Meditation
"Prayer is talking to God; meditation is listening to God"
~Diana Robinson
Meditation is the art of creating a quiet mind and listening to the sound of silence. Through meditation you connect with the most real part of you. Meditation is about staying with the moment, being in touch with one's inner self.
Meditation offers many psychological and physiological benefits, it is a pleasant way to gain deep relaxation with time and space to yourself.
An individual emerging from a period of mediation however brief, will notice a change in their emotional state from when they started their meditation exercise. This can present itself in many ways, often as a feeling of being refreshed, with a more positive attitude and a general feeling of well-being.
When we are truly relaxed, both mentally and physically, there are changes in the brain wave, within the alpha state. In this state the brain triggers chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins bring a feeling of well being and also boost our immune system.
Time Magazine – Aug 4, 2003
Not only do studies show that meditation is boosting their immune system, but brain scans suggest that it may be rewiring their brains to reduce stress. It’s recommended by more and more physicians as a way to prevent, slow or at least control the pain of chronic diseases like heart conditions, AIDS, cancer and infertility.
From the Washington Times – Aug 14, 2003
A new study shows [that] people who underwent meditation training produced more antibodies to a flu vaccine than people who did not meditate. Those who took part in the meditation study also showed signs of increased activity in areas of the brain related to positive emotion, as compared to people who did not meditate.
CBS News – Aug 27, 2003
People who meditate these days come from all walks of life and aren’t necessarily weird New Agers or pretentious actors. Students, lawyers, West Point cadets, athletes, prisoners, and government officials all meditate. It’s supposed to help depression, control pain, increase longevity, slow down cancers, invigorate the immune system, and significantly reduce blood pressure. Time magazine recently reported that “meditation can sometimes be used to replace Viagra.”
As you read, meditation provides many benefits even when done by a beginner. When you combine this with creative visualization and the right mental attitude (called Positive Expectancy), you can make dramatic leaps in your health.
