Meditation - What is It Good for Anyway?

Meditation is an age old healing and stress relieving modality practiced throughout the world, in virtually all cultures and all religions, although it may go by different names - prayer, visualization, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis; they are all forms of the same practice.

Meditation refers to "taking a break" from real life. Its goal is to bring about a sense of relaxation to the mind, body and spirit. For some, it helps to connect them to their higher self, others connect to the Universal life force and still others use meditation to get away from reality for a few minutes.

In fact, it's been found that meditation is not just merely a "taking break"; there are a multitude of physiological changes that take place when a person meditates. As a sampling, and by no means all inclusive, the following conditions can benefit from regular use of meditation:

Addictions, stress relief, pain management, hypertension, PMS, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines and insomnia.

Other more serious and life threatening diseases such as heart disease, AIDS, autoimmune conditions and cancer may also benefit from the regular practice of meditation.

Research shows that when a person meditates there is an increase in immune function, a decrease in heart rate, a lowering of cholesterol levels and a decrease in levels of stress hormones.

Among its psychological benefits, meditation is helpful in patients with depression and panic attacks. Some have found it useful in repressed memories and past life regression therapy as well.

Once an individual learns how to meditate and experiences the benefits associated with slowing down, taking time out for oneself, and the healing potential, it's easy to use this modality anywhere and anytime. Meditation takes deep concentration and focus when first learning but the ease at which a person can transition into a meditative state increases as they improve and continue to practice.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com, a health related portal.

In The News:


Long-term meditation leads to different brain organization
Medical Xpress
The research team was curious to know if the effects of meditation persisted after the exercise was completed. Credit: IStock (Medical Xpress) -- People who practice mindfulness meditation learn to accept their feelings, emotions, and states of mind ...

and more »

Tibetan leader's meditation session draws crowds in Shimla
Newstrack India
Shimla, May 25 (ANI): A special meditation session organized by Tibetan leader Taklung Tsetul Rinpoche drew hundreds of monks here on Friday. Rinpoche, the 6th head of the Nyingma School, presided over the special session of the teachings of the ...

and more »

As Myanmar opens up, spiritual tourists journey in
CNN (blog)
It's a typical day for a foreign tourist at the Mahasi meditation center here. Founded by the late Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, the center opens its doors not only to Burmese residents but also to foreign visitors wishing to learn Buddhist meditation ...


National Turk English

Miley Cyrus urges young girls to meditate to get real-life answers
San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
Miley Cyrus is encouraging young girls to meditate more and take time to discover what they really want out of life. The pop star and actress admits she lost her way during a tough period in her life – and started hanging out with people she thought ...
Hindus welcome Miley Cyrus' championing of “meditation”The Jet Newspaper
Hindus appreciate Miley Cyrus' support of ' meditation 'National Turk English
“Hanna Montana” star Miley Cyrus on life and sexEOTM! Online (blog)

all 332 news articles »

GPS to a Quiet Mind: 6 Meditative Steps to Freedom
Huffington Post
Meditation is simple and transformative, yet it is highly misunderstood. Some people think it is about controlling our mind or stopping our thinking, while others see it as both weird and wacky or boring and meaningless. Yet meditation really just ...

and more »

Wired News

Meditation for Geeks: Part 1
Wired News
I was first introduced to the practice of meditation in a hot yoga class. It was part of the teacher's routine to do a short meditation session at the end of the class. After 45 minutes of grueling hot yoga, the last 15 minutes of relaxing were heaven ...


Meditation rejuvenates the soul
IBNLive.com
For the next five days, make this resolve when you meditate — I will respect and value the time and space that has been given to me. I will value time and cherish every single minute as a wonderful gift. I will structure my life on the foundation of ...


The Guardian

Anders Behring Breivik used meditation to kill – he's not the first
The Guardian
Meditation makes you calmer and clearer and encourages empathy and kindness … right? Not if you are Anders Behring Breivik who has told psychiatrists that he used meditation to "numb the full spectrum of human emotion – happiness to sorrow, despair, ...

and more »

Mood of meditation at Buddhist Temple
EMC Stittsville/Richmond
Rath Sam, left, of the Cambodian Buddhist Temple on Hazeldean Road in Stittsville and Bhante Kovida, right, take part in a meditation session led by Bhante Kovida at the Temple on Thursday evening, May 17. EMC news - Except for the intermittent sounds ...


Unique Dahn Yoga Workshop for Inspired Young People
Seattle Post Intelligencer
The event featured nature walks and meditation techniques. There is a unique Dahn Yoga workshop that includes a special mind body program for young people called the Young Earth Human Alliance (YEHA). The YEHA Camp, developed by the national leader in ...

and more »
Google News

You Can Meditate Right Now

Why Should You Meditate?What if you could close your eyes,... Read More

Relax Into Health

I'd like to share a little secret about relaxation techniques... Read More

Bhagavad Gita Commentary

Most of us have heard the story of the centipede... Read More

Breathing

Breathe in through your nose and draw your breath down... Read More

Mindfulness and Eating: Divine Desk Dining

Are you stuck eating lunch at your desk again?Lucky you.You... Read More

The Relationship Between Meditation and Self-Analysis

These are two very powerful tools for self-improvement, but how... Read More

Wireless Meditation: Top Five Tips For Wherever-Whenever Mindfulness

The problem with meditation is attachment.We get in the habit... Read More

Meditation, Self-Acceptance & the Muse

Meditation presents an interesting paradox. It requires humility and acceptance,... Read More

Meditation: A Path To Inner Peace

Throughout history, meditation has been an integral part of many... Read More

A Forty-Five-Second Meditation

Is Meditation Too Much Time And Trouble?If you haven't meditated... Read More

Basic Meditation Exercises

(Authors Note: Before reading this you should see my other... Read More

Understanding Meditation

It is impossible to overstate the importance of daily meditation.... Read More

Meditation Supply Items ? Can They Help Deepen Your Practice?

Can a meditation supply item help you go into a... Read More

Meditation Is A Dinner Party

Try Not To Force Things Too MuchOften, when meditating, we... Read More

How To Meditate Without Even Trying

I remember when I started trying to meditate. I would... Read More

Meditation: How to Enter a Deep State of Relaxation

There are many methods of meditation that can lead to... Read More

Do You Want To Relax And Think Clearly?

Learning To Be In The MomentImagine thinking clearly, and feeling... Read More

Holosync Meditation - Does It Really Work?

Chances are, if you are on a quest for self-improvement,... Read More

Meditation: Time to Stop & Listen

As a co-active coach, one of the underlying principles that... Read More

Secrets of Meditation For Better Health

Meditation can improve your health, increase energy levels and maximize... Read More

The Benefits of Meditation: Tips and Techniques

Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it's free.... Read More

4 Little Known Secrets of Meditation

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Secret #1:The True Purpose of Meditation=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Many people feel a... Read More

Meditate with Mindful Breathing

Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.... Read More

How to Record Meditation Scripts to Audio Equipment

If you're someone who loves to meditate (or wants to... Read More

How You Can Unite Meditation, Divine Essence, And Personal Tenacity to Serve Your Highest Purpose

1. Meditation:Meditation is a sacred practice. Shamans, gurus, priests, medicine... Read More