Jade Dragon School of Kung Fu and Qigong in Reading, Berkshire

Jade Dragon School of Kung Fu and Qigong

Most people rush headlong through life without ever giving themselves time for mindful relaxation. There are many different types of meditation and many different uses for it.

Most people assume you need to be able to completely clear your mind of all thoughts in order to be able to meditate successfully. However, this is virtually impossible for the beginner and this failure puts many people off even trying.

Using techniques of guided meditation I can help people achieve a deep and relaxing state of trance in a fraction of the time it would take them to accomplish this on their own. I will also teach them how to reach this deep meditative state at home and what they can accomplish with its use.

There are generally speaking two types of meditation:

The first is what the Chinese call ru jing (entering tranquility). This involves gradually training the mind to empty itself of the daily chatter, thoughts, emotions etc that go on ceaselessly. Allowing the mind to become still and focused. Practice in observing an internal state such as breathing or an external object such as a candle or sound such as a ticking clock is an excellent practice in clearing the mind.

The other type is known as cun si which is healing, visualisation and concentration exercises. There is virtually no limit to what you can achieve by using these techniques: increased self confidence, healing from various physical and emotional problems, more motivation etc. The mind is more powerful than most people think. We create our own reality from our imagination and beliefs. If you believe that flying is dangerous then you will go to many lengths to avoid flying. However through meditation techniques you can overcome the phobias and beliefs that may be holding you back in life.

Meditation can also help heal illness and disease. We all know of the placebo effect which is an excellent reminder of the power of the mind to heal when we believe we are being given a medicine or healing technique even when one is not present. Imagination and belief have a powerful influence on health. They can cause physical changes, manifesting in the production of neurotransmitters, hormones and immune cells and changes in the functioning of virtually all parts of the body.

Those who practice meditative techniques regularly can easily attest to the feelings of calm, centredness and inner stability that they begin to experience. These feelings enable them to cope with the 'slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' with a clear mind, unclouded with stress, anger or fear.