Meditation is increasing its popularity daily. Some people start practising it because of the health benefits, others because it is trendy. There are a lot of reasons why people meditate, but regardless of them, it's important to understand what is really meditation about and why it's an important element in finding inner balance.
At its core, spiritual meditation is the mindful practice of connection to something that is greater, vaster, and deeper than the individual self. It may seem paradoxical, but the path to that connection passes through honest self-reflection. While there are many meditation techniques that look to increase spiritual awareness, they all require an attitude of integrity and authenticity when looking at ourselves and how we view the world. Different religions practice meditation in different ways. Mindful practice isn’t limited to any particular faith or religion – anyone can follow a guided spiritual meditation. The blessings of spiritual meditation have a ripple effect: as our awareness and spiritual confidence increase, so do our desire and ability to be of benefit to others.
In meditation, we learn to control our mind, which is the most important thing, and also the hardest. We gain the ability to control our senses, to be still and undistracted by the senses or thoughts.
What are the benefits of meditation?
Meditation and yoga can 'reverse' DNA reactions which cause stress.
1. It enhances self-awareness.
Some forms of meditation may help you develop a stronger understanding of yourself, helping you grow into your best self.
For example, self-inquiry meditation explicitly aims to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and how you relate to those around you.
2. Promotes emotional health.
Some forms of meditation can improve depression and create a more positive outlook on life. Research shows that maintaining an ongoing habit of meditation may help you maintain these benefits long term.
3. It can regulate genes.
Meditation was found to alter levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn correlated with faster physical recovery from a stressful situation.
4. It can heal.
Meditation shuts down the fight-or-flight response, the fear response. It stimulates the parasympathetic system of the body. That’s what heals. Meditation relieves stress.
Meditating in the morning is like having a bath, purifying your mind.
5. It can boost your creativity.
Mindfulness mediation works to enhance creativity and innovation. First, mindfulness switches on divergent thinking. In other words, meditation opens your mind to new ideas. Second, mindfulness practice improves attention and makes it easier to register the novelty and usefulness of ideas.