What You Probably Don't Know About Meditation

Meditation has been practiced spiritually for thousands of years, but it has only been in the past twenty or so that it has been studied for its health benefits. Doctors are recommending it to their patients, people are recording guided meditations and sharing them on the internet targeting everything from healing and relaxation to divine connection and mystic understanding. The research from the modern world is just validating what ancient people have always known. Still, hearing from every direction how ben

eficial meditation is, I only know a handful of people who do it regularly. Why is that? Well, my guess has always been that people think meditation is one thing; that it looks one way. Meditation exists in so many

forms that there is a way to achieve the benefits that will suit everyone. Also, you don’t have to spend hours meditating. If you can find a few minutes standing at your sink in the kitchen, you can meditate. I won’t bore you with the benefits because you can Google it, and find an endless amount of information, but in general, meditation is like hitting the reset button. It reduces stress, which reduces inflammation, which, in turn, improves the function of all body systems. AND it will deepen your spiritual connection.

Misconceptions about mediation

• You have to have a lot of time.

• It has to be completely silent.

• You have to be silent.

• If you have thoughts pop in, you’re doing it wrong.

• You should sit in one position the entire time.

Things you might not know

• When it comes to meditation, two minutes is better than zero minutes.

• Certain types of exercise can be considered mediations, ie. yoga, mindful walking, tai chi, Qi Gong, etc.

• There are many guided meditations available on the internet and through app services.

• If thoughts pop in your head, you simply acknowledge them, and put them to the side.

• Mantras, affirmations, and chanting can be added to deepen your practice, or help you stay focused.

• There are many breathing techniques that can also be utilized.

If for no other reason, give meditation a try just so that you are doing something for you. Put it on your to do list, or schedule it into your routine. Challenge yourself to do five minutes a day for a week, and see how your week goes.

Love and Light,

Maria