Meditation is one of the best things you can do to relax your body, calm you mind, and transform your soul all at the same time: Make time to meditate!
Why meditate? A better question is, why dot meditate? A regular meditation practice is good medicine for body, mind and soul. Countless studies have explored its therapeutic benefits an found meditation can lower both stress and our risk of heart disease, as well as treat many anxiety disorders. On a personal level, meditation can help you temporarily shut the door to your outer life and explore what’s happening with you. What are your feeling? What are you struggling with? As Vesela Simic of San Rafael, California, discovered meditation can be your coach, your teacher and your companion.
My meditation practice helps me to observe and examine my feelings, especially the undertow of fear, says Simic, 47, who has been meditating for 13 years. The more I practice, the more layers I uncover about myself, the more I learn about myself. It seems to have introduced a trusted friends within me, watching out for me and whispering advice into my ear. Life isn’t perfect, but I’m better with my meditation practice than I imagine I’d be without it.
A simple definition of meditation is the practice of focusing your mind and observing yourself in the moment. There are many styles of meditations, some of the well-known ones taught in the West are Vipassana (also known as Insight Meditation. Transcendental Meditation, and Zen.
Yet you don’t need to join Zen center, study Buddhism, or climb a Tibetan mountain to learn to meditate. Are you comfortably seated while reading this? Then you’re already halfway there. While sitting down with your thoughts may sound intimidating, it’s time well-spent. You can crow emotionally, physically, and spiritually every time you take a seat. Meditation is a transformation practice, says Jonathan Foust, co-founder of the Mindfulness Training Institute of Washington and former president of the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. It will challenge you and teach you to be present and compassionate. There’s no question that meditation can change your life.
Ref: fityoga
