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The term ‘meditation’ encompasses any activity which aims to train the mind and bring focus to our lives. This can take the form of transcendental meditation, where repetition of a mantra if focused on, or compassion meditation, where the focus is on being compassionate towards others. Meditation features in many religions, from Islam to Judaism. Arguably though, the religion most people relate to meditation is Buddhism. Gautama, or the Buddha as he became known, is said to have achieved ‘Enlightenment’ through meditation. Enlightenment is the key to freeing one from human suffering. Well, you may never achieve enlightenment through meditation (it took Gautama six years of constant meditation) but there is a host of reasons to practice the activity.
A common belief is that meditation has become increasingly popular (almost 10% of Americans have meditated in the past year) as a reaction to the increase in stress levels caused by modern life. A host of health studies suggest meditation can do far more than that, particularly the Buddhist’s form of meditation. People who start practicing meditation do indeed report feeling more relaxed and experiencing a better state of mind. However, by reducing the levels of cortisol (the stress inducing chemical) in the body, meditation can lower blood pressure. Studies have also found that meditation can improve cancer patients’ immune systems. In terms of mental health, it has recently been recognized that meditation can cut the risk of people who have previously suffered from depression succumbing to the condition again by up to a half. One of the most recent discoveries is that meditation has the potential to slowdown the ageing process. By creating a feeling of relaxation, and making us more at ease and at peace with our surroundings, it seems meditating prevents the degeneration of our chromosomes. This is a direct result of the reduced levels of cortisol. Indeed, chronic stress is never good. It can lead to diabetes, cancer and heart disease. By slowing down the ageing process, meditation can also keep age related illnesses at bay, such as osteoporosis.
So it seems the benefits of mediation all reduce down to the relaxation it induces Aside from the health benefits, people who meditate report an increased ability to focus, a clear head, and a feeling of contentment. Anyone has the potential to receive these benefits as anyone can meditate. It does not have to be limited to the religious and the hippies. Doctors have even been prescribing the practice. The Buddhist’s form of meditation is based on mindfulness, i.e having an awareness of your thoughts and surroundings. Even doing this form of meditation for ten minutes can produce immediate effects. Simply assume an upright position, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. You should aim to clear your head of any thoughts. This is a lot easier said than done, realizing that you have drifted off and are thinking about your dinner is a good thing though. Note that you were thinking and forget about it. Return your focus to your breath. Hopefully after just a few breaths, your head will already be feeling clearer and you will be more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy any health benefits that come your way.
I often have a good long meditation after I've been on the lash, and I usually don't come out of it until at least 1pm. Very restorative.
"Citation needed"
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