Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and is used in some form by most religions as a way of tapping into divine knowledge. Even if you’re not seeking spiritual enlightenment but just a little peace, meditation is the quickest and most available way to do this.
Thoughts are constantly flowing through our minds – by some estimates up to 50,000 thoughts per day. The busier we get, the more our head is abuzz, making it harder to calm down. Our mind can even continue producing thoughts during sleep, so while the body is resting the mind doesn’t get a break.
Meditation health benefits
Without a rest, our mind becomes more exhausted, affecting our ability to think clearly and make decisions. Meditation gives your mind a chance to slow down and rest. When you slow down your thoughts, you find that you are able to direct them towards more positive and productive outcomes. After meditating, you feel calmer and can think more clearly, while your mood and the ability to concentrate improve.
The mind and body are intricately connected, and being able to quiet the mind brings relaxation to the body. By reducing stress, meditation helps the immune system work better, lowers blood pressure, reduces pain and the effects of allergies, and can improve anxiety and sleep disorders. By meditating for just a few minutes each day you can easily feel the positive effects on your well being.
How to meditate
The easiest way to start training your mind to meditate is to focus on your breathing. Breathing is something we all do, and by paying attention to the breath as it enters and exits your body and the rhythm it creates, you can easily get your mind to stay in one place.
Find a quiet space and get in a comfortable position by standing, sitting or lying down.
Close your eyes and take a moment to scan your body from head to toe. Notice what's happening in your body. Relax or readjust any parts that are tense or uncomfortable.
Breathe deeply and slowly. Imagine your breath traveling down your spine as you inhale and back up as you exhale.
If your mind begins to wander to thoughts, sounds or feelings, gently bring your awareness back to your breath.
Continue for at least a couple minutes or longer if you wish.
Focus on how your body feels and slowly open your eyes.
If you find it hard to calm your mind at first, keep trying. Like most skills, meditation takes practice. Some days relaxation may be easier to achieve than others depending on your mood and energy levels – no matter how long you’ve been practicing. By making meditation part of your day, you are giving yourself a powerful skill to help relieve stress, improve concentration and mood.
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