Meditation
By: Christel Autuori
Meditation is a turning inward, directing the mind on one thing, instead of scattered about to many thoughts and distractions. The physical benefits of meditation include:
- decrease in heart rate
- decrease in blood pressure
- decreased respiratory rate
- increase in alpha, theta and delta brain waves.
- parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated, promoting physical calm and mental tranquility.
These effects are exactly the opposite of the physiological changes that occur during the stress response. In addition, meditation helps us to connect with our inner consciousness and we experience a greater sense of well being. Meditation helps to allay anxiety and deal with difficulties with confidence and grace, instead of worry and fear.
Examples of Types of Meditation:
(all types help to quiet the mind)
- One may focus on an object or sound (such as a mantra), this helps initiate the meditative state.
- One may concentrate on breathing and/or visualization
- Moving meditations can include: Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or walking meditation (such as following a labyrinth)
Get Started with a quick guided meditation, click here to listen:
Try to practice some form of meditation on a daily basis. Start with just ten minutes each day... at first, you might find that your mind wanders and it seems tedious to keep bringing it back to the breath. Do not be discouraged- it takes commitment, patience, and time. Over time, the practice of meditation can result in better management of the stressors in our daily lives. A regular practice of meditation will result in inner peace and a feeling of being alive and connected to oneself and to nature. The mind, body and spirit are connected in one being which, in turn, is connected to, and is part of the universal consciousness.
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