Meditation is the practice of stillness. Every person who meditates goes about the practice in their own way. People all over the world find that practicing meditation encourages well-being.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a form of exercise for the mind. During meditation, one takes time out from their day to be still. Meditation practice looks different for every student. Some people pick things to draw their focus and attention. While others allow passing thoughts to come and go. Developing a consistent practice of calmness and meditation is physiologically and psychologically beneficial. Various techniques encourage a heightened sense of awareness. Meditation encourages relaxation, rest, and overall well-being.
Why Do People Practice Meditation?
People practice meditation for every reason. Meditation promotes mood balance and relaxation. It can help people filter through the noise of the world and improve their perspective. Many people use meditation to help deal with everyday stress. Meditation is even used to help deal with certain traumas or injuries.
People use meditation in their spiritual practices as well. Many religions cultivate a relationship with meditation and prayer. The benefits of meditation are worth the investment Of time and patience.
As you grow in your practice you may come across several different types of meditation:
* Spiritual Meditation
* Mindfulness Meditation
* Focused Meditation
* Mantra Meditation
* Transcendental Meditation
Spiritual Meditation- Spiritual meditation is very common in eastern religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Daoism. People of the Jewish and Christian faith also practice forms of spiritual meditation. Prayer and spiritual meditation usually go hand in hand. Spiritual meditation builds relationships with one’s god or creator.
Mindfulness Meditation-mindfulness meditation is the practice of slowing down one’s racing thoughts. By using deep breathing, students allow their thoughts to come and go without judgment. They focus on the present and find acceptance for all that they are in that very moment. Students of mindfulness are intentional about releasing negative thoughts and fears.
Focused Meditation- During this type of meditation people set an intention to dedicate their time to. Students are able to fixate on something rather than try to clear their mind.
Mantra Meditation- this type of meditation people usually say a word or a mantra over and over again to help them focus.
Transcendental Meditation- created in India in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. He encouraged the practice of sitting silently or repeating a mantra in your mind. This specific form of meditation claims to create relaxation, calmness, and for some, a higher state of consciousness.
What Are The Benefits Of Meditation?
Everyday life can distract many people from finding the time to practice meditation. Creating a consistent practice of exercising the mind just as one exercising the body can produce similar benefits.
Meditation helps with the following areas and so much more:
* Reduces Stress
* Lowers Blood Pressure
* Reduces Anxiety
* Helps with Attention and Focus
* Spurs Creativity
* Decreases Depression Symptoms
* Strengthens Self-awareness
* May Help with Addiction and Trauma
It is simple to start practicing meditation. One could spend as little as 5 minutes a day making these positive changes. If you find any of this challenging or would like to expand your level of understanding please visit MeditationOnly.