There are many
advantages of meditation. Some take a while and some can be immediate. It is
worth noting that doctors increasingly recommend alternative practices such as
meditation, over and above traditional medical intervention, to assist with
faster recovery for their patients.
There are four
main areas that meditation benefits:
Physical Advantages of
Meditation
· Meditation improves brain functioning by strengthening communication between different areas of the brain.
· It reduces cortisol (the body’s natural stress hormone) levels in the body and so decreases stress.
· It reduces the heart rate and respiratory rate and so helps reduce high blood pressure.
· Improved breathing helps oxygenate the body more effectively.
· Reduces muscular tension and associated aches and pains.
· Meditating can even help strengthen the immune system!
Psychological Advantages
of Meditation
· Mental stress and pressure is now often cited as the main cause of
a high percentage of physical
diseases that are prevalent in the world today, such as cancer. The calming and
relaxing effects created by meditating can greatly help combat stress and its
effects.
· Increased sense of wellbeing and
happiness.
· Helps to develop a positive attitude and
optimism.
· Helps to increase self-confidence and self-
esteem.
· Helps to improve concentration and
focus.
Lifestyle Advantages of
Meditation
· Improved interpersonal relationships.
· Ability to be more responsive to your own
needs.
· Increased productivity through increased
ability to focus.
· Increased tolerance, compassion and empathy
for others and understanding of the self.
· Inspiring to others as they start to notice
the changes within you. It will get them curious and inspire them to find out
more about meditating.
Spiritual Advantages of
Meditation
· Deep introspection increases knowledge and acceptance of the
self.
· Increased tolerance, compassion and empathy
for others enables you to improve people’s lives and the world around
you.
· Helps us to realize we are all a part of
the same universe and develop a sense of “connectedness”.
· Can increase understanding and intensify
feelings of unconditional love.
These are just
a few of the benefits that can be experienced by including meditation as a part
of your regular daily routine. There are many more shared and individual
experiences and advantages to be gained. Some may take a while and others
may come much sooner.
To begin your mediation journey, listening to a guided mediation is always a great way to get into it.
