Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is a culmination of the Yogic and Ayurvedic knowledge. Meditation is not just a matter of closing one’s eyes and sitting silently. It is our ability to contact our true Self which is the source of life and intelligence. Meditation helps promote our highest impulses and also roots out harmful and intractable ones. It   involves placing the mind in a calm and concentrated state so our mental energies can be renewed and transformed.

Over the years, thousand of meditators have been studied to assess the benefits of the practice. The findings included changes in brain wave activity that indicated increased rest and relaxation; and dramatic reduction in oxygen consumption, breath rate, and blood lactate levels. High lactate levels are associated with uneasiness and anxiety; and low levels with peace and calm. The lactate levels of the meditators were among the lowest ever measured in human beings.

Daily meditation can produce long term benefits, such as
– reduced anxiety
– reduced cigarette smoking and substance abuse
– reductions in cardiovascular disease
– lower free radical activity
– improved reaction time
– improved memory and intelligence
– improved perceptual acuity
– increased self-esteem and self-confidence
– more restful sleep
– a greater sense of relaxation in the mind and body
– increased ability to meet situation with freshness and insight
– a greater sense of creativity and joy
– a younger and softer facial expression
– an improved body posture

No matter how good the results may be, the true goal of meditation is to nourish the soul. Meditation is nectar for the mind as good food is nourishment for the body. It strengthens compassion, patience, and wisdom, and is an essential ingredient in developing true inner beauty; the deep inner glow that shines stronger as the years go by.
(see also meditation for Vata, Pitta and Kapha and How to meditate.).

TODAY’S TIP: People who meditate regularly look younger, more radiant, and peaceful; they also tend to have slower heart rates and a lower stress level. They report feeling calmer and more focused. Do you really think you cannot find 20 minutes a day for this?