The mind is a very marvellous function – it is made up of an extremely complex and intricate series of functions, which serve to provide what is taken for granted as everyday perception.

There is a vast amount of external information which needs to be processed at an incredible rate, and internal sensations, thoughts and feelings, must be concurrently monitored and regulated. The mind serves to flag any external threats, and internal discomfort. In modern society, external stressors are everywhere, and our busy environment can cause us to move at a pace that is much quicker than we would ideally like.

As our mind tries to regulate and organise our experience, it can sometimes cause a negative state – simply because it naturally signals any occurrence that may be a threat to equilibrium. Thus if there is something playing on the mind, such as a bill that needs to be paid or ‘such and such consequence' will happen will be flagged into the conscious mind frequently. Practising meditation allows the mind some time to relax, and to be clear of the constant thought, panic, and disarray that daily experience can bring.

At times, thoughts can become overwhelming, and stressors can become personally linked, such as feelings of anger, and jealousy. These feelings and associated thoughts are just that – they come to pass, but can influence actions. Deciding not to act on those feelings or thoughts, an separating them from the self, allows the self to move on, without causing further disequilibrium, and strengthens the self.

Many individuals report feeling pressured to behave a certain way in order to be accepted – such as choosing a certain career because of parental influence, or hiding an interest in something which others may consider boring or stupid. Due to the process of socialisation, it is quite difficult to know what we really want, or what our purpose really is – and for some these feelings can be so strong they can suffer with anxiety and depression.

Meditation involves the focusing out of thought and external stimuli, to experience a clear state of consciousness. With regular practise, a stronger sense of self and a connection the environment can be found, and the peaceful at ‘oneness' state can be transferred to everyday life, and deter negative influences.

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