Meditation is practiced by some of the world’s most successful people. So what are the positives of meditation, and how is it done?
The biggest and perhaps best known benefit of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It allows people to improve their coping mechanisms, so they can deal with challenging situations in a positive way, and not feel the burden of anxiety or worry as they do so.
A number of studies have shown Meditation to have a range of other benefits too, including:
- A positive impact on sleep, making people sleep deeper and for longer
- Improved happiness, allowing people to ignore negativity, reduce irritability and extract the positive in each situation, leading to better overall happiness.
- Pain reduction. When studies were performed on people with chronic pain it showed meditation assisted them to refocus their mind, therefore reducing discomfort and lessening the pain experienced.
- Improved focus, participants were able to reduce mind wandering, and complete tasks with greater clarity and vision
- Lowered the risk of depression
- Improved behavioural problems in young children
Some of these studies are in their infancy, but it’s fantastic to see some of the great results that meditation has brought to people’s lives.
So how can you practice meditation?
Find somewhere quiet and calm, where you can sit comfortably. Try to start meditation for a small amount of time in the beginning, say ten minutes. As you master the skill you can increase the time spent meditating should you wish.
You will want to be able to alert yourself when time is up, without having to constantly check your watch or clock. So a phone timer is a good idea, and if you can set it to alert you in a calming manner (not a fire alarm) then that would be best.
Place yourself in a calming posture that really opens up your chest for deep breathing. Some people like to cross their legs, and place their hands on their knees, and look downward.
Breathe in and out and try not to think about anything other then the deepness of your breath, in and out, slowly and calmly. As you find your mind wandering just remember to focus back on your breath. That is your rhythm.
Need more help? Stay tuned for upcoming Integral Wellness meditation events online and in-person.
