Meditation is a unique art practised daily or several times daily, for a short period, by mystics.

It is the art of being at peace and in control of self so as to achieve 'oneness' with God. It is a common practice of Eastern societies for thousand of years, and is now practised in Western societies.

There is no precise formula for meditation but there should be a desire to obtain and experience subliminal states of the mind and to create a feeling of harmony and peace. It is an introduction to holistic health, to release negative thoughts, provide inspiration, clarity, confidence, creativity and blissful joy; mediation gradually removes fear, anxiety and loneliness. The importance of all this is to let go and make peace within, and return to ' pure love'.

Not after a heavy meal

One should not go into meditation after a heavy meal or when feeling very fatigued. This will make you feel lethargic and sleep is not meditation. It is important to put the body in harmony and at peace so as to allow healing to take place.

We are faced with the mundane problems of daily living, which bring persons to the brink of disharmony, fear and anxiety. Allowing these circumstances to dominate our thoughts and way of life will affect the emotions, producing psychosomatic ailments to the weakest organ in the body.

Preparation

When preparing for meditation, it is best to dismiss all the 'clutter of the mind'. Play soothing, soft music, visualise or see enchanted scenery of nature, then invite the Divine Spirit of God within. Listen to the still voice within or just revel in being in the presence of the Divine Spirit. This is the greatest feeling of meditation to enjoy. Take a few deep breaths slowly and return to normalcy feeling refreshed.

Contemplation and visualisation are not meditation, however, they can be a preparatory means for successful meditation. In meditation, we bring about a change of consciousness so that the ego is removed to an advanced state of 'pure love'.

The gifts

Healing is one of the many gifts received through meditation. Taking several deep breaths slowly and maintaining a proper posture can assist this realisation. Breath exercises provide a deep insight into the nature of self. Stretching and breathing deeply are very important to keep the body fit and in tune with 'the inner self'. Hypertensive patients and persons suffering from emotional pain have gained positive assistance through meditation.

Transformation leads to enlightenment that is useful to connect one's spirit with the Divine Spirit. This is the stage of illumination. When the person senses a contact with the 'Source of Knowledge', this leads to an all-embracing state of consciousness. This ascent leads to inspiration, ideas that are beneficial to the person.

Silence is key for meditation except for the accompaniment of soft instrumental music with soft lights to relax the mind, body and spirit. There is a synergy between people and the universe when meditating in quiet gardens with waterfalls and flowers. People's greatest gift from God is the human body placed in this universe as a special being for specific purposes and transformation of self.

What is yoga meditation?

This is where one is required to go through a course of mental and spiritual discipline. Yoga uses slow movement exercises to go through the paces of mental and spiritual discipline specifically to control passions and emotions.

Dr. Diane Robertson is a pharmacist and recipient of an honorary doctorate in complementary medicine for her work in herbs; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.