Guided Meditation CDs for Peace and Deep Relaxation

Guided meditation is a form of meditation where a teacher guides the student through a meditation session using simple instructions. Usually there is ample time in between the instructions to let the student delve into the deeper states of the mind and rest with awareness. It is well suited to beginners and advanced students alike. For the beginner, the mind is restless and often wanders during meditation - having a guide gently brings the mind back into meditation. For the advanced student the guidance simply leads into the subtler mind and makes meditation more effortless.

Aside from the spiritual aspect, meditation creates deep relaxation and provides several health benefits. It takes only 20-30 minutes of meditation every day to realize its benefits and is very useful for the modern fast-paced and stress-filled life. For those who cannot fit a meditation school in their schedule, guided meditation CDs are a great option. You can be flexible about your timings (although mornings are best as the mind is fresh and ready to glide into deeper relaxation) and just need to find a quiet spot to do your meditation.

Guided meditation CDs offer different forms of meditations - meditation on an external object, meditation on a Chakra, meditation combined with chanting mantras, meditation along with special forms of breathing, meditation with background music, etc. They usually last between 15 minutes to an hour and can be done in a seated or standing position or supine or even during motion. It is important to keep the spine erect. Here are some guided meditation CDs that I like very much and use frequently in my meditation groups.

Guided meditation CDs: A Gift of Silence is a series of three guided meditations titled 'Transforming Emotions', 'Contentment Meditation' and 'Space Meditation'. The meditations last between 20-30 minutes and guide us through accepting our emotions (both positive and negative) as they are rather than fighting them. I find them very effective at the time of emotional stress.

Guided meditation CDs: Eternal Reflections is a series three guided meditations titled 'Full Moon Meditation', 'Panchakosha Meditation', and 'Aura Meditation'. The meditations are on objects - the moon, different aspects of human existence and our internal energy and have musical chanting of Mantras. They are also 20-30 minutes long. I find this CD great for reflecting within and feeling strength within.

Guided meditation CDs: Sun Meditation meditates on the external source of energy that enlivens all life on the earth and guides us through a mental expression of gratitude to nature. The soft music in the backdrop melts the mind. One meditation is in English and another in Hindi. This form of meditation invokes the feeling of being connected with life all around.

These CDs are available at the Art of Living bookstore and cost around $16 to $20. The organization's Guru Sri Sri RaviShankar guides us through his voice.

Guided meditation CDs: Chakra Breathing Meditations by Layne Redmond focuses on energizing the body by meditating on the Chakras. Special breathing techniques are introduced and synchronized with this form of meditation. There are a couple of meditations that can be done seated, a couple in standing position and one even while walking. Music with special vibrations from instruments is also used to enhance the experience. Amazon.com has this CD for $15.

Guided meditation CDs: Yoga Nidra Meditation (Extreme Relaxation of Conscious Deep Sleep) by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati calms the mind by guiding it through awareness of the body, the inner self and the external world. The meditations are in tracks of 10-15 minutes duration and can all be done together in one session. I have experienced immense levels of relaxation with this CD. It is almost instantaneously effective in calming a mind exhausted from agitations. Besides, it is done in the supine position - so those confined to the bed can also do this meditation. Amazon.com sells this CD for $19.99.

Guided meditation CDs: Energy Expansion by Grace Jull leads the mind through beautiful images and gentle music into the deeper layers of the spirit. I find that the meditation leaves me calm yet invigorated at the end. It is available for $20 at Kripalu store.

Guided meditation CDs: Guided Relaxation by Jennifer Reis offers guided meditation through breath awareness, body awareness and guided imagery. I find the meditation very gentle and relaxing. It is available for $20 at Kripalu store.

It is a good idea to have at least 10-15 guided meditation tracks so that you do not repeat the same one too frequently - if this happens, the mind tends to slip into boredom as it remembers the forthcoming instructions and tends to wander off. Try these guided mediation CDs and find peace and happiness within!