We’ve all heard of it, some of us have tried it or have made it part of our self-care routine, others have judged it and laughed at the idea of it all, but what is it exactly? What is meditation, why should we meditate, what are the benefits and how does it work?
Ah, meditation, an art of the mind that almost anyone can do. It’s about finding quiet within, being in the present moment, focusing on the breath and going inward observing the connection between one’s mind, body, and spirit. In a nutshell, it is a universal tool that can help aid us into a state of tranquility and peace, ultimately freeing us from the pressures of everyday life and the noises of yesterday.
Meditation is not typically considered a quick fix. While some people may experience immediate benefits, such as relaxation and stress relief, the full benefits of meditation usually come with regular and consistent practice over a longer period of time. It is a skill that requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to cultivating a regular practice. With continued practice, meditation has been scientifically proven to benefit our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, even after one session.
What is Meditation
So, let’s just jump right into it, shall we?! What does ‘meditate’ mean? As per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary the definition of the word is described as such:
meditate (verb), pronounced, med-i-tate
meditated; meditating
1) to focus on one’s thoughts: to reflect or to ponder
2) to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
The Benefits of Meditation
As per the Mayo Clinic, emotional and physical benefits of meditation are not limited to but can include the following:
· Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
· Building skills to manage your stress
· Increasing self-awareness
· Focusing on the present
· Reducing negative emotions
· Increasing imagination and creativity
· Increasing patience and tolerance
· Lowering resting heart rate
· Lowering resting blood pressure
· Improving sleep quality
Similar outcomes are also stated on a number of other websites backed by scientific research. For more examples see links below:
How does meditation work?
Meditation is like exercise for the mind. It generally works the same as going to the gym. The more you work out, the better the results. The more you meditate, the more familiar you become with your own brain activity and thought habits. By gaining greater awareness and a clearer insight into our thoughts, we can redirect ourselves towards more constructive thinking patterns and increase our creative problem-solving skills. Meditation also allows us to hone in on the inhalation and exhalation of the breath, connecting us to our physical body and present state.
When the body is stressed, both mentally and physically, there is an increase of a stress hormone called cortisol. Like a chain reaction, the release of cortisol triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines can disrupt sleep, increase blood pressure and anxiety, contribute to fatigue, induce cloudy thinking and promote depression. Neuroscientific findings have shown that meditation as a practice can literally rewire brain circuits that boost both mind and body health through what is known as ‘neuroplasticity’, therefore lowering instinctive behavioural responses, particularly those related to stress.
Since stress and anxiety go hand-in-hand, when stress levels are lowered, anxiety eases up. See the connection there. Less stress = lower anxiety. WIN, WIN!
Follow links below for more detailed information:
History and Religion
There are hundreds of documents written about the history and religion of meditation but for the purposes of this blog, I intend to keep it real short and to the point.
The History of Meditation
Although unclear, historians believe that the ancient practice of meditation started in India, in the continent of Asia, dating back to as early as 5,000 BCE (over 6,000 years ago). Since then, worldwide research has estimated that 200-500 million people have meditated or practiced meditation with a 2,900% increase since March 2020, the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.
Meditation and Religious Affiliations
When it comes to religion, it is important to honour and appreciate the rich and diverse history of the practice. Often associated with Eastern cultures such as Buddhism and Hinduism, the practice of meditation can be found in, but not limited to, Taoism, Judaism, Christianity, as well as various Indigenous, Native American and African Tribal spiritual practices. With that being said, it is important to recognize that meditation is also has a timeless and secular approach which continues to evolve across the globe as a boundless tool of self-discovery, regardless of faith or religion.
And there you have it folks, not even the tip of the iceberg. The list goes on and on and there is endless information available to read and I take credit for none of it.
I do however stand behind my own experience when I say meditation saved me. I truly believe it healed not only my mental and physical state but also my soul. It brought me to a place of realization and oneness with myself and has allowed me to embark on a journey I never thought possible. To read more about my meditation journey, visit my personal blog, The Stasia Story (link here).
For services including meditation click here.
Love and Light,
Stasia
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