Meditation often sounds mysterious and esoteric, or just plain difficult – is it really possible to stop your thoughts? But there are sound physiological and psychological benefits to a regular meditation practice.

What is Meditation?

We live in a world where we are constantly stimulated, from television and the internet to smart phones and mp3 players. And then there is the constant bustle of daily life – public transport, traffic, work and family commitments. We rarely stop and simply observe what is going on around us and how it affects us, rather we are caught up in the constant whirl of activity.

Meditation is essentially the act of inward contemplation – contrasting with our constant state of looking outwards and interacting with the world.

Benefits of Meditation

As any experienced meditator will tell you, meditation reduces stress and anxiety and improves general health and wellbeing. Science has long been studying these claims, with many scientific studies looking how meditation affects the brain. Research has shown that meditation triggers changes in the brain’s electrical activity, improving both mind and body.

Scientists think that regular meditation actually alters the way the brain is wired. This hypothesis could be at the heart of claims that meditation can improve health and well-being.

When we meditate, the body rests – breathing deepens, the heart rate slows, the internal chatter reduces, little by little. Stress melts; calm pervades.

Spiritual communities from Buddhist monks to Carmelite nuns have participated in research into meditation, and it’s these regular, experienced meditators, who gain the most benefit it seems. All of us can benefit from meditation. The key is to develop a regular practice. Even 5-10 minutes daily though is enough to start to feel a difference.

It’s easy to get caught up with what’s going on around you – a busy day at work, a difficult relationship, heavy traffic – and fuel your stress levels. Even pleasurable experiences can be a cause of stress, as you can crave a good experience again and again. Meditation helps you realise that all of these things are external, even though they may be deeply personal. That, at your core, is a deep well of calm and wellbeing that you have access to at any time. You just need to stop and look for it within. Added to that, reducing stress and anxiety and becoming more relaxed are crucial to better health.

Learn meditation in your local area.