Open Your Mind to Meditation: 10 Benefits That It Can Bring

For many people who have been systematically entrenched in Western culture, the very thought of trying meditation is something completely alien to them. This ancient practice, which for most Eastern nations is part of everyday life, can, in the minds of the uninitiated, conjure negative images.

Often associated with Buddhism, meditation’s religious connotation is not only inaccurate but misleading, not to mention off-putting to some. It’s safe to say that in the Western mindset, the stereotypical shaven-headed monks, clad in bright orange robes, sat cross-legged in a room steeped in burning incense, would be the way most people perceive practitioners of this ancient discipline to appear.

Meditation at Dusk in the City

However, regardless of physical appearances or religious leanings, the truth is, anyone can immerse themselves in meditation, and reap the many benefits it can afford. One just needs to have an open mind, along with the ability to forge some time to adequately acquaint oneself with the practice. It needn’t eat into your daily routine to any great extent. In the beginning, probably fifteen minutes per day would be sufficient to set you on the path to a new you.

Buddha was reputedly once asked what he had gained from meditation, to which he replied “Nothing! But I have lost anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, fear of old age and death.”

So, what is meditation? In essence, it is a method used to reach a level of deep relaxation, which in turn quietens and stills the mind, directing one’s thoughts within. This is in direct contrast to Western culture, where the main religions have us focus our thoughts externally on a figurehead or Deity. Not that there’s anything wrong with that concept, but the difference is real, nonetheless.

What can meditation do for me?

Well, there are so many things that can be attributed to the practice, but we thought we’d focus on ten ways in which you can change both your mental attitude and overall outlook on life, and even improve certain physical conditions which may afflict you.

Here goes:

1. INSOMNIA – If you struggle to get a regular good night’s sleep, meditation can improve this situation by relaxing the mind and taking the focus off issues that may be affecting your slumber.

2. STRESS – We all suffer from stress to varying degrees, but sometimes things can get to the point where we cannot cope with everyday occurrences. Meditation has been known to help reduce the effects, allowing one to get things more in perspective.

3. DEPRESSION – Regardless of the level of helplessness one is experiencing, meditation can be the light at the end of that seemingly endless tunnel.

4. ANXIETY – From money worries to health concerns, panic attacks in social situations, to the threat of unemployment, anxiety can manifest itself in a myriad of ways. Obviously, meditation cannot remove the source of these issues, but it can help one cope more effectively with life’s curveballs.

5. FOCUS – When life’s plans don’t appear to be going as expected, or you are plagued by self-doubt as to the best course of action, focus can be regained by regular meditation sessions.

6. ADDICTION/SUBSTANCE ABUSE – If you’re prone to these characteristics, this ancient method has been known to alleviate the reliance upon alcohol and drugs.

7. RE-ENERGISING – Feeling world-weary? The daily drudgery and repetitive nature of modern life has worn you down? Then meditation has the ability to re-energise you, both physically and mentally.

8. REFLECTION/GRATITUDE – It’s easy to lose sight of how wealthy we in the West are compared to people in countries less privileged than ours. We take for granted everyday things such as running water, a roof over our heads, and a meal in our bellies. Meditation can help us re-evaluate our situation, and bring us into a state of reflection, and gratitude for what we have.

9. BLOOD PRESSURE – This condition is known as the silent killer. Believe it or not, meditation can help alleviate the ailment, thus improving a person’s physical health and wellbeing.

10. NO KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS – In contrast to virtually all allopathic medications which could be prescribed for the above afflictions, there are no known side effects relating to meditation.

When life’s plans don’t appear to be going as expected, or you are plagued by self-doubt as to the best course of action, focus can be regained by regular meditation sessions.

So, what have you got to lose by trying it out?

Furthermore, not only can it benefit the individual. An experiment was carried out in the 1970s in the USA, where 1% of the overall population of a particular city practised transcendental meditation over a sustained period. Known as the Maharishi effect, the city’s crime rate over the year was seen to have reduced by 16% on average.

There are many ways to get started on the road to a new you. Countless clips are to be found on YouTube, which can be useful to give you an idea of how meditation works, as well as Apps.

However, my advice for the newcomer would be to seek out local meditation groups and dip your toe in the water by attending their sessions. Or, if that’s too much of a commitment, book a beginner’s course with an online practitioner, who will guide you safely through your sessions, and be on hand to answer any queries you may have.

If you do decide to take the meditation plunge, we wish you well, and leave you with the details of an online practitioner we have used in the past, and who was highly recommended to us as a great teacher. For online guided courses go to https://divinesoulawakeing.space

Good Luck & Namaste!