The importance of implementing the practice of meditation as a stress reliever for the semester.
British-American philosopher Allan Watts describes the topic of meditation as “A way of getting in touch with reality. The reason for meditation is that more civilized people are out of touch with reality.” As the semester progresses and students begin feeling overwhelmed, the art of meditation serves as a resource to bring students peace.
With college students striving for a professional future, meditation is an excellent way to focus on the present rather than the concept of the future.
Traditional meditation begins with pure sound, a string of beads, and incense.
A pure sound serves as a technique to still chatter in the mind, and traditionally, a gong and/or your own voice is usually incorporated. The string of beads is implemented as a method of timing, as moving a bead every time you breathe in and out contributes to the peace of mind. Finally, incense represents the concepts of certain smells being associated with certain states of mind, as the smell is an embodiment of peace and contemplation.
Once all three items are incorporated, the proper instructions of mental meditation can begin.
As you begin, it is crucial to allow yourself to breathe the way your body wants to, for breathing is both a voluntary and involuntary action. The case is the same for thinking; rather than being selective, just think of it as “thinking about whatever is happening.”
The Hartwig Prayer Chapel is a great place to meditate. Photo courtesy of Gissel Lopez.
This practice of meditation may seem complex; however, through instruction and practice, the art becomes simple and effective.
Other than serving as a stress reliever, meditation improves focus for the mind by reducing distractions through emotional regulation. Mental regimen, such as meditation, has an influence on enhancing self-awareness and discipline to better manage both study habits and time management.
Columbia University School of Professional Studies offers excellent insight into the topic that there is a form of meditation for everyone.
“Meditation does not always involve quietly sitting still. Slow, repetitive movements, such as through yoga and tai chi, that focus on your breath can be equally effective in relaxing your mind and body. Meditating doesn’t require reserving a large chunk of your time. Simply saving a few minutes per day has been proven to reduce distractions and increase focus.”
The turtle pond inside the Wynn Amphitheater provides a serene spot to meditate. Photo courtesy of Gissel Lopez.
Time and movement provide convenience through practice that is proven to influence individuals’ decisions to incorporate meditation into their lives.
In addition to this, the art of meditation and patience is encouraged by APU staff as a means to strengthen their faith.
“Patience and quiet have been central to Christian spirituality from the earliest centuries,” said Paul Boles, PhD. “There is a saying from the 4th-century desert monks that says, ‘Whatever temptation comes your way, it can be overcome with silence.’ Quiet meditation is, historically, a common and consistent practice for stilling our busy selves and focusing our attention on the deepest things, trying to get free from the tyranny of the immediate. We have a hard time being quiet today, though. We are busy. We have hours of entertainment in our pockets. We don’t know what it’s like to benefit from being bored. We escape all the time and too easily.”
Physical practices and historical prayers are among the many forms of meditation. “A good place for us to start today, I think, is practicing quiet patience,” Boles said. “What is it like to sit quietly for two minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes?”
Peace, patience, and practice are all quintessential factors to properly participate in the art of meditation. As the semester progresses, the incorporation of meditation allows for tranquility, improved focus, and strengthened faith for students.