by Patricia Sabina

Created on: November 20, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2008

Meditation or mindfulness practice provides a simple method of quieting and calming the mind.

A calm mind promotes a sense of wellbeing and allows the body to function at its optimum level, so the benefits of meditation as a method of healing are reflected in both mind and body.

Meditation or mindfulness is now at the leading edge of the psychological therapies and has found its way into mainstream psychology through the work of John Kabat-Zinn. John introduced mindfulness to a group of patients in the 1980's who were not responding to more conventional treatment. He found that this small group responded well and sustained improvement as they continued to practice.

As a healing method, meditation has many added advantages:

there are no damaging side effects
it is relatively easy to learn
no special equipment is required
last but not leastit is free!

The aim of meditation is to bring the body to a relaxed state while the mind is awake - in a state of present awareness. Thoughts are generally of the past or the future. In meditation the intention is to anchor the mind in the present moment.

Initially, this may be achieved by focusing on an object such as a small stone, a candle flame, or just by focusing on the ebb and flow of the breath. Following our in-breath and out-breath without changing our natural rhythm and flow of breathing is very calming and induces a state of relaxation in the body.

Eventually, and through regular practice the mind achieves a more stable state with thoughts coming and going like clouds in the sky. Everything is received in the mind with an attitude of kindly attention. Thoughts, feelings, and emotions are simply acknowledged just witnessed and then let go. Nothing is added or taken away - it is a process of simply observing what is'.

An analogy often used to illustrate the process of meditation is that of a pond. If there is some agitation in the pond, the mud at the bottom of the pond is stirred up and the water appears murky and unclear. When the rippling water settles and the agitation ceases, the mud returns to the bottom of the pond and the water becomes crystal clear - so too, the mind in meditation.

Recent research on the brains of longtime meditators has provided proof of the long term benefits of meditation including; reduced stress levels, improved memory and enhancement of the areas relating to positive emotion.

All said and done, meditation offers the perfect antidote to the stressors and pressures of modern living. It is a simple, safe, and assured method of healing the mind and body.

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