Gratitude meditation is one of the most powerful and rewarding exercises we can practice. To develop an attitude of gratitude creates contentment, true happiness and bliss. Gratitude makes us feel good and meditation helps us to a state of deep relaxation and contemplation.
Gratitude meditation can be incorporated together or you can spend a few minutes before you meditate doing some deep breathing relaxation techniques while you think of all the things you are grateful for in your life.
Breathing in through your mouth expands your chest, however when you breath in through your nose your abdomen extends causing the diaphragm to pull air to the bottom of your lungs which carries a healthy dose of oxygen into your bloodstream which will help you to become relaxed. Anthony Robbins teaches inhaling on a ratio of 1 holding for 4 and exhaling for 2. The ratio is the guide. So if you slowly inhale for example to the count of 4 you will hold your breath for the count of 16 and then exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 8. Repeat this exercise 10 times if you can. Simply find a number that you are comfortable with and build the ratio gradually.
When you are ready, lie down or sit in a chair suitable for meditation and close your eyes. Allow your muscles to relax, Let go of your thoughts and begin your breathing exercise. When you feel relaxed and comfortable think of everything you are grateful for in your life. I usually give thanks for my life and my healthy body, my family and friends. I give thanks for special moments like a hug from my little granddaughter. The trees, flowers, birds singing and the wonders of nature create gratitude in me. There is so much to be grateful for. And the more we are grateful for the more we receive.
Whether you choose to practice gratitude meditation or gratitude relaxation and breathing I’m sure you will enjoy either, and if you practice on a regular basis you will certainly achieve bliss and happiness.
“Throughout history wise men and women have encouraged us to feel grateful for what we have. Why? Very simply, because gratitude makes us feel good. When you’re feeling grateful, your mind is clear and therefore you have access to your greatest wisdom and common sense. You see the big picture.” Richard Carlson.
By Marilyn Barker-Smith
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Research has scientifically proven that meditation is a safe and simple way to balance your physical, emotional and mental state and more and more doctors recommend practicing meditation as an alternative to drugs for anxiety, panic attacks, stress, insomnia, depression and various forms of addiction. People pay thousands to learn various kinds of meditation including transcendental meditation which is a multi billion dollar organization. Millions of people globally practice meditation to alleviate stress and enhance their lives with peace and happiness.
This article was printed from the website: www.project-meditation.org - Your internet meditation resource. Project meditation offer a free audio meditation course that can be downloaded instantly. This course was originally created for four compact disks.