What is meditation?
Meditation is the intentional practice of bringing ourselves back to the present moment through our focused attention.
There are many different forms of meditation — from silent and still to guided and walking — but always the intent is the same: to gently train the mind for compassionate, non-judgemental awareness and inner calm.
Meditation is a skill
Meditation is a skill and that means it’s something we can all learn. Meditation is for everyone. While it’s possible to learn about meditation techniques from a book, many people find it easier to learn how to meditate with the support and guidance of a teacher. Some people attend local meditation classes and others find it more convenient to use a guided meditation app that includes meditation lessons and mindfulness master classes.
Meditation is a practice
Sometimes, even when we’ve been meditating for years, meditation can feel hard or awkward. Our minds will resist focusing. They’ll want to go over the grocery list or the latest project tasks at work. That is the nature of the mind. And it’s completely okay. When you notice your mind has drifted, that is meditation. And the practice is the choice to return your focus. Again and again. With consistency, we come to notice the wandering mind sooner.
General overview:
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How meditation benefits the body
Meditation offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical health. Mentally, it can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression by calming the nervous system and helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.
Physically, regular meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality, and a stronger immune system. It can also help decrease chronic pain and reduce inflammation by promoting relaxation and lowering cortisol levels. Together, these benefits make meditation a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing and resilience.
Benefits of meditation:
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