How to Meditate.

How to Meditate.



Meditation may seem as far removed as the Himalayas, but it this relaxation technique is easy to learn and effective. Try this simple routine for five minutes at the end of the day or throughout the day as needed. The more you practice meditation, the more effective it will be.









1


Sit down in a relaxed comfortable position. This works best in a straight backed chair with your feet flat on the floor or on a firm floor mat.





2


Relax you shoulder while placing your hands on your knees. Remember to keep your back, neck, and head upright.





3


While meditating do not change you breathing, but focus your thoughts on every breath you take. Pay attention to you breath as it flows in and out of your body.





4


If you find your self getting off focus while meditation, simply bring yourself back to your breathing.





5


When you are able to concentrate on your breathing without becoming distracted, try to expand your awareness around your breathing, to include a since of your body as a whole. Practice this method of meditation frequently to feel the effects.





6


After you have practiced this method and ready to move on to practice Zen meditation. You may want to find a teacher or look for more information in a new age bookstore.


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How to Meditate, the Basics

How to Meditate, the Basics



This article will tell you all you need to know to get ready to meditate







Things You'll Need:





loose-fitting clothing




a quiet place




10 minutes or more of uninterrupted time









1


Find a quiet place and a comfortable position.





2


Take a few cleansing breaths -- allowing your stomach to expand with each inhale. As you inhale, breathe in love, peace, and joy. As you exhale, release anything that is not love, peace, and joy.





3


Just sit and allow yourself to be. Try to feel gratitude and appreciation for the stillness and silence.





4


When you are ready to end your meditation, slowly allow your focus to return to your surroundings. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you are ready, open your eyes.





5


Before you return to your other activities, take a moment to savor what you just experienced.








Tips & Warnings










If you sit on the floor, try putting a cushion under the back of your tush to give you a little forward tilt at the base of your spine. If you sit in a chair, try having your legs uncrossed with your feet flat on the floor in front of you.








As you meditate, try to hold yourself in a place of no judgments - there is no ONE right way to meditate.








It is really all about intention, the intention to meditate, the intention to find stillness or peace or a shrugging off of life's stresses or whatever you are seeking in your practice. Having the intention is more than half of what you need to get you there.








You can reassure yourself that you are on the right track by thinking: "I am here; all is well." This is always true.








Be gentle; do not push. There is no "right" way or "wrong" way to meditate.








If your mind wanders, gently allow your thoughts to pass through your mind and turn your focus to your breathing or the beating of your heart.








You are in charge of your own meditation. If it veers off in a direction that you do not wish to explore, then bring yourself back to your breathing, consciously substitute a different thought, return to a mantra or a flower, whatever feels right and works for you.



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How to Meditate for Self Realization

How to Meditate for Self Realization



Meditation has many benefits, including relaxation, lowered blood pressure, clearer thinking and a feeling of connection to something greater than ourselves. One reason to meditate is to achieve self realization. Our ego and soul become integrated and stop working at cross purposes in our lives. Follow these steps to meditate for self realization.









1


Find a quiet place where you can meditate daily. If you do it at the same time every day, it will become a habit and be easier to maintain.





2


Sit in a chair or other comfortable seat where your spine is straight. It isn't necessary to sit on the floor cross-legged.





3


Close your eyes and envision a white light from above coming down through your body. All negativity is being cleansed from you as the white light moves through your body, down into the earth. Know that the light is protects you as you meditate.





4


Focus on your breathing and take deep breaths into your diaphragm or upper stomach area and fill up your lungs. As you focus on your breathing, your mind is emptied of all thoughts.





5


Continue breathing deeply and be aware of any bodily sensations you may have. You are practicing being at one with your self, realizing your self and integrating your mind, soul and spirit. You are living fully in the present.





6


Practice your meditation daily until it becomes second nature. Do your meditation for as long as you like, as long as you continue to receive joy.


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How to Meditate for Self Discovery

How to Meditate for Self Discovery



Tap into your subconscious to get answers through meditation. Figure out which direction to take if you're at a crossroads or learn more about our inner self.







Things You'll Need:





A quiet room without distraction.




Candles, incense, and soft music is optional.









1


Practice meditation for self discovery when in search of an answer related to your life. This meditation is useful for figuring out your next path in life, when you're at a crossroads, or to tap into your inner self. Don't become discouraged if you don't receive an answer. Be patient and keep up your meditation practice. You may get your answer when you least expect it. During a meditative state, brain waves slow to Theta state. Here you experience less interference from the conscious mind and be more successful at contacting the subconscious mind. You can change limiting beliefs easier in this state as well.





2


Begin by sitting in a comfortable position and in a room free of disturbances. Light a few candles or incense if you prefer. Nag Champa creates a comforting atmosphere.





3


Focus on the breath. Make sure you're breathing deeply from the diaphragm. Pay attention to the breath as it enters and leaves your nose.





4


Continue focusing on the breath if you're intention is relaxation. If you're looking for a specific answer, pose your question at the start of the meditation. If you're looking for your next career move ask the question, "What is my next career path that will bring me the most happiness and fulfillment?"





5


Your mind will become busy with thoughts. Watch them come and allow them to leave. If a thought comes to mind that resonates with you, dig a little deeper. You'll know when you receive your answer because it will feel right. You'll get a strong sense of knowing that it's the right path. If you find yourself becoming bored and focusing on chores, bring yourself back to your breath. Be patient.





6


As time goes on, your brain waves will become slower. You'll know because you'll feel more tired, but sustain from falling asleep. Don't force the answer. It's when you're open and accepting that it will come. If it doesn't enter your mind this time, continue tomorrow and the next day until you're satisfied.





7


Become more open in your daily life. Answers may come to you while you're driving! The main tip is to remember not to force anything. That is counter-productive. Look for gut feelings and synchronicities in your life.








Tips & Warnings










If you find yourself falling asleep, keep your eyes partially open.



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How to Meditate During a Fast

How to Meditate During a Fast



Meditation is ideal during a fast because it encourages the cleansing and healing of the body and mind. There are many styles and methods you can use to meditate, but there are several common principles on which all of these methods rely. Following a few basic steps will help you learn to meditate in a way that will augment the positive benefits of your fast.









1


Meditate every day during your fast to maintain regularity in both your meditation practices and your fasting process. The best way to do this is by meditating at the same time every day and in the same location. Other ways to maintain regularity include wearing the same clothes each time you meditate, listening to the same calming music and burning the same type of incense.





2


Decide on the best time of day to meditate. It is important to find a time at which you will be free of disturbances. Many people find that the early morning hours are best because it tends to be quiet and the mind has not yet become burdened with the tasks and problems of the day.





3


Create a small space in your home where you can meditate undisturbed, whether it is a corner of a room or a closet. It often helps to separate this space by hanging a curtain or closing the door.





4


Set up a small altar to sit in front of as you mediate during your fast. Your altar should be a small surface on which you can place items that are inspirational to you, such as photos, books, candles or flowers. It is also common to cover the altar with a nice cloth, which means that you can use almost anything for the surface, such as a small bench, box or pile of books.





5


Find a comfortable and steady position in which to sit with your legs crossed.





6


Keep your back straight, fold your arms in front of you and close your eyes.





7


Take deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through your nose.





8


Center your mind by choosing a focal point or repeating an inspirational phrase--referred to as a mantra--either out loud or in your mind. The steady repetition of a mantra usually helps the body and mind to become immersed in the act of meditation and give in to full relaxation and the cleansing of the soul.





9


Meditate at least 10 minutes per day without interruption. As it is important to be consistent with meditation, do not attempt to increase the amount of time once you have started.








Tips & Warnings










Generally, fasting for more than a few days is not medically recommended.



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How to Match a Herbal Remedy to your ailment

How to Match a Herbal Remedy to your ailment



Herbal remedies have been used for centuries. In fact, many of the prescription drugs that we take are plant-based. Approximately five million people worldwide rely solely on traditional plant-based treatments for ailments. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not supervise the manufacture or importation of herbal remedies. The good news is that large and well-designed trials of herbal remedies are being conducted to determine their effectiveness. Here is what we know so far.







How to Match a Herbal Remedy with Your Ailment




1


GinsengThis popular herb has long been used to boost energy, prolong life and improve appetite. Research studies have supported ginseng's effectiveness but the test group was animals only. Try ginseng if you like; but do not take it if you have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.





2


GarlicMarketed as a pill, capsule, or powder, garlic supplements are said to lower cholesterol or blood pressure but are not distinguished enough to be prescribed as a lone treatment option.





3


EchinaceaMillions take echinacea to boost their immune system for prevention of catching symptoms of a common cold. There is no harm in taking echinacea unless you are allergic to ragweed or taking prescription medication because you can damage your liver.





4


ChamomileThis herb is recommended to improve sleeping habits, settle the stomach, soothe a sore throat, and relieve bronchial congestion. Some takers say chamomile will ease arthritis pain and menstrual cramps, but avoid it if you are allergic to daisies or are pregnant.





5


St. John's WortThis herb acts on the receptors inside the brain to improve a mild depression condition. However, St. John's Wort interacts poorly with other medications and reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.





6


Ginkgo BilobaDoctors recommend ginkgo biloba to patients for a memory booster, to promote circulation in the legs or to ease symptoms of cognitive impairment due to decreased blood flow to the brain.





7


ValerianDoctors have prescribed valerian to help patients with sleep disorders. It does work, but do not take valerian longer than a few weeks.





8


GingerThis root is effective against nausea, but the claims of protection against heart intestinal tract, and lung ailments remain unproven.





9


Saw PalmettoDoctors worldwide used saw palmetto to assist in treatment of an enlarged prostrate. However, saw palmetto has it detractors. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine stated saw palmetto is no more effective than a placebo.





10


FeverfewPeople susceptible to migraine headaches will take feverfew on a regular basis. It has no serious side effects, but do not use feverfew if you are pregnant.


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How to Master FIFA 08 for Xbox 360

How to Master FIFA 08 for Xbox 360



FIFA '08 is the continuation of the EA
Sports
soccer series. FIFA '07, while a good video game, left many hardcore soccer fans wanting more. But FIFA '08 isn't just harder than previous editions: In the eyes of many fans and critics, it's actually a little too difficult. With plenty of practice and game play, however, you can become a pro. Here is how to master FIFA '08 for Xbox 360.









1


Utilize the practice mode to learn different aspects of the game. This mode of FIFA '08 allows you to work on penalty shots, corner kicks, indirect and direct kicks and, most important, trick moves to fake out opponents. Use the practice mode to learn the various tricks you can perform while controlling the ball. Learning how to use these moves correctly will give you a distinct advantage over any opponent.





2


Begin by playing on the easiest difficulty level. This is an especially good idea if you've never played any of the games in the FIFA series. But even if you consider yourself an old pro at the FIFA games, it's still a good idea to at least play a half on the easiest settings. FIFA '08 is very different than older editions, and it takes a little time to get used to, especially its speed.





3


Learn to cycle the ball and move it down the pitch. In older versions of FIFA, it was far too easy to simply pass the ball to a player running through the defense. Almost all of these passes got by defenders. The AI in FIFA '08 has been drastically changed, making it a much more realistic game. In FIFA '08, you have to use the midfielders to advance the ball and work at getting through balls carefully past defenders. On harder difficulty settings, there will come times when you will be forced to use the trick moves that you worked on in practice mode in order to get by oncoming defenders.





4


Limit the use of your slide tackle. One thing that hasn't changed in FIFA games throughout the years is the approach to playing one-on-one defense. In FIFA '08, as in the older games, you can gain possession of the ball simply by running into the offensive player controlling the ball. If you use a slide tackle and the offensive player uses a trick move, you may quickly find yourself out of position, putting you at risk to gain a yellow card. Using a slide tackle from behind is almost a guaranteed way to get you a card, probably the red version.





5


Use online play to hone your skills. There are plenty of online leagues you can enter, regardless of which team you are playing as. Try to compete with players who are ranked slightly higher than you. While you shouldn't play against experts if you're a beginner, it's a good idea to engage those who are one or two levels ahead of you. Sure, you'll probably lose more games than you win at first, but you'll also learn how to be a better overall FIFA '08 player. FIFA '08 has a vastly improved online system than previous editions. Use it often and you'll master the game in no time.


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