Do you know when we experience happiness? Perhaps it is when we are completely absorbed into doing something. So, whether it is playing a game of
Chess or reading a potboiler, we forget everything which is disturbing us. What really happens when we are doing these activities? Our mind becomes empty in these situations. In other words, we are not thinking about anything but about the activity we are involved in at the moment. And what if we are able to consciously prevent the process of thinking. Or we empty our mind. This is the beginning of meditation. Welcome to the world where thoughts are meaningless. What really matters is the inner world!

Imaginary Ghosts

Our brains are constantly playing games with us. We process the data we gather from our senses according the database we have stored in our brains. But the external world is so varied that our brains get confused most of the times. And that often lead us to imagine outcomes which are not realistic. What happens is we see ‘ghosts’ which are not out there. We have to play the game of cat and mouse with the brain. The brain tells us something and then we go after it like a cat hunting a mouse.

This thing also works the other way round. This is when we do overthinking. We fear something so much that we stretch our imagination. So
much so that there is overthinking and ultimately results in anxiety. Everything happens unconsciously. So willy-nilly all of us are drawn into the maze. But this is also very tiring. We just want to get out of it.

Meditation opens a new world

Getting rid of our thoughts is not possible. We have been thinking from day we were born. But when we meditate, we consciously reduce the influence thoughts have on us. Meditation is also a kind of medicine for our brains which is constantly under stress. It is like letting go of our thoughts. What we do in meditation is empty our minds. There are many ways you can do it. The perfect technique depends on your situation.

Chanting a mantra

A mantra can be a powerful way of reducing stressful thoughts. Perhaps this is why many religions recommend you to recite a mantra. Our elders used to remember Hanuman chalisa by heart. But you can also create your own mantra. It doesn’t necessarily have to be religious.

Focusing on breath

Breathing is a natural thing we all do. But the way we all breathe is not healthy. Most of us take shallow breaths which doesn’t relax us. Deep breathing is recommended for relaxation. If we focus on breath for at 10 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration by practicing you will notice a big change. It will make you calmer and you will not get overworked in tense situation.

Counting on beads

Buy a bead mala. You will get this at many places. Personally, I recommend Tulsi beads. Tulsi has transcendental qualities. Basil has a calming
effect on your mind. So when you touch Tulsi beads regularly, it cleanses your mind. Tulsi works like a detox.

Worshipping a deity

If you can take time out from your routine work, worshipping a deity is a great way to release stress. But strictly speaking it need not be a deity. It could a saint also which whom you connect. The worship should be made part of you every day activity. Offer a flower to the deity or light an incense stick.

Hyperawareness and Meditation

In this material world, we place a lot of importance on objects. So, we are attached to our iPhones, iPads or MacBook. But we forget that these only perishable things. Consciousness is the ultimate reality. What if there was no consciousness. In a lighter vein, we also want AI to have some
consciousness. Consciousness was there may be even before the universe was created and it may remain after the universe ends. We were also born when two consciousnesses merged.

Being aware of this consciousness is very important to learn meditation. When we become “hyperaware”, external things we bother us
less.  Those who fast will realize the happiness you get out of being “hyperaware”. When we take food or water after fasting for a day, they become acutely aware of the joy of food or water. Even if the food is mundane, you will enjoy it immensely after fasting. This is because you become hyperaware.

Conclusion

An empty mind is state we achieve through meditation. Since thoughts become powerless when you mind is empty, this reduces stress. In other words,
you can empower yourself with meditation. The good news is that you can do it anytime and anywhere. There is no age or sex bar to enjoy meditation. You will devote more and more time when you realize that your inner world is more beautiful than the external world.