Yogis have known for centuries about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation..now researchers at Harvard University have “discovered’ it as well! Studies conducted recently tout the perks of consistent practice.
Meditation and Mindfulness…
- Reduces stress
- Fosters clear thinking
- Increases our capacity for empathy and compassion
Talking about mindfulness is simple. Understanding the benefits of mindfulness and meditation…no problem!
So why isn’t everyone doing it???
The hard part is actually creating the space in your day and making a commitment to practice. That can be a challenge for all of us. Here’s the reality though…we all have time for what is important! And…if mind-body health is important to you…then you can find the time!
If you need a little push to get you started with consistent practice, having an understanding of the physical, mental and emotional benefits can be a powerful reminder. I guarantee that once you learn how to meditate and incorporate it into your life as a daily practice, you will never understand how you survived without it!
Here’s what meditation can do for you when you commit to practicing on a regular basis…
Physically it can…
- Lower high blood pressure
- Lower the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
- Decrease tension-related pain, such as tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle, and joint problems
- Increase serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
- Improve the immune system
- Increase the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy
Mentally it can…
- Decrease anxiety
- Improve emotional stability
- Increase creativity
- Increase happiness
- Develop intuition
- Enhance clarity
- Improve peace of mind
- Decrease problems
- Increase focus
- Decrease tension, anger, and frustration
- Raise the level of consciousness
While I can promise you that you will feel better after a single meditation session, in order to manifest the benefits most effectively, developing and maintaining a regular practice is essential.
I used to say to my students that choosing to remain ignorant was like choosing not to maintain your personal hygiene. I mean let’s face it, most of us take a shower or bath and brush our teeth so that our “fragrance” is not offensive to others. Right? We all had to learn to clean our bodies and brush our teeth…and develop a habit of doing so. Well, think of meditation in the same way! You can learn an effective form of meditation that works for you…and you CAN cultivate a habit of daily practice so that you will gain the mental clarity, emotional stability, physical relaxation that meditation brings!