The Power of Meditation

Meditation is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years. The practice of meditation is rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. It continues to be popular to this day due to its ability to alleviate stress, boost mindfulness, and nurture personal growth.

What is Meditation?

Wikipedia defines meditation as "a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state."

Basically, meditation is a mental practice that promotes relaxation and fosters a deep state of serenity.

Is Meditation a Religious Practice?

Although meditation has its foundations in ancient philosophies and world religions, you do not need to be religious in order to meditate.

I am providing some cultural history next because I find it fascinating. If you aren't interested, please skip to the next section.

Several forms of meditation have their origins in Buddhism, which is considered both a philosophy and a religion, especially depending on the nation of origin. Theravadan meditation is more common in Southeast Asia, especially in India and Thailand. Zen Buddhist meditation originated in China, and different forms of it eventually evolved elsewhere, such as Japanese Zen Buddhist meditation. Tibetan Buddhist tantric meditation comes from the former nation of Tibet, now an autonomous region of China.

Like Buddhism, Taoism is also considered a religion and a philosophy. It originated in China and is best known through the writings of its founder, Lao Tzu.

In Christianity, prayer is often considered meditation, especially when it is focused intently on a question, idea, religious concept, or deity. Deep contemplation is also considered meditation.

In Hinduism, Osho is a form of meditation from India also known as "dynamic meditation," in which breathing exercises are deliberate and forceful.

Different Types of Meditation

There are different types of meditation, and it is used for different reasons. Here are a few of the different types:

• Mindfulness meditation: Rooted in Buddhist teachings, this form is to aid in cultivating a focused awareness of the present moment.

• Spiritual meditation: Common in Hinduism and Christianity, this type is used to help gain a deeper connection with your God, the Universe, or some other higher power.

• Focused meditation: This involves concentration using any (or all) of the five senses.

• Body-centered meditation: This is sometimes referred to as self-scanning. It is done by focusing on the physical sensations you can feel throughout your body.

• Movement meditation: A more active form of meditation, using activities such as yoga or walking.

• Mantra meditation: This type of meditation involves repeating (either aloud or in your head) and focusing on a specific phrase or sound.

These are only some of the many types of meditation out there. If you would like to know more, please Google it.

Why is Meditation Important?

With our lives being so fast-paced and the utilization of multi-tasking commonly taking place, we are overworking our brains and need to take a mental break from it all. Meditation can help with that. It has many proven health benefits. It allows us to slow our brains down and focus on one thing at a time. Regular meditation can reduce stress, help control anxiety, enhance self-awareness, lengthen your attention span, and even help you sleep better.

Why does Meditation Work?

Meditation physically affects your brain in a positive way. The brain has billions of neurons (cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send signals to each other). One neuron connects to thousands of others, forming networks across different parts of your brain. Those networks form in different areas of the brain, which have different jobs and specialties.

Several studies have found that people who meditate regularly show signs that the neurons have more connections to each other and the connections are stronger.

The areas noted include those that control your senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch), your ability to think and concentrate, and your ability to process emotions. The brains of people who meditate regularly are healthier and less likely to show age-related loss of function. They also have a stronger ability to deal with and process negative emotions.

Tips for Meditation

Create a space: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. If you are able, make it a space dedicated to meditation. This promotes concentration, helps establish routine, reduces distractions, and promotes emotional safety. A specific location will also help your mind prepare for meditation, reinforcing the habit and enhancing focus. Lighting a candle or incense can signal to your brain that you are about to meditate.

Choose a time: Meditating when you are more naturally relaxed or focused can make it easier for you. Everyone's rhythm varies - mornings may work best for you because you are more alert, while others might find the evening more conducive to relaxing. By setting a consistent time for meditation, you can help establish it as a habit and make it easier to maintain.

Start with short sessions: This can be very beneficial for beginners. It makes meditation more approachable and manageable and reduces the risk of frustration and/or burnout. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually build up the time as you become more comfortable.

Try guided meditation: There are apps like Calm and Headspace that offer guided meditations to help beginners. Or, you can attend a live meditation through Mind Oasis in their Community Meditations. Their sessions are 30 minutes and are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Be patient: At first, your mind will wander. That is perfectly normal and okay. The practice of returning your focus to meditation is what truly matters. Do not get frustrated. Be patient and kind to yourself, and refocus as many times as it takes. With practice, you will get better. The goal of meditation isn't to control your thoughts but to stop letting them control you.

Don't be afraid to ask for help: Meditation doesn't come easily for many. Explore resources in person or online, and ask for guidance. You might even find a meditation instructor or class near you.

Do You Like to Go All In?

Here, I am including some links to items that may be helpful in your meditation journey.

• Scented Meditation Candles

• Unscented Candles

• Incense for Meditation

• Singing bowls

• Crystals

• Cushions

My Personal Take on Meditation

I always thought I was just someone who was unable to meditate. I had trouble sitting still, quieting my mind, and got frustrated with myself. As I started learning more about meditation, I realized I already incorporate it into my life. When I walk in the woods, I am quiet and notice the things around me: the sights, the sounds, the smells. It's a combination of mindfulness, focused, and movement meditation. I also meditate when I do yoga, focusing on my breathing and the feel of my body (self-scanning).

I believe meditation is especially important in the fast-paced world we are living in today. I know I feel better when I slow my mind down and focus on the here and now. I am going to try to be more patient with myself and follow some of the tips I have listed above to start meditating more regularly and intentionally. I believe the evening will be best for me as I am winding down from the day.

If you are toying with the idea of trying meditation, don't be intimidated by schedules and a dedicated space. Those are only tips. Start with what feels right for you and when it feels right for you. Don't put pressure on yourself.

There is no hard and fast way to meditate. You can meditate standing or sitting. You can meditate inside or outside. You can have your head down to the ground or up to the sky. Choose a pose that is relaxing to you. Hold your arms and hands as you wish.

If you're like me, you will want to know even more about meditation than I have time for here. Google it and learn about choices that work for you. Just try it, then try it again. Best of luck on your journey!

Let me know what you thought about this post in the comments. Do you already meditate? I'd love to hear all about it. Are you new to meditation? What are your thoughts?