Meditation allows the mind to reset. It allows us to reclaim that focus and elevates us from our circumstances that are in direct opposition to and trying to weigh us down. It raises our vibration and helps us to remain centered and grounded.
There are both physical and mental benefits to meditation. Most people who meditate can attest to feeling a greater sense of creativity, more inspired and improved emotional stability. Some people will be able to attest to the physical benefits as well. These include lower blood pressure, decrease in pain levels and a stronger immune system. Meditation also allows you to get more connected on a spiritual level. The key to effective meditation... or at least seeing results, is to meditate REGULARLY. Even if it is only 10-20 minutes per day, the important thing is that you are doing it regularly.
Studies have been done to evaluate the effectiveness of meditation in a variety of ailments. In one study, it was shown that meditation can actually increase the gray matter in your brain. 'So what?' you're thinking... well these are areas of the brain involved in learning and memory, regulating emotions, sense of self, and having perspective; so that's kind of important! http://liveanddare.com/benefits-of-meditation/ Meditation has also been studied and shown to reduce alcohol and drug usage in people; and as such should be an important part of any recovery program as well as smoking cessation programs. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2009.0362
When I was taught to meditate, I was taught a breathing technique that allowed me to improve my level of focus during my time meditating. You make yourself comfortable- whether that is sitting upright (recommended) or laying flat (my preferred method :) and then close your eyes. Take a deep breathe in for a count of 6. (you will increase the number as you improve). Then hold that breathe for the same count. Slowly release the breathe for the same count. And then when the air is out of your lungs as best as it can be; you will hold THAT for the same count; before taking the next deep breathe IN. This technique has helped to improve my lung capacity I'm certain! But it has also been pretty instrumental in helping me to get into a relaxed mindset in order to even begin to meditate.
As far as what you're doing while you're meditating; there are so many options. I am a huge fan of YouTube for guided meditations and sleep hypnosis tracts. And quite frankly, after you've listened to them as often as I have, you could probably recite them verbatim in your mind while doing your own meditation! Aside from that, you can also meditate in such a way where anytime a thought or worry comes into your mind and you start to drift; you will consciously push that thought aside as though you are just shoving it out of your mind space for that moment. I personally find that method challenging. Although I will at times do this for the first few minutes of my meditation to wind down a bit. My favorite type of meditation is the Shamanic Journey meditation. In a Shamanic Journey meditation, I travel to my secret garden and from there I am able to visit so many other places! One such place is known as the "lower world" and in there you can seek out your Power animal to help guide you in your journey.
I encourage each of you to take 10 minutes out of your day - preferably in the morning- and spend some time in meditation. Help your body to heal itself. Help your mind to excel and perform more optimally. Help your spiritual self to be more connected to our universe. And if you're a doubter.... then accept the challenge and document your results each day in a journal! Xoxo
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