Why the Psychology of meditation? What does it mean to a practitioner or those contemplating the practice of Chin Kon Pai Meditation? Through out the world today and for centuries people look at life differently. Rather it be the highlands of Tibet, China, Japan, the vast lands of Russia, the centuries old regions of Scotland, Ireland, France or Germany, the ancient civilizations of Africa or the western regions of North America, Central America and the immense land mass of South America, people live and often think differently. There are influences of cultural backgrounds, big city or remote wildernesses, social experiences of peace or war as well as interaction with other types of people. These are just a few of the variables that make us different.
Yet with so many criteria’s that make so many people different there is always one common bond, our minds. Our thought process works the same and we have established thoughts and opinions that may stay the same and may be altered. These alterations may come by the words or actions of others or by our own choice. This is truly the most powerful action on mother earth, the power to change thought and then action by our own will at any time we choose.
So how do different societies deal with challenges better and with a greater sense of calmness and why does it seem that some societies of people can deal with adversities, challenges and threat better than others. This is to say not as an individual person making an individual thought and decision, but as a social group. The answer lies in the thought process of a group that is set by a culture and its way of perceiving events around them. When we think through a situation we are influenced by many things, some consciously and some subconsciously.
There are many places on earth where the people live with very little on a monetary standard. They do not have expensive homes, make big annual salaries, drive fancy automobiles and have all the luxuries that their hearts desire. Yet these people are very happy, at peace with themselves and their neighbors look forward to a happy and meaningful life for them and their families. So are we to accept as true that we do not need all of the things that we are programmed to believe we must have to be happy? And why are some people happy while possessing many items of value and leading a successful lifestyle by the standards of their society? It all goes back to what is in our mind and how we exercise our mind to think and perceive life around us that is the essence of Chin Kon Pai meditation. The psychology of it all is to know why our meditation makes us think the way we do, it is all our choice to understand or reject. It is recognizing our own inner calm; recognize it and you can cultivate it.
So by making the personal choice to recognize our own ‘place of inner calmness’ we open up a whole thought process to finding inner peace when ever we wish by practicing our meditation. We can find a tranquil state and utilize it to make decisions that will determine our approach to life. Blending these philosophies into ones daily life is very foreign to most people and especially our busy, fast pace, high achieving western lifestyle. It has become unfamiliar to us and what is unfamiliar becomes harder to recognize. What becomes difficult to recognize seems harder to achieve and if we can not achieve a level of inner peace we will be sickened by the unrest. This unrest can be the very cause of our social dis ease!
If we indeed want to be better as a person and collectively as a society, what do we do? Well, there is no need to quit your job, give away all of your positions, throw on a robe and move to the top of a mountain in total seclusion. Make the choice to travel the path to find your ‘place of inner calmness.’ Research indicates that with just a few minutes a day of meditation one may dramatically begin to change their lives in a positive fashion. By just a little practice one can increase their Alpha Waves ‘relaxed brain waves’ which will in turn decrease stress, anxiety, depression and negative feelings. Imagine what an increased and heightened level of meditation will do for us as individuals and for our communities as a social group. It really is a personal choice that has no limitations on what a person can achieve and the mental level of calmness they will posses.
The practice of meditation will activate parts of the brain that are responsible for the autonomic nervous system. This will directly affect the different functions in our body that we do not have direct control over such as the cardio vascular system and digestion system. These functions are often compromised by negativity, stress and anxiety. If one allows these harmful emotions to persist for a prolonged amount of time digestive problems, heart disease and infertility may be created or agitated.
So how does one practice and achieve a polymorphous nature by psychologically and physiologically practicing this exercise we know as meditation? With all of the distractions around us how do we keep from adding to or subtracting from our heightened essence of peace? It is pretty basic, if you feel the result that you were striving for, peace and tranquility you are on the correct path. It truly is an individual journey, no two are the same and no two journeys will have the same result.
One of the greatest psychological challenges and obstacles when practicing meditation can be what we call ‘internal disturbance of chatter.’ One must start off with baby steps on their meditation path. Too much, too soon can divert from the relaxation path and a person will concentrate on their anxiety and the vary reasons that they came to meditation in the first place. By finding ones own ‘place of inner calmness’ the practitioner will begin with small progressions to calm themselves and concentrate on a positive force. This is proven to cultivate self acceptance and facilitate a better state of ones mental health and self consciousness.
Keep in mind that a better awareness of self may be a proverbial double edge sword. One of the ironies of getting to know your thoughts and finding who you are is to be met with the challenge of owning up to yourself. This is why it should be done in short stages and with the greatest direction of positive and peaceful intent at all times. Keep in mind that the misconception of baring or emptying the mind is NOT what meditation is at all. You never truly can rid your own thoughts; you categorize them, comprehend them, systematize your intent and peacefully assemble your ‘state of mind.’
Rather it be psychotherapy or meditation one does not want to struggle with the preoccupation of their thought but they should strive to find peace with their now existence. With Chin Kon Pai meditation we learn that there is very little difference between psychoanalytical theories and our basic individual experiences. Our nature is simplistic and natural to the ways of life. So we must strive to journey the path of simple pure thought with the understanding that nothing is lasting or separate from itself.
As we touched on earlier the practice of meditation has a cross over affect between the psychological and the physiological effects on the practitioner. Research in the last two decades has shown that the effects of meditation certainly do calm the mind, decrease anxiety and minimize our stress levels. We now believe that the interaction between the mental and physical effects certainly is profound. It is widely believed that a regular meditation program may reverse heart disease, decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke, reduce pain and enhance one’s natural immune system. One may find themselves with more energy, less confusion in their daily life, better digestion, less gastrointestinal challenges and just a better overall feeling in their wonderful body.
So we ask ourselves how this all takes place. What is the mystery of a meditation healing? What Psychologist, Medical Doctors and Meditation Masters have all agreed on is that a good and continuous meditation practice reduces the stress hormone cortisol. It is really easy to understand. Reduce stress in your life, control as much of the stress that you do maintain and you will send a message to the rest of the body that you are healthier and in better control of your self.
So now we understand the correlation between the mental and physical benefits of a regular practice of meditation, why doesn’t everyone just do it? Misconceptions of what meditation really is have been a great part of resistance to the practice. Also, many of our societies believe in the quick fix from outside sources, even if they are not long term. The practice of meditation will place one in the middle of their existence and they will clearly see who they are and what affects they have on themselves as well as others. For some that may be uncomfortable, even though that may be just what they need.
Ones own ego, fear, mental stability and internal challenges may steer them away from taking a good look at themselves. If they have trouble focusing on their own being, look slightly away from the light and they may focus easier and have a clearer picture of themselves as well as others. Detach from the ego and stress, this is the start of a great journey of awareness and soon to be peace.