Meditation

 

“Quiet the mind and the soul will speak.” – Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

Meditation is a practice of allowing an individual to enter into a state of peace and awareness.

It is a mindful process that aims to either focus the mind or bring clarity to the mind by detaching from thoughts with the result of creating new pathways for understanding. An outcome of meditation is the creation of space for transformation.

Meditation can happen the following ways…

Contemplation

When the aim is to focus, meditation becomes contemplative in nature wherein one finds alignment with an idea, prayer, thought (including mantras and/or affirmations), or object. Think of the object of alignment as a stream of water filling the cup, or in this case your mind, with a stream of intention.

Detachment of Thought

When the the aim is to clear the mind, techniques are called up that to remove attachment to thoughts. Think of a cup, or in this case your mind, being emptied so that it can become ready to be filled with new inspiration and insight.

 

Why Meditate?

Meditation practices are techniques that encourage peace, focus, emotional stability, and clarity of inner wisdom. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Practicing meditation has been shown to induce some changes in the body by reducing activity in the sympathetic nervous system and increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system. Meditation affects the relationship between the amygdala (stress) and the prefrontal cortex (relaxation).”

Our sympathetic nervous system is there to support us when we are exposed to situations that frighten or upset us by enacting our “fight or flight” response. In caveman days, this served us well so as to ensure our survival. However, modern day humans are rarely asked to fight a lion on the way back to the cave. Rather, we are now exposed to different stressors such as those caused by things such as work, relationships, and money. And these things don’t warrant that same fight or flight response. Therefore, we must enagage alternative response systems to help us navigate stressful situations.

Meditation helps us to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system is known as the “rest and digest” responder. It works to conserve energy, slow the heart rate, and allow for more mindful decisions to take place. When we engage this system, we tend to have more awareness to make the best decisions in the moment.

Healthy Benefits of Meditation

• Reduces pain and enhances the body’s immune system
• Reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, anger and confusion
• Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate
• Provides a sense of calm, peace, and balance
• Improves productivity and memory
• Helps control thoughts
• Increases Energy
• Reduces Stress
• Promotes mindfulness

Are you ready to transform into your best self? I can help by offering…

• Meditation training
• Guided Meditation
• Visualization training
• Mindful Movement Meditations

Let’s Connect!