Meditation

What is Meditation Anyway?

In a nutshell, meditation is the practice and art of quieting the mind to all external and internal noises, in the form of unwanted thoughts, chains of consciousness and the generic sounds of everyday living. It is believed by most major religions and regular meditators that this practice of quieting the mind is an effective means of achieving inner peace and calm.

Scientific research into the brain activity associated with meditation has revealed that theta and delta waves are dominant during deep meditation. These wave frequencies are also prominent in the state of deep sleep. Some research even suggests that four hours of meditation leaves you more refreshed than an equal quantity of sleep.

Why Would I Bother to Meditate?

There are many benefits to the regular practice of meditation. The list is almost endless, and the only constraints lie in what you hope to achieve from regularly meditating.

First and foremost, when your mind is regularly treated to the calm state that meditation offers, it is given the space to clearly sort through the problems of the day and to simultaneously get some distance from the major issues in life. This enables a clear, un-emotional view of the problems, and you may find that the solutions that seemed so elusive minutes before you began to meditate arrive at your fingertips without you even having to try!

A second benefit touted by people who regularly meditate is the regulating of breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. The intense state of relaxation attained during an extended session of meditation regulates these bodily functions as over-breathing and poor posture associated with anxiety and excess tension are eroded…it’s impossible to feel all pent up when you are breathing deeply and your head is cleared of all thoughts, negative or positive. This invites the mind and body to regain their natural, peaceful state. Research on Tibetan monks has shown that this peaceful, happy feeling continues for some time after meditation has ceased. This is pretty convincing evidence that regular meditation is doing its job!

What Kind of Results Can I Expect From Regular Meditation?

Again the limits are only within yourself on this one! Regular meditation puts you at peace with yourself. This is a powerful state to be in. If you are at peace with who you are you are not inclined to continue with any self-harming habits, and you will notice that you also begin to attract people in your life who reaffirm your newfound sense of at-one-ness.

Get into it.

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