Meditation and Why You Should try it!
Meditation = relaxation. It is not about concentration, it’s actually about de-concentration. It’s not about focusing one’s thoughts on one thing, but instead on becoming thoughtless. Why is this good for us? A calm mind, good concentration, better clarity, improved communication, relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and body to list just a few. These are all things we would like to experience, but what about the health benefits? When you meditate these amazing things will happen to your body:
- Lower high blood pressure
- Lower the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
- Decrease any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems
- Increase serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
- Improve the immune system
- Increase the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy
- Emotional stability improves
- Happiness increases
Now that we have gone over why we should meditate let’s talk about how…
- Sit somewhere you’re comfortable. Sit cross-legged, or if you prefer, on a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor, without leaning against the back of the chair.
- Find a comfortable sitting posture. Place your hands palms-down on your thighs and sit in an upright posture with a straight back. Have your eyes open, let your gaze rest comfortably as you look slightly downward about six feet in front of you.
- Follow your breath. Place your attention lightly on your out-breath, while remaining aware your environment. Be with each breath as the air goes out through your mouth and nostrils and dissolves into the space around you. At the end of each out-breath, take a rest until the next in-breath naturally begins. For a more focused meditation, you can follow both the out-breaths and in-breaths.
- Whenever you notice that a thought, feeling, or perception has moved your attention away from the breath, just say to yourself, “thinking,” and return to following the breath. This Is normal, just note the thought and continue focusing on your breathing.
- After the allotted time, you can consider your meditation practice period over. But there’s no need to give up any sense of calm, mindfulness, or openness you’ve experienced.
Let this mindset carry with you throughout your day!
