When we sleep, our mind and our body rejuvenates itself.
Meditation helps us to achieve a state of restful awareness at
other times. Restful awareness can sometimes provide a deeper
rest than sleep. The benefits of meditation are many.
· Meditation may cut back the flow of stress hormones. These
hormones cause a rise in blood pressure which damages our
arterial walls.
· People who practice meditation before surgery have a shorter
recovery period, bleed less, need less anesthesia and their
wounds heal faster.
· Studies have shown participants who meditate to have higher
levels of antibodies and positive emotional states.
· Meditation helps to reduce stress and fatigue as well as
enhance creativity and intuition which aids in decision making.
· Meditation leads to better health and longer life. The results
of stress can accelerate the aging process. Studies suggest that
Meditation’s role in lowering blood pressure, easing stress and
increasing the function of the brain helps to slow aging.
There are thousands of books and tapes available on meditation
and relaxation techniques. Any of these would be helpful to
begin a practice of meditation. One simple beginning technique
is to focus on your breathing.
Sit upright in a comfortable chair with your hands resting at
your sides. You may also lay flat but make sure your spine is
straight so there is no obstruction to the flow of air. Breathe
in slowly while counting to eight. Exhale through your nose and
count to eight. Concentrate on your breathing. Feel the air
enter and fill your lungs and abdomen on the inhale. When you
exhale feel your breath slowly leaving your body. Concentrate
only on your counting and breathing. If thoughts intrude, just
view them as you would writing on a blackboard and then refocus.
You may be aware of the sounds around you. If you get
distracted, it’s okay. Refocus on your counting and breathing.
Begin with 10 minutes of deep breathing a day and move to 20
minutes a day.
This technique is a very simple introduction to meditation. When
you master this, move on to relaxation and visualization
techniques. Enjoy twenty minutes of silence a day. Besides the
improved physical effects, with time and practice, you can gain
a type of bliss, joy and peacefulness. Meditation puts us in
contact with our higher selves where creativity, intuition and
energy reside. Rejuvenate your whole self. Meditate.