Meditation

There are a number of different things that people can do to alter their states of consciousness. Despite all its popularity, today very few of us truly know what meditation is. Some consider meditation as mental concentration on something; others consider that we meditate when we imagine something that gives us peace or satisfaction. Meditation is a state of thoughtless awareness. It is not an act of doing – it is a state of awareness. Truly, it is a state of profound, deep peace that occurs when the mind is calm and silent, yet completely alert.

Benefits of meditation

1. Meditation can help reduce stress.
2. It helps to reduce anxiety and anxiety-related health issues.
3. It can improve depression and create a more positive outlook on life.
4. It develops a stronger understanding of yourself.
5. It helps to increase the strength and endurance of your attention.
6. Meditation increases memory and mental clarity.
7. Meditation increases sleep quality.
8. Meditation can diminish the perception of pain in the brain.
9. This reduces strain on the heart and arteries.
10. Improves metabolism and helps you lose weight.

Mental benefits of meditation

1. Anxiety decreases.
2. Emotional stability improves.
3. Creativity increases.
4. Happiness increases.
5. Gain clarity and peace of mind.
6. Problems become smaller.
7. Meditation sharpens the mind.
8. Relaxes the mind, thus giving deep relaxation.

Spiritual benefits of meditation

1. An effortless transition from being someone to merging with the infinite is the deeper essence of meditation.
2. In a meditative state, you are in a space of vastness, calmness and joy.
3. You naturally start discovering more about yourself.

Types of Meditation

Meditation can take on many different forms, but there are two main types: Concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation.

1. Concentrative Meditation – In this form, you focus all of your attention on a specific object while tuning out everything else around you. The goal is to really experience whatever you are focusing on, whether it’s your breath, a specific mantra, in order to reach a higher state of being.
2. Mindfulness Meditation – This includes both mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Mindfulness can target different issues, such as depression, which means that its focus may be different from practice to practice. It involves the state of being aware of and involved in the present moment and making yourself open, aware and accepting.