Dhyana or meditation refers to an elevated state of consciousness where the mind focuses and reflects upon a chosen object. Many people practise meditation to improve their well-being, gain self-knowledge, and seek some tranquillity in their daily routines.
Nirmal Madhav regularly practises ashtanga yoga amid a busy work schedule. A speaking disorder makes him stutter. In conversation with Happiest Health, he explains how he conquered the issue with meditation.
“I have always felt uncomfortable with my stammering,” says the 39-year-old IT professional from Chennai. “In the past, I struggled during job interviews and would often freeze due to the stress and pressure. However, I learned to overcome this stress by practising meditation daily.”
Dhyana – an overview
Dhyana is the seventh and penultimate limb of ashtanga yoga. According to yoga expert Rajendra Yenkannamoole, the founder of Vasudeva Kriya Yoga, Melbourne, dhyana is a continuation of dharana, the preceding practice.
Think of meditation as a mature state of concentration, he says. Mere closing the eyes is not meditation; the object or goal of contemplation is important, he explains.
Madhav says, “Meditation had a profound effect on my life, and [thanks to it,] my confidence skyrocketed. As one practises meditation one becomes comfortable with oneself and one’s thoughts.
“This newfound confidence has broadened my perspective on life, and I now approach problems with a relaxed and proactive attitude, leading to quicker solutions.”
Read more about Yama and Niyama
Read more about Asana
Read more about Pranayama
Read more about Pratyahara
Read more about Dharana
An uninterrupted flow of concentration
Yoga experts explain that a flawless state of concentration, or dharana, can lead to dhyana, meditation, and ultimately, samadhi.
In dhyana, one’s focus becomes a continuous and uninterrupted flow of concentration on a single object, without any conscious effort. In this state practitioners lose themselves and become fully absorbed in the present moment..
Meditation in speech struggles
Madhav says that through regular meditation sessions, he learned that hiding his speech problem only made things worse. “It’s best to accept it and move forward with it. When speaking with strangers, I inform them beforehand that I stutter. This makes a huge difference mentally and gives me the confidence to speak freely without the fear of being judged or rejected.”
Interviews, he declares happily, no longer stress him out. The difference is that he is now happy with himself, and in control of his day-to-day activities, which makes it easy for him and the people around him.
Longevity and 3 essential hormones
The advantages of meditation are unique to everyone; they depend on the practitioner’s personal disposition, challenges, circumstances, psychological makeup, personality, attitude, and physical health.
According to a recent study, meditation also has a positive effect on the production of three essential hormones that contribute to longevity, stress reduction, and improved well-being: cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.
- Cortisol levels decrease during meditation, which helps to alleviate stress and reduce the risk of illness and premature ageing.
- DHEA levels increase during meditation, acting as a buffer against stress hormones such as cortisol.
- Melatonin levels increase during meditation, which helps one to sleep restfully.
Meditation has proven itself to be effective in managing mental health issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety. Through meditation, individuals can transform the way they relate to their life experiences, concepts, beliefs, and attitudes, and make positive changes in their lives.
Schedule daily sessions
Dr Haripriya, assistant professor, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Sri Sairam Ayurveda Medical College and Research Centre, Chennai, says, “It is important to set some time aside for meditation each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.” Consistency is the key to developing a meditating habit, and even a short daily practice can take us towards mindfulness and reduce stress, she adds.
There is no right or wrong way to meditate, and there is no such thing as a perfect meditation session. Each person’s experience with meditation is unique and the experience of each session can be different.
“Everyone is doing dhyana according to one’s personal taste. Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach meditation with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow,” says Yenkannamoole.
Features of dhyana
- The breath becomes slow
- A single point of focus and awareness
- Practice of effortlessness and wakefulness
The benefits of meditation
- Helps to get rid of negative emotions and develops a positive, practical mindset
- keeps the mind calm and quiet
- Increases concentration and memory
- Improves clarity of thought and will power
The goal of meditation is not to achieve a specific outcome or state of mind; it is meant, but to cultivate awareness and be present in the moment.
