Meditation
Meditation is 'becoming familiar with' one's chosen object. The stages of meditation are 1st - concentration, 2nd - meditation - the sustaining of that initial concentration for an extended period of time without losing the thread and having to start over again, 3rd - samhadi - the state of merging of subject, object and the process itself. Samyama is the term for the three levels taken together as a tool. In traditional Yoga the 'sight of the soul', Atman, is the chosen object. The motivation being self realisation.
Contemplation:
The process of quietening our minds and moving into a resting, passive state where we can become open and receptive to intuitive solutions and answers to questions we may have or areas where we need clarity. Contemplation is quite a broad term and may even include a dedicated time to simply rest, possibly read some material, write in a journal and so on.
Mindfulness:
Usually an active time of sitting, lying down or walking where we become acutely aware of thoughts, feelings, tactile and other sensory input. We practice in an observing way without judgements or engaging thought processes.
Relaxation
As disticnt from the other practices, Deep Relaxation is characterised by 'mind awake, body asleep'. Deep Relaxation implies deep rest and rejuvination but with the consciuos corntrol of our mind. So not the rest and relaxation achieved in normal sleep where the body naturally expedites these functions.
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Regular practice of the above techniques heightens this skill and the newly gained faculty can then be applied to our daily lives, mindset, responses, habits and so. Useful should we wish to change things or become aware of patterns that were previously sub-conscious.
Both Mindfulness and Contemplation as techniques can easily extend, and should do so, into our daily lives. We practice and engage these to deepen and harness our awareness and resulting consciousness. Spiritual growth is a lot about plumbing the depths of my own spirit with the associated warmth of heart and soul.
Searching for deeper, and hopefully a more universal, meaning in life and current scenario, also with a strong eye on the broader unfolding layers over time, and one might influence these or aquiece.
Contemplation:
The process of quietening our minds and moving into a resting, passive state where we can become open and receptive to intuitive solutions and answers to questions we may have or areas where we need clarity. Contemplation is quite a broad term and may even include a dedicated time to simply rest, possibly read some material, write in a journal and so on.
Mindfulness:
Usually an active time of sitting, lying down or walking where we become acutely aware of thoughts, feelings, tactile and other sensory input. We practice in an observing way without judgements or engaging thought processes.
Relaxation
As disticnt from the other practices, Deep Relaxation is characterised by 'mind awake, body asleep'. Deep Relaxation implies deep rest and rejuvination but with the consciuos corntrol of our mind. So not the rest and relaxation achieved in normal sleep where the body naturally expedites these functions.
oOo
Regular practice of the above techniques heightens this skill and the newly gained faculty can then be applied to our daily lives, mindset, responses, habits and so. Useful should we wish to change things or become aware of patterns that were previously sub-conscious.
Both Mindfulness and Contemplation as techniques can easily extend, and should do so, into our daily lives. We practice and engage these to deepen and harness our awareness and resulting consciousness. Spiritual growth is a lot about plumbing the depths of my own spirit with the associated warmth of heart and soul.
Searching for deeper, and hopefully a more universal, meaning in life and current scenario, also with a strong eye on the broader unfolding layers over time, and one might influence these or aquiece.
