Meditation is a practice where an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content, or as an end in itself.
The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in any life activity.
How To Prepare Yourself For Meditation:
Asana Training
One of the first thing that needs to be worked on, is getting comfortable in a meditative posture. That is, Padmasana, Vajrasana, Siddhasana, Swastikasana or Sukhasana. And a systematic approach in asana training, can help you master a meditative posture.
Standing postures are important as they tone and balance the muscles and joints of the pelvis.
Back bends are important as they maintain the natural curvature of the spine. While strengthening the back muscles.
Twists helps in removing tension from the back. While strengthening the lower back muscles, thus improving your seated postures.
Inversions such as sarvangasana strengthen, limber and lengthen many of the key muscles that are important for a correct seated posture. While, Sirsasana prepares the mind to be still.
Asanas like Bhadra konasana, Ardha kapotasana, should be practiced for opening the hip joints and stretching the adductors.
Asanas that improve flexibility are important. As they stretch the connective tissues of the joint capsule. But, it is equally important to strengthen the associated muscles. Or, the joints become susceptible to injury. Without strength, the knees and ankles are vulnerable to injuries.
Thus, a systematic sequential flow of asanas, help in preparing the body to be comfortable in meditation.
Pranayam Training
If the mind is not one pointed, a person ends up day dreaming while sitting. Or they are restless and the mind is all over the place.
Pranayam purifies the energy channels of the body.While balancing the mind to sit it meditation.
Meditation comes naturally to the body after practicing energizing followed by balancing pranayam techniques.
Bandhas
Siddhasana or Padmasana is used widely for meditation. As the Moola bandha is automatically locked and. Which governs the energy and vitality of the base of the body. Thereby, helping the energy flow through the energy channels.
A wandering mind and stiff body makes meditation an unpleasant experience. But, yoga practices have been designed to enable the practitioner to sit in silence at ease.
Sitting in meditation right after your yoga practice is natural. But, it requires more effort and discipline at other times..