What Is Meditation And Why You Must Do It

 

As and how people are discovering the benefits of meditation, the popularity is increasing.

Meditation is a habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. Also known as “dhyana” –   one of the 8 limbs of yoga. It allows your mind to focus on one thing and detaches you from all the worldly things. It is believed that all divine powers live in your heart and meditation is the way to dive deep into your heart.

Though meditation is not an answer to all your problems but it does result in a harmony between body and soul. You can use it to increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings.

People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance.

To reap the full benefits of meditation it is mandatory to practice it on a regular basis.

 

How to meditate?

 

To mediate you must sit comfortably and start focusing on one thought, object or even your breathing. Initially your mind will wander. Do not try to stop it. Let it go. Do not suppress any feelings or thought, but let this pass. Once done your mind will automatically return to your object of focus.

In mindfulness meditation, we learn how to pay attention to the breath as it goes in and out, and notice when the mind wanders from this task. This practice of returning to the breath builds the muscles of attention and mindfulness.

Now your mind will be at peace.

With time your mind will wander less and within no time you will enter into a phase of deep concentration. Mediation will bring you to the present.

 

When we pay attention to our breath, we are learning how to return to, and remain in, the present moment—to anchor ourselves in the here and now on purpose, without judgement.

The major idea behind it is – the practice takes patience.

You can meditate literally anywhere but it is preferable to have a peaceful environment. It is not necessary to meditate on ground if you can’t sit there for long.

 

Benefits of meditation

 

1. Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people try meditation.
2. Meditation reduces the production of stress related hormones like cortisol and increases the production of good chemicals like serotonin.
3. It also reduces symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as phobias, social anxiety, paranoid thoughts, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and panic attacks.
4. Meditation enhances energy gain from inner sources.
5. Meditation can also lead to an improved self-image and more positive outlook on life.
6. You live a disciplined life and cultivate good habits.
7. It may help you develop a stronger understanding of yourself, helping you grow into your best self.
8. Improved concentration is also one the results of meditation.
9. Meditation is good for attention span. It helps increase the strength and endurance of your attention.
10. It is believed that meditation improves the immune system and thereby helps in controlling blood pressure and lowering blood cholesterol.
11. Provides emotional stability.
12. The improved focus you can gain through regular meditation may increase memory and mental clarity.
13. The mental discipline you can develop through meditation may help you break dependencies. It increases your self-control and awareness of triggers for addictive behaviors.
14. Sound sleep is very important for the proper functioning of the body. Regular meditation helps in relieving stress and thus improves the quality of sleep.
15. You will live a happier and healthier life with meditation.

 

There are many different types of meditation and many more benefits. You can start slowly and then extend your time limit. You don’t need counsellors or memberships for meditation. It can be a personal thing.

Also read: How and why to keep a mood journal