Meditation

" Your life is full of lessons to guide you. Pay attention" 

Hi friend!

Personally, meditation has been one of the best thing I’ve ever done for my health. I truly believe in its healing abilities. I can speak from personal experience how much it’s improved my overall quality of life. Before we dig into some science-based benefits of meditation, let’s learn what medication is:

Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind to connect with a deeper level of consciousness. There are various forms of meditation, including guided, breath, mantra, primordial sound, walking, and visual meditation. Essentially, any intentional focus on your breath can be considered meditation.

Unlike our daily lives, which are often dominated by external stimuli, meditation invites us to turn inward. It offers a profound CONNECTION to our inner self, helping us discover deeper meaning and purpose. By calming the mind, meditation allows us to access subtler levels of thought and ultimately connect with the universal source within.

Meditation is a state of restful alertness, distinct from deep sleep. While sleep is restorative for the body, meditation provides a similar level of relaxation while maintaining conscious awareness. An effective meditation session can be as beneficial as a full night's sleep.

1. Reduces stress – One of the many reasons I started to meditate was to help with my stress – studies shows that mindfulness meditation reduces the inflammation response caused by stress.

2. Controls anxiety – Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety through mechanisms involved in the regulation of self-referential (me-centered) thought processes.

3. Enhances self-awareness – Many, have claimed that meditation has helped them develop a stronger understanding of themselves because meditation teaches you to recognize your thoughts and have greater awareness. Studies have also shown that meditation reduces loneliness and increases social CONNECTION.

4. Improves sleep – Meditation is a part of my nighttime routine, and for good reason. It is found that meditation appears to be a viable treatment option for adults with chronic insomnia and could provide an alternative to traditional treatments for insomnia.

5. Health Benefits – Both meditation and deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. Regular meditation can boost the immune system, helping the body fight off illness. Meditation can help reduce (chronic) pain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Lastly, it improves Cardiovascular Health by improving heart rate variability, a marker of overall cardiovascular health.

6. Can help with addiction – Meditation has proven to be a valuable tool in addiction recovery. It can help individuals manage cravings, reduce stress, and cultivate mindfulness, all of which are crucial for treating addiction.

7. Boosts your immune system – Mindfulness meditation shows positive effects on brain and immune function.

8. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Studies show that meditation helps train the mind to focus and stay present, improving concentration and attention span.

9. Spiritual Benefits: Meditation can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It enhances a sense of peace, as regular meditation can cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Meditation helps individuals stay present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life.

Incorporating Meditation into Your Life:

• Start Small: Begin with short meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.

• Find a Suitable Environment: Choose a quiet, peaceful place where you won't be disturbed.

• Experiment with Different Techniques: There are many different meditation techniques. Try different approaches to find what works best for you.

• Be Patient: It may take time to see the benefits of meditation. Be patient and consistent with your practice.

The bottom line is, meditation is easy, free and available to anyone anywhere. There is overwhelming evidence to support the many physical and emotional benefits of it, so why not give it a shot? You really have nothing to lose so let me know if you try it and what you think!

XO Jenna