Meditating is actually easier than you might imagine. Most
of us have dabbled in meditation by participating in conscious relaxation. Maybe during an
exercise class or to manage pain at the dentist or anxiety before a test. We start by
paying attention to our breathing. The practical effort to focus completely on our
breathing takes our minds away from the "mind clutter" that constantly tries to
invade our mind and eliminate feelings that will lead to a time of calm. With repeated
effort the goal of clearing your mind – to think of nothing, does occur and the
process of meditation takes on its own energy. The result is often peace,
serenity, calmness, eventually opening yourself to new insights.
Meditating for Life
Too much stress, stress reduction, chill out, let it go,
detach – familiar phrases to all of us. Our world is fast, fun and exciting. It is
also challenging, trying, demanding and frightening. These two sides of our lives produce
stress, emotional reactions, anxiety, worry and anticipation. Our bodies and minds can
tolerate only so much of any of these. After a while, each of us reaches a saturation
point and the results become uncomfortable at best; for some it may be unbearable, even
unendurable.
No magic pill is available to eliminate these feelings.
The reality is, as the wise old man said, the answer is inside all of us. To manage these
universal concerns we must go inside ourselves. Among the steps we can take is the
learning and practicing of meditation.
What to Expect
With time and faith in the commitment to practice
frequently, (daily meditating is ideal), during your meditation time you may "leave
the moment." A feeling of separation exists where the mind is clear, clean and blank.
You will still hear sounds around you, but they will not interfere with your meditation.
Sometimes you may weep -- you may not even be aware of
what is making you weep. It is your own emotions having a voice of their own. Sometimes
you may feel a smile across your face -- that is contentment showing itself. Sometimes you
may fall asleep and awaken truly refreshed.
There is no right or wrong behavior during your
meditation. It is your time for you. Everyone deserves this kind of personal attention.
This is a self-care activity; loving oneself! Teach it to your children instead of a
time-out in their room or corner. Teach it to your friends, family, anyone who will
listen. We can share this gift and get back as we give. We are all better because of each
person who meditates. The peace and joy felt by those who meditate enters the world for
all of us as positive energy. From it the world is a better place. Imagine if we all
practiced meditation!
Health benefits of Meditation:
Though meditation is usually recognized as a
largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga
and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life
threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic
structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning
programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in
solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better
ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world
problems. Some benefits of meditation are:
-
It lowers oxygen consumption.
- It decreases respiratory rate.
- It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
- Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
- Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
- Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
- Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
- Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
- Builds self-confidence.
- It increases
serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of
serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and
headaches.
- Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
- Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
- Helps in post-operative healing.
Enhances the
immune system.
- Research has revealed that meditation increases activity
of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
- Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.
