I often hear people say they would like to be able to meditate and I reckon this aspiration is a good one. Meditation is a simple basic skill that any one can do which will enhance the practitioner’s life.

One thing that can put people off is the perception that meditation requires an adherence to a religious philosophy. This is not true. At base meditation is the practise of changing the brain waves from a waking beta state to a slower alpha state.

Just as a heart beats a certain number of beats per second so does the brain. In the faster beta rhythm the mind is focused on logic, language and thought. In the slower alpha rhythm the mind is more mercurial.

In the alpha rhythm of meditation the mind is more at ease and is so more colourful and creative. It is as though a practitioner can dive past the boundaries of negative judgment and limitation to swim in the clear calm depths of their mind.

The benefits of this behaviour are tremendous. Firstly it is very pleasant. Meditation offers your brain breathing space like a day at the beach with out the sunburn. It leaves you relaxed and at ease

Meditation also improves your mental function.  Like a computer after a virus scan, meditation has things running more smoothly. Meditation makes minds feel healthier and more energised when the time comes to be a beta brain again.

Another obvious benefit derived through meditation is improved physical health. Meditation helps diminish mental stress and a calmer mind makes better decisions. A calm mind might choose, for example, to eat breakfast rather than skip it.

A less obvious benefit of meditation could in fact be it’s greatest opportunity. When you enter your own minds inner workings there is much that is stored away. Meditation can help you see intuitions and awareness’s that had previously been unused. If you learn and practise meditation you will think more deeply for yourself.

To explore meditation feel free to attend my free meditation evenings each Sunday between 6 and 8 pm at the Manly Community Centre, 12 Wentworth St Manly. Call for more information or just turn up.

Martin Hunter Jones is an honorary life member of the Australian Counselling Association. He has a practice on the Northern Beaches. Phone 9973 4997.