by Michael Allen

Created on: September 18, 2008

Meditation has been known to reduce stress, focus the mind, increase creativity and instill a general feeling of well-being. In a hectic world of go, go, go meditation can act as the calm within a storm as worries, anxieties and the basic tension of the day are eased. Meditation can be linked with a spiritual life and offers an opportunity for the soul to ponder the deeper meaning of life events (PicktheBrain).

For most, the purpose of meditation is purely relaxation but for others the goal is to achieve greater happiness or inner peace, through introspection. As well, it is common for sport athletes to employ meditation before a match, to improve concentration (Health. Meditation can also be used as an imaginative tool to visualize future events and prepare the mind to cope in stressful situations. Just like muscles within the body need rest, so too does the mind. Using distraction methods like television watching or alcohol and drug use numb the mind, but only reduce tension or anxiety temporarily. Meditation can relieve most stresses over a longer period. With deep, long periods of meditation it is also possible to receive visual imagery from the subconscious, similar to the experience of dreaming.

Other proven benefits of meditation are an overall lessened oxygen consumption, decreased heart, decreased respiratory rate and a heightened feeling of self-confidence (Health. From a more psychological approach meditation can facilitate a closer attachment with one's own inner world and resolve deep underlining fears or inner conflicts. For some the question of who am I, can be answered with great difficulty but with meditation the focus of the mind, body, and soul is on being in the present. Simply being in the moment, grounded both horizontally and vertically in the physical plane is the only purpose of meditation.

There are several different methods of meditation and as each individual is unique there is no general across the board technique that will appeal to everyone. Some ways to improve the benefits of meditation are finding a quiet place where there would be little to no interruptions; in addition, reduced lighting can help relax the body and allow the mind to focus more quickly. For some closing the eyes is beneficial and for others focusing on a distant object can facilitate deeper concentration. It is up to the meditator to decide what is the best approach to meditation (Skillful).

Within most communities there is often the opportunity, to meet with and practice with, other people who meditate or who are willing to teach. As a beginner it could be best to train with an experienced meditator or if the facilities are not available, to try it out on one's own. Either way the many benefits of meditation will be achieved and lead to greater sense of inner-focus.

Sources:

Meditation...Its Benefits. Health & Yoga. 10 Sep. 2008

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Pettinger, Tejvam. The Benefits of Meditation. 27 Oct. 2007. 10 Sep. 2008

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Siff, Jason. The Significance of Method in Meditation Practice. Mar. 2008. Health & Yoga. 10

Sep. 2008 .

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