In our fast-paced culture, stress accumulates rapidly in our bodies and can have physical consequences. Our minds take over and obsess about all the details that must be remembered, all the actions that need to be completed. There are some simple ways to relax our mind, which will relax our bodies.

Walking as Meditation

Getting our bodies moving is a great way to get exercise, but try walking with a different purpose. Slow down, way down. Take each step with purpose. Try to notice all the subtlety in your field of vision. Listen. Pay attention to all your senses. See if you can expand your field of vision to greater width. In this way, walking becomes a kind of meditation. Your mind becomes clear and your body will relax. With practice, you'll begin to notice a greater awareness. You will realize that you were moving so fast that you failed to notice many things.

Breath Meditation

A simple meditation of five minutes can change your state of mind and enhance your concentration. You can do this at your desk at work. First, close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing. When you feel your mind begin to clear and your state of mind change slightly, start to focus on what you hear. Pay attention to the sounds in the area and reach out with your other senses. Try to notice as much as possible with your eyes closed. Pay attention to your thoughts, but let them float by instead of seizing on them. This is a simple way to change your state of mind. It can provide rest and allow you to refocus on the many tasks that face each of us everyday.

Body Energy Meditation

One final meditation that can really help change your state of mind involves sensing our bodies. It is a bit more difficult because it involves a lot of visualization. When lying down, close your eyes and imagine white light filling your body. Begin with the light entering your legs and slowly engulfing the rest of your body. Eventually your whole body will be surrounded by a white healing light. With practice, you will be able to feel a change come over your body. You will feel a new energy within your body.

Meditation and Consciousness

Meditation has long been recognized as a way to enhance awareness and provide relaxation. Try these three simple meditations as a way to relax during your day.