Today, we always seem to be on the go. There is always something that needs to be done.
We place so much importance on activity, achievements and results and therefore it is not surprising that more of us are attempting to find or indeed, require a time for silence. A time to find inner peace, and experience a moment of reflection. A time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.
Not only does the practice of meditation offer this wonderful quiet time, it also has many psychological, physiological and spiritual benefits for our overall wellbeing.
One of the five principles of yoga, meditation is an important tool to achieve mental clarity, and just some of the benefits are listed below.
Psychological Benefits of Meditation
Increases creativity
Decreases stress and anxiety
Reduces symptoms of depression
Increases brain wave coherence
Reduces irritability
Improves memory and learning capacity
Increases self actualisation
Increases feelings of vitality
Increases happiness
Increases emotional stability
Reduces thoughts of negativity
Physiological Benefits of Meditation
Creates a state of deep rest due to decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate and reduced the workload of the heart
Reduces stress by lowering levels of the chemicals cortisol and lactate
Reduces levels of free radicals known as unstable oxygen molecules that cause damage to body tissues
Improves the blood pressure levels
Increases skin resistance (lower skin resistance is correlated with higher levels of anxiety
Reduces cholesterol levels (higher levels are associated with cardiovascular disease)
Easier breathing as the flow of air to the lungs improves
Slows down the ageing process
Spiritual Benefits of Meditation
As we meditate, we are taken to the source of happiness which in fact is our own peace of mind. Without such peace, we are constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and pressures from the outside world. Allowing the body and mind to relax during this time rejuvenates our flow of energy enabling us to more effectively face the responsibilities of our demanding life.
As harmony becomes a bigger part of our life and we develop the latent powers of the mind, we gain a greater perspective of life and discover our true purpose of life. We will shift our efforts toward both personal and spiritual growth as we find the answer to 'Who am i?'. Listening to the mind and ignoring our egoistic perspective we can begin to realise that our true and natural potential is far greater than what we currently believe which then allows us to discover our true creativity and potential.
There are many types of meditation, but if you are a beginner, you may prefer the practice of guided meditation. The calming voice of your leader will guide you through each step of the meditation process. Have a look at the video in this blog to be guided through a meditation.
Meditation involving visualisation will assist in changing your outlook on life, indeed discovering that there is so much more to learn.
"The most imortant lesson meditation teaches us is that our home - our beautiful universe - is changeable (impermanent) by its very nature. You will begin to understand, appreciate and make peace with the passing show of this world." - Anatole
Don't you think it's time that you allowed yourself to relax, reflect and rejuvenate with meditation? |
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