The Benefits of Meditation

It provides a proven way to reduce stress and give your mind and body a rest.

All of us who come to meditation come to it for different reasons. For me it was to slow down all those voices in my head that continued to chatter when I all I really wanted was get some sleep! Some people turn to meditation to deal with physical, mental or emotional issues.

We are all seeking wellness, whether we are students trying to relieve anxiety, new parents trying to find calm, reducing workplace stress, improving focus or we just want to make better decisions. For some it is to enhance their sports performance and some want to tap into their creativity.

Most of us are simply looking happiness and fulfilment in our lives.

McLean Meditation Sedona

Here is an excerpt from the McLean Meditation Institute that sums it up very well:

Meditation is recommended by almost every health professional because it provides a proven way to reduce stress and give your mind and body a rest. It’s like taking a time out, but it is really a time in.

Today people are using meditation to treat anxiety, burnout, stress, and depression. The practice has also been used to help people quit smoking, conquer drug and alcohol addictions, reduce blood pressure, relieve arthritis pain, and reduce symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause. Here are some more benefits:

· More emotional and mental stability and a deep sense of peace and relaxation

· Reduced bouts of anxiety and depression

· Increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-confidence

· An ability to change your reactionary habits and become more responsive – creating a “new normal”

· Normalized blood pressure and cholesterol

· Relief from chronic conditions such as pain, allergies, arthritis, indigestion, insomnia, etc.

· Enhanced immune system with an increased activity of “natural-killer cells” which kill bacteria and cancer cells

· Increased DHEA (the youth hormone) and reduced cortisol (the stress hormone)

· Engaging in life with renewed enthusiasm and creativity

· Healthier relationships with yourself, others, your work, and life itself

· More clarity, better choice-making

Meditation also aids in lowering the heart rate and normalizing blood pressure by slowing down breathing, which reduces the amount of oxygen needed.

Those who meditate report higher levels of self-esteem, find they are calmer, more clear, can focus more easily, are able to maintain present moment awareness, feel more intuitive, and have a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.

Along with the many psychological and physical benefits, some people report spiritual benefits, because through meditation, you connect with who you really are — some call this your higher self — the part of you where vibrancy, creativity, and awareness are your natural state of being.

Listen to Tamina's audio version:

https://soundcloud.com/user-228569215/blog-the-benefits-of-meditationmp3