Feb 25, 2023 11:08:31 AM | Mental Wellbeing Meditation

Love it or loathe it, meditation is no longer just a buzz word, but a well-being practice that is here to stay! 

Thanks to research showing the many benefits it has on our mental and emotional well-being, meditation has gone from being seen as a passing trend, reserved for those living an alternative lifestyle, to one embraced by many of us.  With apps such as Calm, Headspace and Balance as well as thousands of YouTube videos, it has never been easier to begin your meditation practice. 

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and is commonly associated with various religious and spiritual traditions. It is often used as a way to calm the mind, increase focus, and promote overall well-being. In recent years, meditation has gained popularity in secular contexts as well, with many people turning to it as a way to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

At its core, meditation is a way to cultivate mindfulness, which is the state of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. By focusing the mind on a particular object or sensation, such as the breath or a mantra, meditation can help to quiet the chatter of the mind and allow for a deeper sense of relaxation and awareness.

Types of Meditation

• There are many different types of meditation, each with its own specific techniques and goals. Some popular forms of meditation include:
• Mindfulness meditation: This involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment, and bringing the mind back to the present when it wanders.
• Loving-kindness meditation: This involves cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and others.
• Transcendental meditation: This involves the use of a specific mantra or sound to help the meditator achieve a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness.
• Vipassana meditation: This involves observing and investigating the nature of the mind and the world around us, with the goal of gaining greater insight and wisdom.

Benefits of Meditation 

There are many benefits of meditation and when practiced consistently, these tend to increase and be longer lasting.  Benefits include;

1. Reduced stress and anxiety: By calming the mind and promoting relaxation, meditation can help to reduce the negative effects of stress and anxiety on the body and mind.
2. Improved focus and concentration: By training the mind to stay focused on a particular object or sensation, meditation can improve one's ability to concentrate and stay present in the moment.
3. Increased self-awareness: By paying close attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations during meditation, practitioners can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding.
4. Greater feelings of peace and well-being: By cultivating a sense of calm and inner stillness, meditation can promote a greater sense of overall well-being and contentment.
5. Better resilience: When we feel calmer, we are better able to cope with life’s inevitable stresses and challenges. 

If you would like to know more, why not check out our article ‘Six Steps to  How to Practice Meditation’ to begin your practice today.