While meditation has been around for thousands of years in the East it is still a relatively new concept to people of the western world. In the past 50 years or so it has been embraced by a diversity of people from hippies to businesspeople, actors to sporting stars, from environmentalists to scientists.

Some people claim it has changed their lives while others disregard it as totally unnecessary.

“I don’t really get stressed”, they say or “I unwind by having a few quiet ones”.

These sort of attitudes reflect a very limited understanding of the potential of meditation. In the Eastern world the practice of meditation is used as a path to Enlightenment. However words like enlightenment or self-realisation are often misunderstood.

Enlightenment conjures up images of material deprivation, arduous contemplation on the meaning of life and long hours of prayer. It is either over used by the New Age community or thought impossible.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, came to the west in 1950’s with the technique of TM to eradicate suffering from the world. His noble attempts to spiritually regenerate the world were met with an article published in an American newspaper claiming that TM was useful in helping insomniacs. Maharishi was surprised that what was respected in India as a tool for spiritual awakening was greeted in America as a tranquiliser.

Since the 1950s the concept of meditation has broken the shackles of being a mere aid to relaxation. It has been shown in many scientific studies to improve academic performance, IQ and memory as well as reverse chronic health problems and in some cases even cure cancer. People are even warming to the possibility that it could soothe tensions on a global level.

Sounds like everyone should postpone their bowl of cornflakes for a few minutes of quiet time. But what about the kiddies…….

Can they meditate and do they really need to?

Children as young as four are being taught to meditate. The Transcendental Meditation organization teaches a technique that is particularly suitable for young ones. Children learn what is called a word of wisdom and practice it walking around with their eyes open. For what may seem like such a simple practice the benefits are astounding. Kids with attention deficient syndrome have become more settled and focused with regular practice of the word of wisdom.

The word of wisdom or walking mantra creates more balanced orderly brain functioning. It cultures the child’s ability to remain calm in situations of stress and develops a sense of inner happiness leading to more positive behaviour. Jerry, even at the age of four had a knack for disassembling mechanical appliances around the house, much to the frustration of his parents. After learning the children’s meditation technique he turned his talents to repairing and putting together the devices he had been previously only able to undo.

At ten years of age, children graduate to the eyes closed sitting technique of Transcendental Meditation that is practiced by millions of people worldwide. Again it is the simplicity of the technique that makes it suitable for all ages. It is practiced sitting comfortably twice a day. Nothing from outside is necessary. There is no need for tapes, or incense or a particular posture. The mind experiences increasing levels of quietness and as the name suggests transcends or goes beyond even the process of thought. In this state the physiology has been found to achieve a state of deep rest twice as deep as deep sleep. The breathe rate and heart beat are found to slow dramatically and the participant comes out of the session feeling refreshed, happier and less stressed.

There is extensive research to show the benefits in the areas of mental functioning, health and improvements in relationships. All of which are a great boon at any age. By starting to meditate in the younger years, children can side step a lot of anti-social problems and enjoy their teen years without feeling the need to be like everyone else. Regular meditation structures a sense of self worth which translates into greater independence and confidence.

There is even a school in Melbourne where the children start out each day with a group meditation. Teachers at the Maharishi School report that the children have remarkedly improved receptivity to learning in comparison with other school students they have taught. The results of this quiet time are evident in the outstanding academic results and cheerful ambience in the classroom. In the words of a grade six student “we meditate because it helps us be calm, harmonious and friendly and it reduces stress”. Or as a year seven child puts it “It keeps you calm when people are cracking wobblies at you.”

We can all do with a bit of serenity in the face of wobblies. Starting meditation at a young age is the best prevention for stress. Meditation is a tool for life and as important and probably more necessary in the fast paced, stress filled western world. As for enlightenment, being more self sufficient, peaceful and happy is definitely a step in the right direction