As a continuation of my previous post, I want to bring light to a significant aspect of Holistic Health: Meditation. According to an article in The Pan-African Alliance, meditation is defined as “the act of contemplation or reflection, and serves two purposes—to gain tranquility, and to gain insight.”
- Tranquility helps you develop a still and tranquil mind; to cut through endless thoughts, the non-stop rambling of your internal dialogue.
- Insight helps you realize the true nature of the body and world. And the four concentrations include Kayanupassana, meditation of the body; Vedananupassana, meditation of emotions; Cittanupassana, meditation of consciousness; Dhammanupassana, meditation on an object.
I’ve been practicing this art form for the past few months and although meditating is commonly referenced as a spiritual and mental healing tactic, I always notice how my body physically changes after each session—I tend to feel more relaxed, agile, and like I’ve increased my oxygen level. Upon doing some further research, I’ve discovered a list of other benefits that meditation can have on one’s health.
- It can treat migraines, high blood pressure, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, tension, ulcers, insomnia, and muscle/joint problems.
- It can change brainwave frequencies; Gamma, Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta.
- It increases serotonin production (which improves mood and behavior), energy levels, creativity, happiness, and mind focus.
- It can also improve your immune system.
In regards to African History, there are two techniques that I found interesting: The Ausar Auset Meditation and Kemetic Meditation. Ausar Auset is based on the religious beliefs of the cultures of ancient Ethiopia, Egypt, Palestine, and India. Kemetic is based on the belief system associated with the cultures of ancient Egypt, focusing on invoking the powers of the God Ausar (Osiris) and Auset (Isis)—life, death, and transcendence. African meditation is also open to creation, particularly spiritual for those who don’t want to conform to a belief system.
But for those who want to get to the point and learn how to meditate, breathe. No, seriously, just breathe; that’s all meditation is. Whenever I need to center my energy, I find a quiet place, sit on the floor, turn off all electronics, close my eyes, inhale slowly and exhale. I never try to control my thoughts, I just let them roam and breathe. You can also incorporate yoga, smooth music, and incense as long as you a working to achieve the ultimate goal: to develop a well-rounded historically centered and spiritually purposeful self.
Until Next Time…
(Sources)
Brooks, A. (n.d.). African Meditation Techniques. Retrieved June 4, 2017, from https://www.leaf.tv/articles/african-meditation-techniques/
Kmiec, D. (2016, October 17). Improving Your Health Through Meditation. Retrieved June 4, 2017, from https://www.onlineholistichealth.com/improving-health-meditation/
Benefits of Meditation. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2017, from https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/meditation/meditation-for-you/benefits-of-meditation
HOW TO MEDITATE: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2017, from http://www.panafricanalliance.com/meditation/
HONEST MEDIA 