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Meditation Explained
Meditation is keeping the mind focused on one point or object.
Meditation, like yoga, has a ton of physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. It seems like just a few years back, it was very difficult to get someone to admit that they actively practiced meditation. Now, meditation is almost the newest craze and so many people are joining in because of its benefits. However many people still remain skeptical. Almost daily, researchers are publishing new studies that prove how beneficial meditation can be for your body and your brain.
Top-executives like Arianna Huffington talk about their journeys with meditation and tout the stress-relieving benefits and Google offers their employees meditation classes but what’s all of the talk really about? Is meditation worth the hype?
Although meditation seems to have come back into dialogue recently, meditation (and it’s benefits) is not new. Cultural and religious communities have been practicing for years. The cool thing about meditation is that you don’t have to subscribe to any religion to practice. I personally like to practice mindful meditation which really heightens your awareness of your breath.
Initially, I hesitated practicing meditation because I thought I was bad at it. I mean let’s be honest, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
You may think that it takes a lot of time and effort to sit in silence and calm your mind, especially daily, however whenever I have thoughts come into my mind, I simply start over again with clearing my mind and I keep reminding myself that no one is perfect.
Benefits of Meditating
Practicing your postures and deep relaxation helps you to get rid of tension and relax the body. Your breathing can steady the mind. Healthline.com lists 12 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation on their website. Some additional benefits of meditation include:
- May reduce high blood pressure
- Improve the body’s natural immunity
- Increase vitality and calmness
- Thinking more clearly
- Improved memory especially related to increased age
Making Time to Meditate
Like yoga, I often hear people say that they don’t have time for meditation. You can start small! Simply find a quiet place to sit…somewhere that you can concentrate. Try to sit for 5 minutes and simply be aware of your breathing. You may want to focus on one image or one sound. Try to visualize the oxygen traveling through your body. Think about all of your stress for the day leaving your body with your exhale breath.
If your mind starts to wander and your attention starts to fade, simply stop and start over. As with everything else, practice makes perfect. A few minutes a day can offer you some great meditation benefits. Remember, concentration is the beginning of meditation and meditation is the culmination of concentration. They are virtually inseparable.
This post has some of my favorite meditation techniques.
I’m going to add a Travel section to this website. I want to start to visit some of the best places to practice yoga and meditation in the United States. I’d like to share those experiences with you, and add them to the Travel section.
Thanks for the interesting details. I’ve considered doing yoga for a while now, but I don’t know if it’s my thing. I have to try it to know right?! lol I like the idea of meditating and it’s benefits. Specially when it helps to reduce the blood pressure and boosts the immune system.
Informative article! I’ve just started meditating and I like your suggestion to start with 5 minutes. I’m also going to use the insight timer app.
I have been wanting to get more into meditation lately. I know it has such great benefits.
Sometimes if we think we are bad at something we will really shy away from it. I’m glad you didn’t give up. Meditation has some wonderful benefits.
I have always known about meditations but didn’t know it has these benefits especially the blood pressure part! Thanks for sharing these benefits of meditation! Now, I see the need to start ASAP!
Meditation is such a powerful tool and I don’t think people fully grasp the help it brings until starting to practice it! I have been meditating since being pregnant with my first child and when I stop, I feel that something is missing and I am less peaceful throughout the day, and don’t get the same quality sleep!
Meditation is so powerful. It starts bringing a regular calm and harmony to your life.