person’s brain power. By meditating the person is essentially exercising the brains muscle. By doing this the person is able to think more clearly on certain topics of interest. It has also shown that a person who does this is able to remember things much easier. Aside from the research that I did in regards to this topic other aspects of meditation were brought up.

One of these aspects that was brought up was that of reaching the enlightenment. This has been a major goal throughout history to achieve a higher state of awareness. Many cultures believe that this can be achieved through the art of meditation. In one of the recent presentations we were shown a story about a man who gave up everything in his life to exist simply in the art of finding himself. He meditated for several long years in complete solitary, but eventually was rises to a state of wise man. This man existed nearly his entire life in meditation. He removed himself from the world so much that in his death the only item to his name was a sofa that was practically forced upon him. This man made a huge impact upon the world, by simply not doing just that. It is also all due to meditation.

The art of meditation can be anything. It can be riding a bike, reading a book, sitting in silence, or even jumping out of a plane. The only thing that must remain the same is: is it meditating to you?

Later in this class Hilary led us in a group meditation. She began us by telling us to shut our eyes. She then moved on to tell us to relax our bodies and let the energy flow into the floor. Next she told us to breathe slowly and deeply. She then had us count our breathing. She had placed us in a state of trance. When the meditation was finally finished she informed us that this was indeed her first time to lead a group in such an activity. Although that may be true, I believe she did an outstanding job as our instructor.

Now I am in search of my meditation. The type of meditation that brings me centering in life. For some people it could be sitting alone in a monastery, for another it could be running a mile, for another it could be a round of golf. As for myself when the right activity comes I will be ready and waiting.