Prior musings have outlined a method of optimizing physical, mental and spiritual health by focusing on self-care and embracing the mindful attitudes of non-judgmental acceptance, patience, curiosity, trust, non-striving,letting go and kindness.
This musing will focus on the potential benefits of formal meditation practice. There are numerous ways of enhancing our well-being, including getting plenty of sleep, fresh air and exercise and healthy eating. Meditation practice can be added to this list as a way of promoting a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Scientifically, studies show that 20″ or more per day of formal meditation practice actually rewire parts of the brain that are involved with emotional regulation, calmness, joy, creativity and wisdom. When our cells are bathed in healthy hormones, as opposed to stress hormones, our chromosomes retain their all-important regulatory end caps called telomeres. This results in an increase in our quality of life, longevity and youthfulness.
Meditation enhances our ability to be more patient and accepting, less judgmental and less reactive. When we are living in automatic stress mode we can get triggered and upset very easily. Our ability to handle “one more thing” is reduced. We may fly off the handle, say and do things we regret and end up turning a small stress into a much bigger one. This cycle of reactivity and digging deeper stress holes can be reversed by committing to meditation practice.
Mindfulness meditation is not religion-based. You only need to believe in well-being to practice. It is essentially a concentration-based skill that strengthens mental and emotional stability, clarity and equanimity. Continued, regular practice helps us develop high quality, sustained attention not only when we are formally meditating, but throughout our day as well. When we are calm and clear we can make wise decisions that conform more closely with our core beliefs and reduce chaos and stress.
When we are less reactive, we help ourselves live more in ease. This has a helpful ripple effect to everyone we interact with-at home, at work and in the community.
Why meditate? Simply because your quality of depends on it!
Mindful Home Practice:
Given the many benefits of meditation, consider developing a regular practice. Please visit www.managestress.ca for more information about courses and maintaining practice.
Above all, be kind and gentle with yourself, remembering that the best meditation is one you did!
Consider journaling your meditation practice along with occasional reflection on how you are feeling and functioning to keep track of any benefits.