Over time a large body of research has established and documented the significant benefits of meditation on both mental and physical health. While meditation does not take the place of the care that one receives from their licensed health care provider, the benefits of meditation are complementary or additive to the care that you are already receiving.
According to research, meditation has been found to:
- Decrease blood pressure and hypertension
- Reduce the production of stress hormones
- Increase the production of the anti-aging hormone, DHEA
- Improve the function of the immune system
- Decrease insomnia
- Decrease anxiety and depression
Meditation reduces stress and burnout. Meditation reduces the effects of the “flight or fight response” which is an evolutionary adaptation to either run from a perceived threat or meet it in battle. In our fast-paced, constantly connected, lives many of us go into “fight or flight” multiple times each day – it has become a way of life. Time spent in meditation provides a break from this cycle. It dissipates stress and brings us to a state of restful awareness.
Meditation increases your ability to focus and learn in addition to improving memory. Meditation has the ability to awaken new neural pathways in the brain regardless of age and can even transform specific regions of the brain. A major study led by Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital found that after only 8 weeks of meditation, study participants showed beneficial growth in the brain in the areas associated with memory, learning, empathy, and stress regulation.
Meditation increases creativity and the ability to solve problems. During meditation, we go inward to the place of inner stillness that exists in each one of us. Over time, as we go inward our awareness expands and we are open to new insights and ideas. We enter the field of infinite possibilities!
Meditation helps you create better, more loving relationships. When we are feeling more centered and less stressed we are able to respond with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Meditation decreases depression, anxiety, and insomnia. During meditation, the body moves into a deep state of rest. During this state of rest, a cascade of hormones is released which impact our emotions and sensitivity to pain. A study conducted at the University of California San Francisco found that participants who underwent a short, intensive meditation program were less depressed, anxious, and stressed. They also experienced greater compassion and awareness of the feelings of others.
The beneficial effects of a consistent meditation practice are well documented. Once you learn to meditate and establish your practice, you will be able to reap the benefits. One of the beautiful things about meditation is that the benefits of meditation accumulate over time. If you have questions or would like to learn to meditate, please contact me!
What is meditation?
Meditation is a journey from activity to silence. Meditation is the process of shifting our attention inward to our inner stillness and away from the busy and relentless pace of the outer world.
What is the purpose of meditation?
There can be many – and that mostly depends on the intent of the meditator. Some people begin to meditate to reduce stress and improve their health. Other people seek meditation to improve a sense of overall well-being. Others begin to meditate to improve performance in certain aspects of life such as parenting, professional career, or athletic performance. Some people seek meditation as a pathway for spiritual development.
The purpose of meditation varies with each individual who begins the practice of meditation and there are hundreds of research studies documenting the benefits of meditation. Meditation supports our body, mind, and spirit.
A common thread that exists, regardless of the intent of the meditator, is that mediation creates a pathway to the stillness that exists within each of us. Within that stillness exists a field of limitless potential.
How much time do I have to spend meditating?
Ideally, you need to meditate for just 30 minutes twice a day. Consistency is important. The benefits of meditation accumulate over time and some research has shown that some benefits can begin to occur in as little as two weeks! It’s important to schedule time each day for your meditation and it quickly will become a time that you look forward to!
Do I have to change my beliefs or lifestyle if I begin meditating?
No, meditation does not require any changes to your beliefs or lifestyle.
What do I need to begin a meditation practice?
Meditation actually requires just 2 things; to sit quietly and comfortably and to close your eyes. Formal meditation instruction and the support that follows can be very helpful in establishing and in maintaining your meditation practice!
Primordial Sound Meditation and the Primordial Sound Mantras – A Brief Overview
Primordial Sound Meditation is an ancient practice that originates from ancient Vedic traditions. It is based on nature’s most basic vibrations. Everything in the universe is vibrating – even the universe itself.
Thousands of years ago, ancient sages who had expanded levels of consciousness, recognized that the sounds of the universe changed throughout the lunar cycle. They identified and documented 108 different vibrations of the universe that correspond with the position of the moon. These are the primordial sounds. In the 20th century Deepak Chopra, in consultation with Vedic Scholars in both the United States and India, systematized this ancient wisdom technique and made it available to people who wish to learn the technique.
Chopra Certified Meditation Teachers use your birth information to identify your primordial sound and your primordial sound mantra. Receiving your Primordial Sound Mantra is a unique and special experience.
A mantra is a meditation tool. Primordial Sound Mantra do not have a conventional or specific meaning. The mantra is a vehicle that takes us inward… from our busy thoughts to the stillness that lives within all of us. A Primordial Sound Mantra is simply a vibration that helps us move from activity to silence. What’s unique about Primordial Sound Meditation is that your mantra corresponds to the time and place of your birth. There are 108 Primordial Sound Mantras and as soon as you begin to use your mantra, it will become uniquely yours.
The Primordial Sound Meditation practice is really very easy and when practiced twice daily, it can be healing and transformative. Once you learn your Primordial Sound Mantra, it is yours forever! The benefits of meditation are cumulative and occur over time. When we go within and reconnect to the essence of who we truly are, the possibilities are endless.
If you have questions about meditation, Primordial Sound Meditation, or would like to learn to meditate, please contact me!