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Students seek relaxing effects of meditation |
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Monday, 28 April 2008 |
by KELSEY OHLEGER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
As exam time quickly approaches, many students search for ways to relax and clear their minds.
Every person has his or her own way of unwinding whether it’s reading, hiking or napping.
Some Appalachian State University students have found tension relief through meditation.
Senior
co-founder and co-president of the App Sits meditation club, Marcus E.
Taylor, meets once a week to meditate with the group.
 Photo by Holt Menzies
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“It gives you a sense of community and almost dedication when there are others around you while meditating,” Taylor said.
Taylor has been meditating for seven years and gained experience with
the act while he attended a forest mediation temple in Thailand.
“There, you meditate for long periods of time, and it’s a real strain
on your physical and mental self, but the concentration and discipline
that you learn are quintessential to meditation and a full development
of the human character,” he said.
Taylor now tries to meditate at least once a day, and especially enjoys using morning meditation to start off the day.
Sophomore music industry studies major Michael B. Roper began meditating at 8 years old while practicing martial arts.
“People benefit from meditating because it creates a balance to their
body and mind,” Roper said. “I can feel when my body needs meditation
pretty easily just by the amount of tension through my arms and legs.”
Whymeditate.com recommends people meditate for stress reduction and to stay focused throughout the day.
Although the process is supposed to be a relaxing experience, Roper describes the beginning to be actual work.
Once the mind and body are slowed down and breathing is regulated, the process becomes easy.
“The fun part starts after the body and mind are cleared and synched
without having to push for that effort anymore,” Roper said.
The act of intense focus that meditation requires is viewed by some as the most difficult part of the meditating process.
Sophomore journalism major Andrew M. Goff has struggled to reach this point.
“My hardest obstacle is my ability to get distracted,” Goff said.
“Successful meditation requires discipline and consistency –not two of
my strong points.”
While some people consider meditation as painful body contortions and
tight-fitted yoga clothing, meditation can be a more relaxed experience.
Many people enjoy meditating first thing in the morning while the world is quiet.
Also, nature is commonly found as a soothing setting for focus.
“My favorite is getting in my hammock in early afternoon in my wooded
backyard and staying out there through sundown,” Goff said. “Focusing
on nothing other than the sun and nature over that long of a time has
sort of a grounding effect similar to the ocean or stars.”
For beginners, WhyMeditate.com recommends a comfortable position, loose-fitted clothing and a soothing atmosphere.
To begin intense focus, the site says to focus on each body part and
individually realize its tension until the entire body is relaxed.
A CD with soothing music can also enhance the experience.
While meditation seems to be an individual experience, participating with a group can also be successful.
App Sits meets every Monday evening at 6:15 p.m. in the Rhododendron Room of Plemmons Student Union.
The club is always welcoming new members and is willing to accommodate their sessions to fit beginners.
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