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The Benefits of Meditation for Self-Improvement

by shedboy71

Meditation has become increasingly popular in recent years as a powerful tool for self-improvement. In today’s fast-paced society, where stress and anxiety are common, it is more important than ever to prioritize self-care and self-awareness. In this article, we will explore the benefits of meditation for self-improvement, and how it can positively impact both our physical and mental well-being.

But first, let’s take a brief look at the history of meditation and its roots in ancient practices. By understanding its origins and evolution, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this practice and its relevance in our modern lives. So, let’s dive in and discover how meditation can help us achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life.

History of Meditation

Meditation has been around for thousands of years and has its roots in ancient practices. It has been a part of various cultures and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The earliest evidence of meditation dates back to 5,000 BCE in ancient India, where it was used as a spiritual practice to achieve a deeper connection with oneself and the universe.

Over time, meditation has evolved and taken on different forms. In ancient Greece, meditation was a part of the philosophy of Stoicism, which focused on training the mind to find inner peace and tranquility. In the 6th century BCE, Taoist monks in China practiced a form of meditation called “Qigong,” which involved breathing exercises and movements to cultivate a sense of balance and harmony.

Meditation was also practiced in early Christianity by monks and nuns as a way to connect with God and find inner peace. In the 3rd century, Hindu texts called the Upanishads introduced meditation as a way to achieve a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.

It was not until the 20th century that meditation gained popularity in the Western world. In the 1960s, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the United States, which became popular among celebrities and public figures. This sparked a growing interest in meditation, and it has since become a widespread practice in the modern world.

Incorporation into Various Religions and Cultures

As mentioned earlier, meditation has been a part of various cultures and religions. In Buddhism, meditation is an essential part of the Eightfold Path, a set of guidelines for leading a mindful and ethical life. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is a well-known advocate for meditation and its benefits.

In Hinduism, meditation is a way to connect with the divine and achieve enlightenment. In the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu scripture, Lord Krishna says, “When the mind becomes still, we can see the Self through the self.” This highlights the spiritual aspect of meditation in Hinduism.

In Islam, meditation takes on a different form through prayer and contemplation. Muslims are encouraged to perform “dhikr,” which involves reciting the names of Allah and reflecting on the meaning behind them. This practice helps individuals to achieve a state of mindfulness and inner peace.

The Growing Interest in Meditation in the Modern World

In today’s fast-paced society, the growing interest in meditation is not surprising. With the constant stress and pressure of modern life, more and more people are turning to meditation as a way to find balance and inner peace. The practice of mindfulness, which involves being present in the moment and observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment, has gained popularity as a form of meditation in recent years.

Moreover, with the advancements in technology, meditation has become more accessible than ever. There are countless meditation apps and online resources that make it easier for individuals to start a meditation practice and incorporate it into their daily lives.

In conclusion, the history of meditation is rich and diverse, with its roots in ancient practices and its incorporation into various cultures and religions. The growing interest in meditation in the modern world is a testament to its numerous benefits for self-improvement and well-being.

Physical Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been practiced for centuries, but it is only in recent years that its numerous physical benefits have been scientifically proven. In today’s fast-paced society, stress, anxiety, and chronic illnesses are on the rise, making it crucial for individuals to prioritize their physical well-being. Meditation has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting overall health and improving the body’s functions. Let’s dive into the physical benefits of meditation and how it can positively impact our bodies.

1. Reducing Stress:

Stress is a common factor in our daily lives, and its negative impact on our physical health cannot be ignored. Chronic stress can lead to a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Meditation has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. By calming the mind and promoting relaxation, meditation helps to counter the effects of stress, leading to improved physical health.

2. Improving Immune Function:

Our immune system is responsible for fighting off illnesses and infections, but it can become weakened due to various factors such as stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep. Studies have shown that regular meditation can strengthen the immune system, making it more effective in fighting off illnesses. Additionally, meditation has been linked to an increase in the body’s production of antibodies, which play a crucial role in boosting immunity.

3. Lowering Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. By calming the mind and reducing stress, meditation has been found to have a positive effect on blood pressure. A study conducted by the American Heart Association showed that regular meditation can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure levels.

4. Improving Sleep:

A good night’s sleep is vital for our physical health, but many individuals struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Meditation has been found to have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it an effective tool for promoting better sleep. By reducing stress and calming the mind, meditation can help individuals fall asleep faster and improve the quality of their sleep.

5. Reducing Chronic Pain:

Chronic pain can have a debilitating effect on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. While medication can provide temporary relief, it often comes with side effects. Meditation has been found to be a natural and effective way to reduce chronic pain. By focusing on the breath and promoting relaxation, meditation can help individuals to manage their pain and improve their overall physical functioning.

6. Increasing Energy Levels:

In today’s fast-paced society, many individuals struggle with low energy levels and fatigue. Meditation has been found to increase energy levels by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. By clearing the mind and improving focus, meditation can help individuals to recharge and feel more energized.

In conclusion, the physical benefits of meditation are numerous and have been scientifically proven. By reducing stress, improving immune function, lowering blood pressure, promoting better sleep, reducing chronic pain, and increasing energy levels, meditation can have a significant positive impact on an individual’s physical health. Incorporating meditation into our daily lives can lead to long-term health benefits, making it a valuable practice for self-improvement.

Mental Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been praised for centuries for its powerful effects on the mind, and modern research has only solidified its importance in promoting mental well-being. In this section, we will explore the various ways in which meditation can improve mental health and contribute to overall self-improvement.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression:

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues facing our society today. The fast-paced and high-stress nature of modern life can take a toll on our mental well-being, leading to these debilitating conditions. However, research has shown that meditation can be an effective tool in managing and reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that individuals who participated in an eight-week mindfulness meditation program had a significant reduction in their anxiety levels. Another study from Harvard Medical School found that meditation can lead to a decrease in symptoms of depression by regulating the release of stress hormones in the body.

Increasing Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:

One of the fundamental pillars of meditation is mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and aware of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. By incorporating meditation into our daily lives, we can cultivate a sense of mindfulness and self-awareness, allowing us to better understand our reactions and behaviors. This can lead to better decision-making and emotional regulation, ultimately contributing to our overall mental well-being.

Promoting Overall Well-Being:

In addition to reducing anxiety and depression, meditation has also been shown to have a positive impact on overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that individuals who meditated regularly experienced lower levels of stress, increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction, and a stronger sense of purpose in life. This is because meditation allows us to detach from negative thoughts and emotions and cultivate a more positive and peaceful mindset.

Finding a Sense of Calm and Inner Peace:

In today’s fast-paced and chaotic world, it can be challenging to find a sense of calm and inner peace. This is where meditation comes in. By quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment, we can let go of stress and find a sense of inner peace. Regular meditation practice can also help us gain a new perspective on life, allowing us to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and find a greater sense of gratitude and contentment.

Incorporating meditation into our daily lives can have a powerful impact on our mental health and overall well-being. By reducing anxiety and depression, increasing mindfulness and self-awareness, promoting overall well-being, and fostering a sense of inner peace, meditation is a valuable tool for self-improvement. In the next section, we will discuss practical tips on how to incorporate meditation into a busy schedule and the different types of meditation to explore.

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has been used for centuries as a tool for spiritual growth and enlightenment. In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals are turning to meditation to find peace and connect with their inner selves. In this section, we will explore the spiritual benefits of meditation and how it can bring about a deeper sense of purpose and inner peace.

Fostering a Deeper Connection with Oneself:

One of the main spiritual benefits of meditation is its ability to help individuals connect with themselves on a deeper level. Through the practice of meditation, one can quiet the mind and tune into their inner thoughts, feelings, and desires. This can lead to a better understanding of oneself, including strengths, weaknesses, and values. By connecting with oneself, individuals can gain a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance, which is crucial for personal growth and self-improvement.

Promoting Inner Peace:

In today’s chaotic and stressful world, finding a sense of inner peace can be challenging. However, meditation has been proven to be an effective tool in achieving this. By calming the mind and focusing on the present moment, individuals can let go of negative thoughts and emotions, leading to a sense of tranquility and peace. Through regular practice, individuals can cultivate a state of inner peace that can positively impact all aspects of their lives.

Gaining a New Perspective:

Meditation can also help individuals gain a new perspective on life. By quieting the mind, one can detach from their thoughts and observe them without judgment. This can lead to a shift in perception and a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts and emotions. Through this process, individuals may be able to let go of limiting beliefs and patterns that no longer serve them. This new perspective can bring about a sense of clarity and purpose, enabling individuals to make positive changes in their lives.

Finding a Sense of Purpose:

Many individuals struggle with finding a sense of purpose in life. Through meditation, one can gain a deeper understanding of their true desires and goals. By tuning into one’s inner self, individuals can identify what truly brings them joy and fulfillment. This can guide them towards living a more purposeful and meaningful life. Meditation can also help individuals let go of external pressures and societal expectations, allowing them to connect with their inner voice and follow their own unique path.

Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life:

To experience the spiritual benefits of meditation, it is essential to develop a consistent meditation practice. While it may seem challenging to find the time in a busy schedule, even a few minutes of meditation each day can make a significant impact. By incorporating meditation into daily life, individuals can continue to cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and experience the spiritual benefits mentioned above.

Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life

Meditation is a powerful tool for self-improvement, but many people struggle to find the time and motivation to incorporate it into their busy lives. However, with a little effort and commitment, anyone can make meditation a part of their daily routine and reap its numerous benefits. In this section, we will discuss practical tips on how to incorporate meditation into your daily life, overcome common challenges, and maintain consistency for long-term success.

1. Start with Small Steps

If you are new to meditation, it can be overwhelming to jump into a 30-minute session right away. Instead, start with small steps. Begin by meditating for just 5 minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. This will help you build a consistent habit without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Find a Time and Place That Works for You

One of the biggest challenges in incorporating meditation into daily life is finding the time and a quiet space to do it. The key is to find a time and place that works for you. It could be early in the morning before the day gets busy, during your lunch break, or right before bedtime. As for the location, it could be a quiet corner in your home, a park, or even your office. The important thing is to choose a place where you feel comfortable and can focus without distractions.

3. Make It a Part of Your Routine

Just like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, make meditation a part of your daily routine. This will help you create a habit and make it easier to stick to it. You can set a reminder on your phone or schedule it in your planner to ensure you don’t forget.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to have realistic expectations when starting a meditation practice. It’s not a quick fix solution, and the benefits may take some time to manifest. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Instead, focus on the process and trust that the benefits will come with consistency.

5. Overcome Common Challenges

There may be days when you don’t feel like meditating or encounter obstacles that make it difficult to do so. Some common challenges include feeling too busy, not being able to quiet the mind, or falling asleep during the practice. Remember that these challenges are normal, and it’s important not to beat yourself up over it. If you feel too busy, try to take a few minutes to meditate instead of skipping it altogether. If your mind is too active, try using a guided meditation or focusing on your breath. And if you fall asleep, it’s okay to take a short nap and try again later.

6. Be Consistent and Patient

Like any new skill or habit, consistency is key in seeing the benefits of meditation. It’s important to make a commitment to practice regularly, even on days when you don’t feel like it. Over time, you will notice positive changes in your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

 

Different Types of Meditation

Meditation is a diverse practice with various techniques and styles that have evolved over time. While some may think of meditation as simply sitting in silence, there are actually many different types of meditation that can offer unique benefits for self-improvement. In this section, we will explore the different types of meditation, their origins, and how they can be incorporated into daily life.

1. Mindfulness Meditation:

Originating from Buddhist traditions, mindfulness meditation focuses on being present in the moment and observing one’s thoughts and sensations without judgment. It involves bringing awareness to the present moment through focusing on the breath and bodily sensations. This type of meditation can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve overall well-being.

2. Guided Meditation:

Guided meditation involves following the instructions of a teacher or audio recording to help guide the mind to a specific state or goal. This type of meditation can be helpful for beginners or those who struggle with distractions during meditation. It can also be tailored to specific intentions, such as self-love or gratitude, making it a versatile practice for self-improvement.

3. Transcendental Meditation:

Transcendental meditation, or TM, is a technique that involves silently repeating a mantra to focus the mind and achieve a state of deep relaxation. TM has its roots in Hinduism and has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase creativity. The use of a mantra can also help quiet the mind and reduce racing thoughts.

4. Loving-Kindness Meditation:

Also known as Metta meditation, this practice involves cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and others. It typically involves repeating phrases such as “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I be safe” to promote self-love and compassion towards others. This type of meditation can help improve relationships and promote inner peace.

5. Vipassana Meditation:

Vipassana, which means “insight” in Pali, is a meditation practice that aims to gain insight into the true nature of reality. It involves observing one’s thoughts and sensations without reacting to them, with the goal of gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. This type of meditation can help individuals become more self-aware and make wiser decisions.

6. Yoga Meditation:

Yoga meditation is a combination of physical movement, breathwork, and meditation. It originated from ancient Indian traditions and has gained popularity in the West for its ability to improve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This type of meditation can help reduce stress, increase flexibility, and promote inner peace.

Incorporating different types of meditation into your daily life can offer a well-rounded approach to self-improvement. Each type of meditation has its own unique benefits, making it important to explore and find what works best for you. Here are some tips for incorporating different types of meditation into your routine:

– Start with guided meditation if you’re new to the practice. It can help you stay focused and provide guidance on how to meditate effectively.

– Experiment with different types of meditation to find what works best for you. You may find that one type resonates with you more than others.

– Be consistent with your practice. It takes time and dedication to see the benefits of meditation, so try to incorporate it into your daily routine.

– Don’t get discouraged if your mind wanders during meditation. It’s a normal part of the practice, and with time, you’ll learn to let go of distractions.

– Seek guidance from experienced practitioners or try attending a meditation retreat to deepen your practice and learn from others.

 

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Self Improvement

Meditation and Emotional Wellness: Nurturing Your Mental Health

by shedboy71

Mental health has become a prevalent topic in today’s fast-paced and highly stressful world. From anxiety to depression, the rates of mental health disorders continue to rise, impacting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. In the pursuit of finding ways to cope with these challenges, many have turned to meditation as a means of improving their emotional well-being.

Meditation, an ancient practice rooted in various religious and spiritual traditions, has gained widespread popularity in recent years for its potential to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. In this article, we will explore the powerful connection between meditation and emotional wellness, and how this practice can nurture and support our mental health.

We will delve into the science behind meditation and its effects on the brain, as well as provide practical tips and techniques for incorporating meditation into our daily lives. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this article will offer valuable insights into harnessing the power of meditation for emotional well-being.

Importance of mindfulness in self-care

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, taking care of our mental health has become more crucial than ever. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient traditions, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in promoting overall well-being and nurturing our mental health. By intentionally focusing our attention on the present moment, non-judgmentally, mindfulness allows us to cultivate a state of heightened awareness and acceptance.

This practice can significantly contribute to our self-care routines by helping us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve our overall emotional well-being.

By incorporating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, enhance our ability to cope with challenging situations, and foster a deeper connection with ourselves and those around us. As we navigate the complexities of life, embracing mindfulness as a cornerstone of self-care can empower us to nurture and prioritize our mental health, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

 

Benefits for emotional well-being

The practice of mindfulness and meditation offers a multitude of benefits for our emotional well-being. By regularly engaging in these practices, we create a space for self-reflection and introspection, allowing us to better understand and manage our emotions.

Mindfulness helps us develop the ability to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, cultivating a sense of emotional resilience and inner peace.

This practice also promotes self-compassion, enabling us to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding during times of distress. Additionally, mindfulness and meditation have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve our mood, and enhance our overall emotional stability.

By nurturing our mental health through the practice of mindfulness, we can experience greater emotional balance, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to ourselves and those around us.

 

Techniques for calming the mind

In our journey towards nurturing our mental health, there are various techniques that can effectively calm the mind and promote emotional wellness. One technique is deep breathing, where we focus on our breath and take slow, deliberate breaths, allowing ourselves to become fully present in the moment.

This simple yet powerful practice helps to reduce stress and anxiety, bringing a sense of calm and clarity to our minds. Another technique is progressive muscle relaxation, where we systematically tense and relax different muscle groups, releasing tension and promoting a deep state of relaxation.

Additionally, engaging in activities such as yoga or tai chi can help calm the mind by combining gentle movements with focused breathing, promoting a sense of harmony between the body and mind.

By incorporating these techniques into our daily lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of inner peace, resilience, and emotional well-being.

 

Creating a regular meditation practice

Establishing a regular meditation practice can be a transformative addition to our journey of nurturing our mental health. Meditation provides us with a dedicated space and time to quiet the mind, cultivate mindfulness, and deepen our self-awareness.

Through consistent practice, we can develop the ability to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing us to gain a greater sense of clarity and perspective. Furthermore, meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

By setting aside a specific time each day, finding a comfortable meditation posture, and choosing a meditation technique that resonates with us, we can create a consistent meditation practice that becomes an anchor of calm and serenity in our lives.

 

Integrating mindfulness into daily life

The benefits of mindfulness extend far beyond the moments we spend in formal meditation practice. Integrating mindfulness into our daily lives can help us cultivate a greater sense of presence and awareness in every aspect of our day. It involves bringing mindfulness into our daily routines, such as eating mindfully, engaging in mindful movement or exercise, and even practicing mindful communication and listening in our interactions with others.

By intentionally paying attention to the present moment, we can become more attuned to our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations throughout the day. This heightened awareness allows us to respond to challenges and stressors with greater clarity and intention, fostering a greater sense of balance and well-being in our lives.

In conclusion, incorporating meditation into your routine can greatly benefit your emotional wellness and overall mental health. By taking time to quiet our minds and connect with our inner selves, we can cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and self-awareness.

As we continue to navigate the challenges of daily life, let us remember the importance of nurturing our mental well-being and utilizing tools like meditation to support our emotional health.

With consistent practice, we can find greater balance and inner peace in our lives. Thank you for joining me in this discussion on meditation and emotional wellness.

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Self Help

The top 10 benefits of meditation

by shedboy71

If you’re going through this training, chances are, you already want to try your hand at meditation. There’s a high probability that you probably already know some, if not all, of the 10 major benefits of meditation.

Just to be sure, if you are still in any way, shape or form on the fence regarding this practical and all-natural way to relax, here are just the 10 major benefits of meditation. Please note that the actual list of meditation’s benefits is quite long. These are just the most commonly reported benefits.

Benefit #1: It slows down your mind

Part of the reason why people are so stressed out is because they have a thousand things on their mind. They’re just so focused on so many things at the same time that they spread themselves too thin.
They’re not very patient, they don’t have much focus, and it’s very easy for them to drop the ball. It’s very easy for them to spend day after day thinking that they really haven’t done much with their time or the opportunities presented to them.

By learning how to meditate on a practical basis, you slow down your mind. You’re able to focus and appreciate one thing at a time. This is not a step back. In fact, this is a great way of reclaiming your ability to focus and control the many different areas of your life.

Benefit #2: It relaxes your mind

Focus is one thing, relaxation is another. Please understand that these are two totally different things. You can be focused on something that really stresses you out and take care of the problem. However, once the issue is done, you may still be tightly wound up. You may still be stressed.

Meditation enables you to completely relax your mind. It is a great way of not only taking off stress, but also relaxing your mind. You get inner peace, you get serenity.

Benefit #3: It relaxes your body

There’s a tight connection between your body and your mind. The less stressed your mind becomes, the more relaxed your body gets. These two are strongly tied to each other. By working on your mind, you go a long way in
relaxing physically.

Benefit #4: You gain perspective

Part of the reason why people are so stressed is because they think that they’re jumping from one emergency to another. They are literally caught in the end-of-the-world every single crisis. It’s as if they’re putting out one fire after another.
Well, it turns out that most, if not all, of the things that you’re stressed out about are nothing to stress out over. In the big scheme of things, they are really small potatoes. When you adopt a daily or consistent meditation practice, you get to see the big picture. Gaining perspective enables you to achieve some level of inner peace.

Benefit #5: You create distance between your emotions and your perception

One of the most common symptoms of stress is when everything seems to revolve around who you are, your personal value, and your goals in life. In other words, every small disappointment becomes a giant failure.
When you don’t agree with somebody else, instead of leaving it at a fairly shallow level, the disagreement becomes really personal. You really have a tough time letting go of your emotions.

Well, when you learn how to meditate, you create distance between your emotions and perceptions. Just because you perceive certain things, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to interpret things in a very emotionally negative way.
The more you meditate, the calmer you feel. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It doesn’t have to be all about you. Life doesn’t have to involve a tremendous amount of unnecessary drama.

Benefit #6: Your focus increases in power

Where your focus goes, energy flows. Unfortunately, if you’re stressed out, it’s very easy for you to try to focus, but there’s really not much power left. You can’t muster the willpower needed to get stuff done, regardless of how much you think you’ve set your mind to something.
At some level or another, something is tapping your energy. It’s just leaking out of you and you really can’t, for the life of you, focus like a laser. When you learn how to meditate and control your mental processes, your focus grows in strength. You are able to target specific tasks with your willpower. When you do this, you become a more effective and productive person.

Benefit #7: Your focus increases in clarity

Just as focus involves willpower, focus also involves clarity. Things start to make sense. Things fall into place. Unfortunately, if you’re under a lot of pressure, it’s easy to suffer from brain fog. Everything looks like the same, everything is fuzzy, and it’s hard for you to tell which is which. You don’t even know what your priority should be or not.

It is no surprise that regardless of how much focus stressed out people try to put on certain tasks, they can’t get anything done. It’s as if they tried to impose their willpower to do certain things, but it turns out that they’re doing the wrong things at the wrong time to produce the wrong results. They end up chasing their tails.

When you meditate, your focus not only grows in strength, but it also grows in clarity. You start using your values as your filter as to what to focus on. This can have a tremendously positive result on your productivity as well as your sense that you are able to make things happen in your life.

Benefit #8: It lowers your blood pressure

In research study after research study, scientists have discovered that consistent meditative practice actually lowers blood pressure. This is a big deal because there is a cardiovascular disease epidemic in the United States and other developed nations.
As people live more and more sedentary lives, heart-related issues are killing more and more people. If you meditate, you tend to naturally lower your blood pressure, and this can possibly prolong your life.

Benefit #9: It can speed up emotional healing

If you have a tough time forgiving people, by learning how to meditate, you can gain emotional distance from painful or anger-inducing memories. Sooner or later, you are able to see things in perspective, and this puts you in a position to forgive.

Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that if you meditate, you will automatically forgive people who you feel have done you harm. That will still be your choice. However, when you meditate, you start viewing things in perspective, and it’s more likely that, if you want to, you can forgive and move on. This can go a long way in helping you heal emotionally.

Benefit #10: Can bolster psychological repair

I wish I could tell you that all of us came from ideal childhoods. I wish I could tell you that we all had great pasts and that we’ve always hung out with great people and we’ve always had amazing times. It would be awesome if we all came from nurturing, loving relationships and families.

Unfortunately, that’s not true. There are a lot of us who have suffered psychological wounds and are having a tough time recovering. When you meditate, you tend to gain perspective. This enables you to put yourself in the position to start looking at the past as well as the present consequences of your past with a fresh set of eyes.

If you feel that you’ve been victimized, if you feel that you’ve been harmed in the past, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to continue looking at yourself the same way. Again, just like with speeding up emotional healing, meditation only puts you in this position. You still have to choose this benefit. This doesn’t happen automatically.

Keep the 10 benefits above in mind if you’re still hesitating or feeling apprehensive about meditation. While it is a commitment, please keep in mind that, in most cases, its advantages definitely outweigh whatever real or imagined disadvantages people may see with a meditation practice.

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Self Help

18 interesting facts about meditation and its many benefits

by shedboy71

In this article we look at meditation and the many benefits it has

5 Surprising Benefits of Meditation You Might Not Know About

The most well-known benefit of meditation is stress-relief. Different forms of meditation have been used for literally thousands of years to quickly, and sometimes instantly, relieve and remove stress and anxiety. The LiveAndDare.com website has identified 76 scientifically proven benefits of meditation. They include lowering instances of depression and reducing anxiety. Those mental benefits may seem logically linked to a practice where you calm your mind. However, some benefits of meditation may surprise you, including the following 5 beneficial effects of meditation you just might not know about.

1 – Meditation Makes the Teen Years Livable High school can be a very difficult time, not only for teenagers trying to get through it alive but for their parents as well. The teenage years can be difficult because the human body and mind are changing so rapidly. This can cause self-doubt, frustration, confusion and sometimes a sense that the whole world is “out to get” the teenager. Research from the Harvard Medical School shows that relaxation practices like meditation and deep breathing improved students’ abilities to cope with hormonal mood swings, and the constant drama surrounding teen years.

2 – ‘Meditation’ Can Be Better Than ‘Medication’ for Chronic Pain The Journal of Neuroscience reports on a study that shows you can save major money on prescription drug costs, while simultaneously relieving pain more effectively, with meditation. Pills often have bothersome and debilitating side-effects. This is not true with meditation, that proved more effective than pain medication for chronic pain relief in that study.

3 – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Relief IBS can be frustrating, inconvenient, painful and embarrassing. The answer may just be to meditate on a regular basis. Research in one study shows an 8-week practice of mindfulness for stress-relief reduced IBS symptoms by an impressive 26.4%.

4 – Meditation Actually Boosts Your Immune System Your immune system is the complex group of processes in your body that fights infection and disease. Stress and anxiety play havoc with your immune system, and this means you’re more likely to become sick or ill from any cause. Meditating regularly slows the production of stress hormones like cortisol which naturally damage your immune system.

5 – Improves Fertility Rates in Women Researchers are still not sure why this happens. However, there is an undeniably correlated presence of notably higher fertility rates in women who meditate regularly, than in those who do not.

6 Meditation Benefits That Help You Climb the Corporate Ladder Faster

Are you climbing the corporate ladder in search of job security, better pay, more responsibility or personal power? If you are running the corporate rat race and strive to advance as quickly as possible, meditation offers significant benefits. Aside from relieving stress, which as you know is constant in a competitive business environment, meditation offers the following 6 benefits that help you climb the rungs of the corporate ladder faster and more effectively than your coworkers who do not meditate.

1 – All meditation improves focus. If you can’t FOCUS (Follow One Course Until Successful), you simply are not going to make it in the advanced levels of the corporate world. Meditation, especially focused attention meditation, can create a laser-targeted vision that allows you to cut through the constant clutter and distractions around you, finishing projects and assignments quickly and productively.

2 – Meditation encourages objectivity, composure, clarity, and concentration. When you can objectively appraise any business situation, your value to your company increases dramatically. A meditation practice also improves concentration, helps you develop a clarity of vision, and guarantees you practice composure when things get stressful, essential advancement and survival tools in the corporate world.

3 – Meditation increases productivity. Whether you practice Kundalini or Vipassana meditation, or any of the other dozens of varieties, you will find yourself more productive. Incorporating meditation sessions throughout your workday will increase your productivity even greater still.

4 – Your problem-solving and decision-making abilities become stronger. Countless studies show meditation improves mental functioning and memory and dramatically decreases your chances of contracting mental health problems. This means your mental ability to attack problems, solve them, and make smart decisions is enhanced with meditation.

5 – Meditation improves your social and emotional intelligence levels. Meditation trades your brain to react objectively and intelligently. This improves both your social and emotional IQs. Studies show that employees with high levels of social and emotional intelligence are more likely to be chosen for leadership positions.

6 – Meditation is a mental and physical stress-reliever. This is probably the most well-known benefit of a regular meditation practice. What is amazing is that of all the many kinds of meditation, they are all very effective for relieving stress and anxiety. No matter what form of meditation you decide to practice, you will experience less stress. This means fewer days off, not experiencing dread and anxiety on the way to work, and a better capability to compete in a stressful corporate environment than your coworkers.

7 Simple Meditation Tips for Beginners

Beginners to meditation often approach it with preconceived notions. In contrast to popular opinion, you don’t have to practice a particular religion, have a specific spiritual outlook or buy any equipment or accessories to benefit from meditation. Beginners to this age-old practice have heard it is a great stress-reliever that also delivers other mental health benefits and physical rewards.

Anxious to get started, would be meditation newbies generally have one big question on their mind … “How do I meditate?”
They often envision trying to achieve a cramped and painful lotus position while breathing stifling incense and repeating mystical chants as necessary for a meditation practice. Preconceived notions and ill-informed stereotypical misconceptions fill their mind.

If you want to get started benefiting mentally and physically from meditation, the following 7 tips and practices will quickly move you from confused newbie to calm and focused meditation veteran in no time.

1 – Understand right up front that there is no “right” and no “wrong” way to meditate. Whatever works best for you is what you should be doing.

2 – Start off slow. You should aim for 2 or 3 daily meditation sessions just 3 to 5 minutes long at first. Get familiar with the process. At first, even a 3 minute meditation session can be difficult. You may feel like you have “failed”, but stick with it and your performance and benefits will get better over time. 3 – If your thoughts wander, and they will, don’t criticize yourself. Recognize whatever distracting input has interrupted you, and then slowly redirect your attention back to your point of focus.

4 – Don’t try to meditate right after a heavy meal. Most people don’t realize how much energy their digestive system requires. Meditating after you eat can cause frustration when you don’t see or feel results happen quickly enough to make you happy. You should also be hydrated properly, but not to the point that your bladder is begging for your meditation session to be over.

5 – Use meditation soundtracks … or don’t use meditation soundtracks. Some beginners say meditation MP3 files, CDs, and YouTube videos are crucial for providing the correct audio environment for meditation. Others say this music distracted them. Find out what works for you.

6 – Realize that you don’t have to sit in a cross-legged, lotus position. Meditation can take place anywhere, as long as you are seated or reclined in a comfortable position, in a calm, peaceful environment.

7 – Practice mindfulness everywhere. When you drive, while you are shopping for groceries or taking a walk around your neighborhood, be mindful of your experience. Don’t focus on the past or the future, and not even the next step you are taking. Becoming mindful of the “right now” time in your life throughout the day can help your dedicated meditation practice..

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