To meditate means to still the thought processes of the mind and enter into a state of awareness. Meditation is a process where a person eliminates scattered thoughts and messages mentally. Some meditation is done by stilling the mind of all thought, and some meditation utilizes chants and repetitious notes to clear the mind. Anyone can meditate, even a beginner.
Benefits of Meditation
There are many benefits of meditation, ranging from self-control to healing, confidence, relaxation, and self-awareness.
Health Benefits
Meditation can lower blood pressure through the act of relaxing and easing stress. The heart slows as the meditating person relaxes, and this forces the blood to thin, thereby lowering blood pressure since the heart is not working so hard.
Meditation can relieve allergy symptoms and open up restricted breathing passages by focusing on taking healing breaths. It also increases the flow of air into the lungs.
Pain can be controlled and managed through entering deep meditative states. This is accomplished by relaxing all parts of the body and letting the mind release any body constriction and tightness.
By eliminating stress through meditation the digestive system functions more efficiently, stimulating the immune system that promotes healing.
People who meditate increase their stamina when exercising, as it enhances strength and energy.
Meditation can even help with weight loss as a person gets more in touch with themselves emotionally and mentally.
Mental Clarity Benefits
Meditation helps a person attain a higher level of awareness through the act of stilling the mind. A mind free of clutter can function at a higher level of clarity, leading to breakthroughs and resolution of lingering emotional issues.
Thoughts can be controlled through meditation. This can lead to eliminating negativity, helping with concentration, resolving fears, and decreasing worry. Meditation will help a person gain confidence through self-awareness.
It takes dedication and will-power to meditate. This increases the ability to concentrate which will help with setting focus and intentions. It can help a person increase creativity, learning, memory, intuition, and emotional stability. This will lead to feelings of vitality, happiness, and greater self-satisfaction.
The best thing about meditation is that once a person taps into their own inner feelings, they will relate to others in a more positive, satisfying way. Relationships improve along with emotional stability. A person who feels self-assured lets go of petty issues and holding on to grudges and resentments. Meditation can purify a person’s character as it helps in keeping things in perspective.
Higher Powers
Many people decide to meditate so they can tap into their higher powers and wisdoms. A strong spiritual benefit of meditation is that a person can discover their purpose through increased self-actualization and acceptance of self. Meditation will not make a person perfect or immediately eliminate all negativity, but the continued study will result in a person learning how to accept themselves to the point where they will want to make any necessary changes. A heart full of compassion and enlightenment will let go of ego and reach out to others in a forgiving way.
Meditation increases the mind, body, and spirit connection to bring about peace and happiness.
How to Meditate
There are many ways to meditate. Meditation does not just mean sitting cross-legged on a mat with hands on the knees while chanting. A person can meditate by going on a walk in nature and letting the mind focus on the beauty and wonder around them. Meditation means letting go of worldly thoughts and focusing the mind on purpose.
It could take years of practice to reach the deep meditative state of total mindlessness, but that does not mean the beginner cannot reap benefits of meditation.
Sit quietly and let the mind release thought. Use a sound or mantra to clear the mind. Start meditating a few minutes a day, and work up to 15 minutes daily. It will get easier, and the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits will astound.