Meditation Overview

De-Stress

'Stress' is increasingly being implicated as a major factor in physical and mental ill health and disease. As modern medicine, with all its' technological advancements, struggles to keep pace, we become increasingly aware that our health and happiness is our responsibility. Although a certain level of tension is essential for our everyday living, often we hold tension in excess of this. This level of tension varies throughout the day and some is even maintained while we asleep. It is only when we are able relax to a deeper level that we able to recognise the difference. The single most effective way to reduce 'stress' levels is to re-learn how to relax, or rather, unlearn how to hold tension. The ancient Ayurvedic* art of Meditation is the mother of all relaxation techniques and has been practised with great benefit for thousands of years.

How it Works

Practising a balanced programme of meditation breaks the continuing cycles of 'stress patterns' within our psyche's. These are often so engrained within us that we tend to believe they are actually part of us. These patterns or impressions accumulate throughout life and are ways of coping, but they have usually fulfilled their purpose and have since become habitual. If we accept this, then it easy to see how non-constructive cycles can go on to sabotage health, happiness & relationships without us even being aware of them.

This is not only during the two 20 minute sessions (recommended) daily meditating, but also the time in between. As we progress the experience gained from 'within' gives one a more objective perception of reality during everyday life. This gives us the ability to identify these patterns before we get caught up them and let them go.
Holding and maintaining such conditioned patterns is a drain on one's energy and clarity of mind.

Letting these go allows greater clarity & focus of mind, encouraging, both physical & mental well being, creativity and contentment. Freed from the ups & downs of life, one moves toward a point of balance where a greater freedom of self and expression are possible.

*(Ayurvedic - pertaining to ayurveda = science of life.)

Dispelling the Myths of Meditation

• Meditation should not be mental gymnastics.
• Requires no music, symbols or tapes.
• Should not detract from your current beliefs.
• Requires no previous experience of even being able to relax.
• With experience, can be practised almost anywhere.
• Requires little effort to prepare & no effort to practice.
• Love, peace and other such words are not advisable to use as mantras, as even these may have negative associations deep in the psyche.
• It is a very practical tool for everyday living.

Potential Benefits

• Greater physical & mental relaxation.
• The ability to deal with everyday challenges with ease.
• Development of the intuitive faculty.
• More open & understanding relationships.
• Greater understanding of self and others.
• Improved ability to focus on the task in hand.
• Improved health, as life becomes less stressful.
• A more contented and confident personality.
• A greater understanding & meaning to life.
• A greater appreciation & understanding of your own belief system/religion, as well as, a very practical philosophy of life.

Many meditators also work as healers, passing on the benefits of their own development.

The BMS is supported entirely by donations. Classes are held in informal groups and taught by trained, accredited teachers throughout the UK.
Residential courses are also held around the country where meditators can meet and participate in a varied programme of meditations and discussions. Supporting cassettes and books are also available.