Meditation:  still the chatter and listen

Meditation is as old as the mountains.  For many, many years people across the world, of all ages, for different reasons.  In Westerns countries, more and more people are drawn to meditation.  People are seeking a way to still the chatter in the brain; a way to destress and sleep better.  However, these are but a few benefits of meditation.  There are many “hidden gems,” so to speak, of what meditation can do for a person in the long run.  There are many ways to quiet the mind, for example, you can focus on a mantra, a sound, use visualization, music and/or just focus on your breath.  The deeper and slower you inhale and exhale, the more oxygen can flow into the body and the staler air (often stuck at the bottom of your lungs), can be exhaled.

Regular meditation-practise will bring about lasting changes.  Scientists found that it not only boosts the mind, but also bolsters the body.  Various studies indicated that it can help reverse heart disease, reduce pain, support the immune system and help a person cope far better with stress (as it helps to lower the production of cortisol, the stress hormone).  Most people develop physiologic responses due to stress, for example heart disease, osteoporosis, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity, memory impairment and skin conditions.  It is quite a long list.  However, it is important to remember that your body functions as a whole.  Whatever you think about, say to yourself, stress about, will have a positive or negative effect on your body, externally and internally.  Through regular meditation, a person also becomes more grounded, more at peace and more in tune with one’s inner voice (gut feelings).

Another great reason to meditate, is because it helps you to become less inclined to play “ego-games” and fight with one another.  More often, than not, fighting occurs when people’s egos come to the fore and you find people start to call each other names, and so on.  Indeed, it is not easy to not disagree, because none of us are the same.  But, when we can come from a place where we allow each person to be different and to have different views, then live will slowly but surely become easier.  Having disagreements is part of life, yes, but saying nasty things and becoming personal, is not.  Meditation can help people to think before they speak (react).  It also helps you to really live with an attitude of gratitude, that comes from the heart.

In today’s rushed world, there are so many “quick fixes,” crash diets, and so on, but none of them last.  Meditation, on the other hand, has a long-lasting effect on everyone who practises it.  Yogis, doctors and even scientists all agree:  when you meditate (even just for 10 or 15 minutes a day), not only relaxes the brain, your muscles and body as a whole, but it also keeps depression, stress and anxiety at bay.  It is said that regular meditation will help a person to get by with an hour (or so) sleep per day!  One thing is for sure; when you meditate your heart rate slows down and your breathing becomes deeper and slower; this helps your body to completely relax and unwind.

Schools and jails around the world, are using meditation as a means of helping the people to concentrate better, have less anger, is less aggressive and happier, regardless of their circumstances. Research indicated that young and old of all ages, will definitely benefit from meditating. So, dear readers, Are you interested in meditation, but don’t know where to start?  Then start by looking for a coach, or follow a program online.  TM (Transcendental Meditation), is an age-old way of meditation.  However, there are many other forms today and I am sure that you will find a coach and/or program, that will suit you.  The main thing is to quiet the chatter in your mind, breathe deeper and slower and just be!