What Is Meditation – What are the benefits?
Meditation is a practice where an individual quietens the mind to reduce stress and increase calmness.
It has been proven to improve concentration and awareness, and experts even say that meditating can help to slow down the ageing process of the brain, reducing the risk of dementia and other mental issues.
Who Can Meditate?
Meditation is available to everyone, wherever you are. You need no tools, although some people like props to help them to zone out from everyday life. All you need is to allow time and patience for your practice, and you will reap the benefits which meditation has to offer.
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Which Meditation Technique Is Best?
There are many different techniques for meditation, from visualisation, walking meditation, body scanning and various breathing techniques.
It is worth trying a variety to see what better works for you, but it is recommended that you start with the basics and build from there as you become more practised. Sitting doing nothing is actually harder than you may think.
Where Do I Start?
Allow yourself to sit peacefully for two minutes per day, first thing in the morning ideally. This will allow you to set yourself up for the day.
By taking time out to focus on your breath and the present moment will mean that you are starting each day positively.
Enjoy your practice, and when you have meditated for one week, you could try increasing your time by another two minutes. Build up your time gradually to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t Worry
Often people struggle with how to meditate. They wonder if they’re doing it right, how they should sit and what they should actually be doing.
In truth, you just need to sit so that you are comfortable and won’t be tempted to fidget. Keep your body still, and allow your mind to remain still, focusing on how you feel and what you are doing.
What can you see, feel and hear? Bring your mind gently back to the present if it begins to wander. Try not to worry about how you are doing it. Just do it.
Breathe
Using your breath as your focus is a great way for beginners to remain present. You can gently count or watch your breath to keep your thoughts from drifting. When you realise your thoughts have drifted, simply bring them back by refocusing on the breath.
Body Scan
Scanning your body with your mind is another great way to remain present. It’s also a great way to relieve tension, and to discover where and when you hold different tensions.
By scanning the body and encouraging yourself to relax, you can help to prevent tensions rising during stressful situations in life.
Focus on your feet and gradually scan up your body, paying attention to each and every muscle and every joint. Allow yourself to relax.
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Benefits of meditation
The proven benefits of meditation are phenomenal and seemingly endless. Meditation can be started at any age by any individual and can help everyone.
By being aware of what goes on inside your mind, you can improve yourself in many areas of your life. From health benefits, such as improved mental state and reduced risks of dementia, to improved relationships due to a deeper understanding and a calmer mind set, and improved achievements because of stronger willpower and concentration. There really is no reason not to start.
