Sanskrit Word of the Week : Dhyana and Dharana

The word Dhyana means meditation - dhy meaning 'mind' and yana meaning 'journey' - but there are various types of meditation so I need to be a bit more specific.  Dhyana refers to contemplation and watching the ever-streaming thoughts that flow through the mind (the journey) and noticing what they are. Dharana means mental concentration - the type of meditation where you focus solely on one thing whether that is your breathing, a mantra (the sound of a word or phrase that has some meaning to you), a yantra (a geometric and colourful pattern) or mindfully drinking your tea or doing the washing-up. Whichever type of meditation you do it is mono-tasking. It's the exact opposite of our habitual way of being when we're usually doing and thinking about 10 things at once.  It's restful and healing and very helpful if you're a busy person.