MEDITATION
What is meditation?
Meditation is all about focus - focusing the mind on one object and removing the endless stream of thoughts that occupy us. By doing this, we can bring about contentment and learn to cope more easily with the pressures of everyday life.
Although it's contemplative qualities could be seen as similar to prayer, yogic meditation is non-religious and focuses on developing oneself, rather than communicating with a higher being.
Meditation, along with Asanas (postures) and Pranayamas (yoga breathing), provide the basis for yoga. Combined, these three elements help to improve health, mental performance and balance emotions.
How does it work?
There are numerous meditation techniques but in yoga emphasis is placed on focusing the mind on a single object, such as breath or a mantra.
Minds stay alert and awake, bodies are relaxed. Meditation is not about dreaming or going into a state of trance. It is about focusing and keeping the mind in the present.
It is natural for the mind to wander and when it does, simply return the mind to the point of focus and start again. This can happen again and again during a yoga session, but it is unimportant as long as we keep coming back to our focus.
There is no set body position for meditating and it does not have to be completely silent outside of the room as our focus enables us to remain unaffected by distractions, and to become non-judgemental. We are focused on the present and accept it as it is.
What are the benefits of meditation?
In recent years there has been a growing interest within the medical community regarding the health benefits of meditation. Studies have shown that as one meditates the brainwave pattern is brought into an alpha state, a level of consciousness that encourages the rejuvenation and healing of the mind and body. Research has revealed that a regular meditation practice can improve both physiological and psychological wellbeing.
Psychological Benefits of Meditation
- Decreases stress
- Decreases depression and irritability
- Decreases anxiety
- Promotes greater creativity
- Improves memory and learning ability
- Improves ability to concentrate and focus
- Leads to increased self-confidence, self-acceptance and self-actualisation
- Leads to increased emotional stability
- Promotes increased levels of happiness and contentment in life
- Discovery of personal and spiritual growth
Physiological Benefits of Meditation
- Decreases stress resulting in lower levels of lactate and cortisol
- Decreases muscle tension and headaches (as with PMS)
- Promotes a more restful state (decreases metabolic rate, lowers heart rate, lowers body's core temperature and decreases high blood pressure)
- Decreases cholesterol levels
- Improves respiratory function and decreases respiratory rate
- Enhances immune system
- Increases the production of serotonin (low levels of serotonin are connected with insomnia, depression, obesity and headaches)
- Reduces level of free radicals
- Promotes pain management especially for women during childbirth