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People often have preconceived ideas about as to
what meditation is. Images of monks or hippies sitting crossed
legged chanting may come to mind. People also have
a perception that it is difficult and takes a long time
to master.
Anyone can meditate. It is not difficult to meditate, it
just takes willingness to make time to do and regular practice.
It is gets easier the longer you do it.
There are actually many methods, systems and techniques
of meditation. All the major spiritual or religious systems
of the world incorporate the practice of meditation in some
form. Many people now use meditation for relaxation and
as a integral part of their lifestyle.
Yet despite the diversity of meditation practices, the
fundamental principle or essence underlying all of them
is the similar. They all teach us how to be more
present, more aware and mindful,
resulting in peace of mind, calm and well-being.
Meditation has a cumulative affect. Meditators
become more relaxed the longer they practise it. At the
same time they become more alert, this is something other
ways to relax fail to facilitate. This is because they do
not train you in the ability to pay attention. The benefits
of meditation are usually viewed in terms of physiological,
psychological and spiritual factors. A detailed list of
the specific benefits attributed to regular meditation practice
is available at the following link, click
here.
Many studies attest to a wide range of measurable improvements
in human functioning and reduction in symptomatology as
a result of meditative practices. Studies have found that
regular meditation is associated with reductions in health
care use, and increases in longevity and quality of life.
In experimental studies, meditation has been found to reduce
chronic pain; reduce anxiety; reduce high blood pressure;
reduce serum cholesterol level; reduce substance abuse;
increase intelligence related measures; reduce post traumatic
stress syndrome in Vietnam veterans; and lower blood cortisol
levels initially brought on by stress.
Not only does meditation help us feel calmer, but we perform
better at work too! Meditation practices train
us to be attentive and focused, giving us a better ability
to concentrate. Thinking clearly results in better decisions,
more creativity and less waste of energy.
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