What Meditation Is
What comes to mind when you think about mediation? Do you think of someone sitting in a lotus position with their eyes closed? Maybe are they chanting Ommmmm, and learning the secrets of the universe? If you conjure these images, then you are not alone. We have been conditioned by society to see these images whenever we hear the word meditation. When we attempt to define meditation, we tend to focus on the actions of meditating. For example we describe meditation as the act of altering our consciousness. Additionally we say meditation is heightening our awareness, so our attention is more focused. These are things that can done during meditation, but they are not the definition of meditation.
The imagery and definitions just discussed give meditation a vague sense of mystery. They make people believe to begin practicing meditation they must be well on their way to becoming a spiritual guru. Get rid of those thoughts because they aren’t true. Meditation can be simplified to a very practical definition. Meditation is the ability to focus on one thing. This definition demystifies meditation, and puts it in the reach of normal everyday people like you and me. A lot of people will say this definition is an oversimplification of meditation. However, at its very core; this definition is exactly what meditation is.
How Can Meditation Be Used to Improve Your Life?
Meditation can improve your life in several different ways. It can be used to improve your physical health, mental wellbeing, and emotional balance. Here are a few examples of each.
Improved Physical Health
Lower Blood Pressure – Meditation relaxes your body and releases tension from your muscles. This is a natural way to help lower your blood pressure.
Reduces Pain – As you relax your muscles, and release tension; you also help relieve chronic pain because your body is under less stress and pressure.
Helps Boost Your Immune System – Meditation helps foster positive thoughts and attitudes. This creates an environment in your body that encourages the increased production of antibodies and improved immune responses.
Improved Mental Wellbeing
Better Sleep – Meditation helps you calm your busy mind. It also aids in the production melatonin; the sleep hormone. Which helps you fall asleep faster, and sleep better.
Improved Memory and Learning – Meditation teaches you to focus your mind and pay closer attention. These are two main skills used in learning, and memorization.
Decreases Depression and Anxiety – As we develop a consistent meditation routine, we start to alter our brain chemistry which in turn helps fight depression and anxiety.
Improved Emotional Balance
More Compassionate – A key attribute of meditation is it teaches us to be more accepting of ourselves, and in turn more accepting of others.
Helps Us Manage Grief – Grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of something we hold dear is natural. Mediation can help us remove those hurts and fears and replace them with love and hope.
People Who Mediate are Happier – Meditation rewires your brain for happiness. It is one of the seven habits that will contribute to you having a happier life.
Meditation is a powerful tool to improve the quality of your life. Don’t let false preconceived notions of meditation being only for those who are spiritual gurus keep you from utilizing it to the fullest extent possible. Developing a consistent practice will empower you to achieve your goals and make your life what you want it to be.