Meditation is often the alternative approach sought by most individuals to reduce stress because of the gained benefits. Sounds of a word or a phrase is often repeated when meditating that brings focus to that sound. Some religious groups claim that chanting in meditation help create a different mind-set since the brain apparently secrete endorphins or natural pain killers that calms down the being of the person. The endorphins also create a ‘natural high’ feeling which testifies to the presence of endorphins working as a result of meditation.

Guided meditation is actively being taught by several religious groups like Mahareshi Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation and Hare Krishna. The technique for guided meditation is joining the group and chanting series of sounds using natural rhythm of breathing. The sound of repeated breathing is akin to natural sounds like flowing water on a brook or even low tones from drums that make a person feel calm. When a certain sound is consistently repeated, vibration is caused since sound is a form of energy. The sound commonly known as ‘mantra’ chanted by people who meditate can seemingly clear the mind from inner noise like guilt, fear or other unwanted thoughts.

A technique in effective guided meditation is uttering a mantra that heighten’s the awareness of a person. This would make them more attuned to the world yet with a calm mind. Normally, the mantra is derived from Sanskrit- a very old Indian language. Traditionally, mantra sounds represents states of consciousness like dreaming that makes meditation effective.

Guided meditation is relaxing because breathing becomes heavy while chanting can create a sense of peace. The body is nourished by oxygen flowing and the mind in a resting state. Effective meditation can be enhanced through the use of music and instructional videos. Music or visual images from videos are used by an instructor that can set the mood for beginning meditation. Music is also relaxing especially when there are soft sound in the background coming from drums or other musical instruments. Some have visual images that can help the mind focus on while chanting the mantra. Guided meditation is easy even on your own using these aids.