What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice of mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to cultivate a sense of present, relaxed alertness; to train attention and awareness; and to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions and plays an important role in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, but since the 19th century, Asian meditative techniques have spread to other cultures where they have also found application in non-spiritual contexts, such as business and health.
Meditation may significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and enhance peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being. Research is ongoing to better understand the effects of meditation on health (psychological, neurological, and cardiovascular) and other areas.
Benefits of Meditation
Stress Reduction
Reduce stress by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Regular practice can lead to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Improved Relationships
Meditation fosters qualities such as compassion, empathy, and patience. Practitioners often find that their interpersonal relationships benefit as a result of enhanced emotional intelligence.
Improved Focus & Concentration
Meditation helps train the mind to focus on the present moment, leading to improved concentration in daily tasks.
Increased Self-Awareness
Meditation cultivates self-awareness, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This self-reflection can lead to a greater understanding of oneself and one's behavior.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Meditation can contribute to a positive emotional state by encouraging a more balanced and mindful approach to emotions.
Improved Physical Health
Meditation has been associated with: lower blood pressure, better management of chronic pain, better sleep, and structural brain changes associated with learning, memory and emotional regulation.