Ommm: The Benefits of Active Meditation

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Osho, invented the spiritual practice of active meditation. Like meditation, active meditation is also accessible to everyone and simply requires patience and the ability to focus on the breath. The entire process should only take about 15 minutes and can have profound mental health impacts.

Step 1: Sit in a comfortable position. Padded pillows and any form of back support is welcome. Just don't get so cozy that you doze off - meditation does require focus.

Step 2: Breathe in a few long, deep breaths through your nose. Acclimate your body to the feeling of filling up your lungs entirely. This should slowly begin to feel soothing. Get used to this elongated breathing style, as it will be important throughout the practice.

Step 3: Quicken the breath. Breathe at a faster pace, but still very deeply through your nose for 10 minutes. Set your intention on exhaling as much air as possible before inhaling again. The key with this practice is to really elongate your exhales. Try to become one with the breath.

Step 4: Arm involvement. Hold out whichever arm is not dominant for you. If you are right handed, hold out your left arm in front of you, palm facing the earth. With your right palm, slowly trace your left arm starting at the back of your left hand.

Step 5: Inhale - As you move your right hand up your left arm, inhale to a count of 5.

Step 6: Exhale - When you reach your left shoulder, move your right hand back down to the back of your left hand, but this time exhale to a count of 7.

Step 7: After 5 rounds of tracing up and down your arm, place both hands back down at your sides, still in a comfortable seated position. Slow down your breath and return to the soothing exercises you did at the beginning. Fill your lungs entirely with air, then exhale slowly.

Practice this each day or as frequently as you feel yourself desiring the peace and relaxation that it brings.