*The material presented in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or prevent any illness.

In my article “Self-Healing Basics” I briefly discussed meditation and it's important role in whole-being wellness. Meditation has an abundance of benefits, but can appear daunting to newcomers due to many misconceptions surrounding it. Through this series of articles I will explore art of meditation in depth- addressing misconceptions, highlighting benefits, answering frequently asked questions, and also sharing different techniques.

I believe very deeply in power each person has to heal themselves. Meditation is one of several tools I teach to empower others on their quest for spiritual and personal growth. I have found that many who have comitted themselves to developing practice have reported dramatic results. Many have shared with me an enhanced sense of purpose, reduced stress and anxiety levels, and other life altering changes. There are numerous types and styles of meditation, and with persistence and practice everyone can find one to benefit them.

Meditation Myths:

There are many misconceptions and generalizations in regards to meditation that unfortunately keep many people from trying it. Before going into all of benefits and techniques, I feel it is necessary to first address some of these issues. In doing so, I hope to provide a better understanding of just how simple and worthwhile meditation can be.

One common misunderstanding surrounding meditation is belief that it is religious in nature. Although it is incorporated into religious practice in many traditions, it is not in and of itself, religious in nature. Neither is it reserved to any one faith system. Many people from a variety of cultures and traditions successfully integrate meditation into their lives without conflict.

By Christin Snyder

Cleansing and balancing chakra system is important to overall health of individual. There are several different techniques that can be used to cleanse and balance each of charkas. The important thing is finding one that is most comfortable. The exercise below is simple. It can be done in a few minutes. Practiced each day, it will leave individual feeling more energetic and focused.

The technique that follows can be modified by individual to suit his/her own needs. Start off by sitting in a chair or standing somewhere comfortable with your feet flat on ground/floor. It is particularly important to sit or stand if you are new to meditation practices. Laying down cues body that it is time for sleep.

Once you are positioned, take a few deep but slow cleansing breaths. The idea isn't to gasp for air, nor is it to breathe unnaturally, but to get blood deeply oxygenated. Breath is a natural healing mechanism, and many of us in west will find that we breathe in a very shallow manner which starves our bodies and brain of oxygen. Breathe in at a slow steady pace and feel oxygen enter your body, continue slow steady inhale until breath has expanded chest and abdomen just as a balloon fills with air.

Hold breath for as long as it is comfortable, and then release and do exhale at same slow relaxed pace, blowing through lips as though you were blowing out a candle. Be sure to fully empty lungs before beginning next inhalation.

After three of these breaths release tension and relax more deeply. Take a few comfortable normal paced breaths as you do this. Once you are comfortable and ready to continue, close eyes and envision a golden white ball of light above head. This is holy light, representing connection between yourself and Divine.