Objective Meditations: What is Reality?

Is reality a projection from within the mind, or is it an altered lens into the outside world? Lets look at the altered lens theory first. Obviously, we are not all looking at the world with the same lens or viewpoint. If that were possible, and we had a consistent moral code of ethics, we would have world peace.

Imagine no wars, conflict, divorce, or crime. It does make you think that John Lennon might have been thousands of years ahead of his time, when he wrote the lyrics for his song, Imagine. Although, we may not agree with every word, the thought of global harmony captivates the mind.

Is this a reality? At this moment in time, it doesnt look possible. Peace agreements seem so close, and then, an assassination, or a suicide bomb, changes everything. Why is this world not ready for a Mahatma Gandhi, Anwar Sadat, or Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Do we, as a species, need to grow, and mature a little more, or can we make small changes in this world now? You can make small changes by bringing out the inner calm you have developed through meditation practice. If you are still not sure how to proceed, demonstrating acts of kindness to everyone you meet, will do.

At the very least, following the Golden Rule is good for you, and everyone you come into contact with. Remember, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you". - Luke 6:31. This action will bring your lens into focus.

On the other hand, a projection is a creation from within the minds eye. This, in turn, gets impressions by receiving images from outside the body, and judges everything.

This classification, and judgment, creates a biased frame of mind that reacts to a world created by the same mind. The problem is - these judgments solidify into concrete beliefs, resulting in a reality of pre-conceived notions. I refer to this as, The Cycle of Judgment Theory, and hope that you clearly understand the cycle.

The result of the cycle of judgment is dangerous, as there is no room for objective viewpoints. Everything is classified as black or white, and there is no room for a gray area. This particular viewpoint, with concrete beliefs, has no room for change and will not negotiate.

So both realities exist - creating more realities with potential opposites. This explains why we see people justify atrocities. Whenever you meditate, and are able to find objective viewpoints that are good for your mental health, always beware of judgmental people who have no ability to reason or open their mind.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

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What is meditation?

Meditation usually refers to a state in which the body is consciously relaxed and the mind is allowed to become calm and focused. Several major religions include ritual meditation; however, meditation itself need not be a religious or spiritual activity. Most of the more popular systems of meditation are of Eastern origin, though there exists also various forms of Christian, Jewish and Muslim meditation.
Meditation as a form of alternative medicine brings about mental calmness and physical relaxation by suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. Generally performed once or twice a day for approximately 20 minutes at a time, meditation is used to reduce stress, alter hormone levels, and elevate one's mood.
A discipline in which the mind is focused on a single point of reference. Employed since ancient times in various forms by all religions, the practice gained greater notice in the post war US as interest in Zen Buddhism rose. Meditation is now used by many nonreligious adherents as a method of stress reduction; known to lower levels of cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress. Enhances recuperation and improves the body’s resistance to disease.
Meditation is an easy and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. It is easily learned and has been used as an aid in treating stress, anxiety, pain management, and as part of an overall treatment for other conditions including hypertension and heart disease. Research shows that meditation decreases the heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption, and even decreases blood pressure.