Simply put, meditation is the act of connecting with your spirit. This is done through achieving a state of being which invites your higher self to exist in a space that is non-judgmental and compassionate. This particular state of being is termed Mindfulness.

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Meditation has been proven to have many beneficial health effects ~

a) lowers our heart rate
b) decreases the stress we have, which in turn makes our immune system stronger
c) allows for clarity in thought
d) detoxifies our inner organs
e) oxygenates our inner organs
f) slows down the aging process
g) helps calm anxiety and ulcers
h) helps alleviate headaches and migraines
i) helps control addictions
j) increases overall energy

Meditation can be used for many other reasons ~

a) helps achieve a sense of oneness and balance
b) brings illumination to the surface
c) allows for a connection with God or our Source
d) enhances creativity and allows for creative manifestation
e) lets one reach the “Now” state
f) allows for a state of non-judgment & compassion

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Hundreds upon thousands of meditation techniques have been devised throughout the course of time. But they all contain three basic stages or steps:

a) Relaxation
b) Centering  (which can have an added stage called Enhancement)
c) Release

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D: The state of butter, otherwise called relaxation.

Relaxation is the process in which we lose the barriers of stress and body. During this stage we release the tension stored within our bodies. You should make your body as comfortable as possible; this will allow your mind to easily let go and accomplish the next stages.

Relaxation is a simple process that can involve visualization, movement and stretching, or counting.

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E: Balance, centering, peace: a Jedi seeks all these things.

Centering follows relaxation and is a very difficult state to reach. It involves the state called “Mindfulness”. Mindfulness is a complex state to comprehend, but an intense one in which to exist. During Mindfulness the mind is allowed to see the world as it truly is, unclouded by the past or future.

Mindfulness has been called many different things: Vipassana, Diffuse Openness, Beginners Mind, Enlightenment, and Sati.

Anyway you say it, entering into Mindfulness is a more difficult task than relaxation. It takes discipline to train your mind to stay focused on being in this state. When a thought comes into your mind and you take notice of it, you lose the concentration mindfulness requires. You then need to regain this state by returning your awareness to this moment.

There are many different ways to help you reach the state of mindfulness. I will list a few of them below:

Mantras - A mantra, or prayer, is commonly used by many people during their meditations. The Sanskrit word "Om" has been used for thousands of years as a mantra in meditation practice. "Om" -- or "Aum" -- was the sound the universe made upon its creation.

Mandalas - Mandalas are complex artistic designs that engage the visual parts of the mind in order for it to relax and enter mindfulness. You can use them for meditation practice by placing one in front of you and gazing at it. Every time you mind wanders, and it will, simply refocus on the Mandala. Grab some Mandalas below!

Breathing - You can focus on your breathing to aide you in achieving mindfulness. Each time you breathe it is different. By focusing on the nostrils, the place where cold air becomes hot, or your in-breath and your out-breath, you will allow for your mind to reach the state of mindfulness. When your mind begins to wander simply refocus on this moment, this breath.

Altars - If you have some extra space in your home you may wish to set up an altar. Decorate your altar with pictures of gods, deities, ascended masters, and enlightened beings. Place candles and flowers on your altar. Have on it incense, offering bowls, crystals, or anything else that will help you to focus on your spirit on your altar.

Prayer Beads - Some people like to use Malas or Prayer/Rosary Beads during their meditations. These beads can be inexpensive and will allow you to perform an activity during your mediation. While using beads you may want to use a Mantra; the prayer beads would be used to count the number of times you have said your Mantra or prayer. Chinese Exercise Balls can also be used as a repetitive action during meditation.

Music - Another tool for entering Mindfulness is the use of certain types of music. You should, however, avoid using the same music over and over again, as you will begin to expect certain parts of the music before they happen. This does not help you get into the moment, but pushes you further away from it.

Whichever technique you use you will not master it the first time you try it. This is natural. Please don’t get discouraged with yourself or with meditation practice. Allow for mistakes and for failed attempts -- what is important is that you keep trying. Remember that when your mind starts its endless chatter, you should will yourself to bring it back to the now.

Centering can also bring another state, or stage, called Enhancement. During Enhancement you can use Mindfulness to increase your clarity, provide insight, go on a mental journey or vacation, or whatever seems fit to do. During centering you will use a skill called Visualization to accomplish your goals.

Visualization is the act of imagining objects, situations, events, places, or individuals with the use of all of your senses. It is used to accomplish a specific result or to induce a specific feeling. The purpose for which you are aiming dictates the image you focus upon during visualization.

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Release is the last stage of meditation. During release you bring your mind back to your body and, in essence, "wake up." You can do the relaxation exercise backwards to get your body to return out of meditative state. Release is a very simple step that can be done by only wiggling your toes or moving your arms and hands.

You should spend a few minutes integrating back into your self. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, fly a plane, or do anything that requires extreme concentration at least 15 to 30 minutes after a mediation. You need some time to fully come out of the meditative state. 

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G: Mandalas for your use.

The following Mandalas can be used by clicking the thumbnail to see the larger version. Then print out the images onto paper. During your meditation use them by staring into the center of the picture/design. Every time your mind or eyes wander bring them back to the middle spot in the image.

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