Meditation — Page 20

People from all walks of life, in all the countries of the world belonging to all the possible religions, meditate for a wide variety of reasons. The same technique offers something different to each according to his needs and motives. Some of the motives for which people meditate today are:

1. To relax the body, mind and rejuvenate one’s flow of energy in order to more effectively face the responsibilities of one’s demanding and active life.

2. To heal illnesses (especially psychosomatic ones).

3. To overcome emotional problems.

4. To develop a more relaxed and positive view towards life.

5. To develop a peaceful and more clearly functioning mind.

6. For greater ability to penetrate into the core of problems and find inspirational solutions. This has been found especially useful by scientists and businessmen.

7. To tune into a creative inspirations for artistic expression.

8. For freeing oneself from addictions such as cigarettes, alcohol, narcotics and tranquilizers.

9. To purify one’s character.

10. To develop will-power.

11. As a method of self-observation and self-discovery.

12. To develop the latent powers of the mind.

13. To create a relationship with God.

14. To develop an inner relationship with the Divine.

15. For spiritual growth, self-knowledge or enlightenment.

16. To transcend the identification with the body and mind, and experience spiritual realities.

17. For the ecstasy of union with the Universal Spirit, which is the essential reality of the universe.

Scientific Research on the Effects of Meditation
on the Body and Personality

Numerous scientific experiments on people who meditate and similar control groups who do not meditate, have given repeatable results concerning the effects of meditation on a person’s body and personality.

Most of the following studies have been made on persons practicing Transcendental Meditation. (However, my personal opinion after 34 years of practicing various forms including T.M., is that most forms of meditation will give the same results)

1. DEEP PHYSIOLOGICAL REST is shown by a distinct drop in the metabolism rate, as measured by the oxygen consumption by an individual in meditation, waking activity, sleep and hypnosis.

2. Another indication of the deep rest is that the number of breaths needed to be taken each minute during meditation drops significantly.

3. Good news for those with heart problems is that meditation is also extremely restful and rejuvenating for the heart.

4. Another indication of the deep rest produced by meditation is the significant drop in the blood lactate level. The lower the lactate level the more rested and rejuvenated is the muscle tissue.

5. Tests show meditation’s deep calming effect through the decrease in skin conductivity.

6. Brain wave measurements during meditation show a higher incidence of alpha waves indicating a restful alertness. There is a sense of peace and yet a wakeful awareness in one’s environment.

7. Another scientific study showed that meditation induces greater communication and interaction between the two hemispheres of the brain.

8. Perhaps the best documented and well known effects of meditation concern its ability to reduce blood pressure in those with high blood pressure.

LONG TERM PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

9. In the long run both the heart rate and breathing rate develop a slower pace as the body experiences less mental-emotional stress and learns to waste less energy. The body becomes more relaxed and more efficient.

10. Persons who meditate experience much more stable health. They have less illnesses in general in their lives.

LONG TERM PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES

11. Studies have also shown that those who meditate regularly react more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event.

12. Meditation also increases one’s perceptual ability and motor performance.

13. Studies on high school students showed that those who meditated had a higher «intelligence growth rate» than those who did not.

14. Memory recall is also enhanced by meditation.

15. Many psychological studies have been made in work environments concerning meditators and control groups of non-meditators.
Meditators had above average increases in
a. JOB SATISFACTION
b. PRODUCTIVITY,
c. Improvement in their relationships with coworkers
d. Improvement in their relationship with their supervisors.

16. A large number of psychological tests have been done on those who have been meditating for various periods of time. A test made on those who had been meditating for only two months in comparison to non-meditators produced the following results:
a. Meditators had greater inner-directedness than non meditators.
b. They measured higher self acceptance.
c. Greater spontaneity and creativity.
d. Greater self-esteem.
e. An increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones.
f. Less anxiety .

17. Prisoners who stared meditation showed:
a. A marked decrease in mental illness.
b. Their behavior became more socially acceptable.
c. Less anxiety and less aggressiveness.
d. Became inclined to more positive activities such as sports, clubs and educational activities.

OTHER LONG TERM PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

18. After 4 to 6 weeks of meditation, meditators with hypertension have found their blood pressure fall.

19. A group of meditators who had been suffering from bronchial asthma found significant relief.

20. Meditators checked for their consumption of cigarettes after starting to meditate showed marked decrease.

21. Meditation significantly reduces ones need for or dependency on tranquilizers. alcohol and or drugs.

22. Other tests made on meditators show that they need much less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation.

23. Meditators show significant decrease in the illness after starting meditation.

24. Meditators showed greatly increased ability to recover from psychosomatic illnesses.

25. Insomniacs who start meditation require much less time to fall asleep.

26. A study on athletes showed that, after starting to meditate, there was an improvement in their performance on various athletic events as well as their intelligence as measured by intelligence tests.

27. In one other study it was found that meditation has the tendency to normalize a person’s weight. That is if he is overweight, he tends to loose, and if he is underweight, he tends to gain.

SOME CONCLUSIONS
CONCERNING THESE RESEARCH STUDIES

The conclusion is obvious.

Meditation increases whatever is good and life supporting in a person.

It strengthens our immune system, harmonizes our endocrine system and relaxes our nervous system. It creates health and vitality.

On a mental level it develops inner peace, clarity, self-confidence, self-acceptance, creativity, productivity and eventually greater self-actualization.

It makes our work environment more satisfactory, improves our relationships with coworkers, supervisors and subordinates. It makes us more creative, more responsible and more productive.

On a spiritual level it puts us in contact with our inner voice, with our inner strength, with our inner spiritual wisdom and love.

Think now, what would happen if many people in our society meditated? How would it affect our society?

Think what would happen if you meditated daily.

Robert E. Najemy, author of 25 books and life coach with 30 years of experience, has trained over 300 life coaches and now does so over the Internet. Become a life coach.
Over 600 free article and lectures at
http://www.HolisticHarmony.com/

For over 30 years, I have been meditating. For almost as many years, in workshops, consultations, friendly conversations, and writing, I have been encouraging, teaching, or leading people to meditate and create quiet times. During this time, the world has changed considerably, and so have I. My most important learning is: everyone is different. Certainly there are commonalities in meditating, but each individual is unique. I consider that meditation is one of the most empowering practices that anyone can engage in.

A “quiet revolution” is an oxymoron, of course. Meditation is generally a private, quiet practice. In North America its acceptance has changed dramatically over the last several years, although it is still not universally accepted. As with most revolutions, an underground is established before, during, and after the outward manifestations of the awakening. In this culture which I know, more and more individuals are speaking and writing about their meditation practice.

Meditating in groups is also common and very powerful, and yet each meditator still has a unique, quiet, private experience. In the workplace, meditation is rarely practiced openly, nor is it discussed, except in safe, small groups or among friends. When I was a frequent workshop presenter, I had many participants speak to me privately in hushed tones at break times to confess that they meditate. The voices may not be as hushed these days, but still there is a quietness, even a silence, about the practice in many settings.

I am comfortable with the variety of words used to describe meditation. My own purpose for meditation is to connect with the Divine and be replenished by the Source. Some speak about mystical experiences and higher consciousness, while others are more comfortable talking about relaxation, calmness, and resilience. Heightened awareness, intuition, imagery, and vision are frequently used to describe experiences of meditation. I find that helping others to express their own meditation experiences is a powerful process for them, even when the words do not flow smoothly.

Long-time meditators can find other long-time mediators easily. Meditators give off signals or vibrations that are calmer and more aligned with self than those who do not meditate or do not have a meditative-type practice that taps into higher consciousness. Gardening, yoga, certain athletic activities, and regular relaxation can achieve the same soothing signals when practiced in ways that achieve harmony with self.

No matter how or where you meditate, you must make a choice to meditate and practice it regularly in order to benefit fully. Full benefits come with regular practice over a period of time. Meditating only when stressed may certainly be beneficial in the immediate situation, but the long-term benefits of a regular practice include general well-being, health, a strong immune system, longevity, clarity of thought, and balance.

Meditation is sometimes associated with certain religions. Meditation can be practiced in any and all religions, but the two are not synonymous. In my work, I keep meditation distinct from religion; if my clients choose to join the two, that is fine. Those with strong religious beliefs gravitate to the types of meditation that fit their beliefs. Wikipedia has a comprehensive listing of meditation methods at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditation

Regardless of the chosen method, the benefits of regular meditation, over time, are as varied as the individuals who meditate. It is quite common for long-time meditators to acknowledge they benefit physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Recently I received an email message from a long-time meditator in India talking about her meditation experiences. It was a delight to read. It became clear to me that she has integrated the same elements that I encourage people to discover and use.

She uses her breath to relax. She has several processes to handle mind chatter and stress so that she is not disturbed by them in her meditation. She has two different “focal points” for her attention. One is a visual focus, a traditional Indian lamp, which she visualizes as divine light that lightens her heart. Another focal point is one of the most famous mantras, Om, which she chants repeatedly, finding that it takes only a brief time to achieve the state of consciousness that is her purpose for meditation. And she has a regular practice.

Her message was a beautiful summary of what many long-term meditators might report. While working with both new and long-time meditators, I have discovered that the most difficult aspect of meditation is to practice it regularly. All the elements of meditation are easy to understand, but to sit and do it challenges many new meditators.

If you have not meditated before, it may seem mysterious. However, meditation is simple. I recommend a maximum of twenty minutes for new meditators. Here are the elements:

* Arrange time when you will not be disturbed;

* Sit in a comfortable position and relax;

* Close your eyes, unless you prefer an open-eye meditation;

* Breathe intentionally for a few breaths;

* Choose a focal point, such as music, a chant, a pleasing image, a guiding voice;

* Stay with the focal point; if your mind wanders, gently return to the focal point;

* Bring the meditation to a close and return to your activities, refreshed.

If this is your first time meditating, you may feel that “nothing is happening” during the first few times you sit to meditate. That is a common sensation. At the end of your chosen meditation time, simply get up and continue with your day. The benefits are cumulative, which is why I advocate a regular practice.

If you want to meditate, yet are not meditating or are not meditating as frequently as you want, please be gentle with yourself. While it is true that only you can sit down and do it, you can also find ways to make it more appealing. In order to have a meditation practice, you must practice meditation. Above all else, follow your heart and trust your own inner guidance.

What about you? Do you want to be part of this quiet revolution? Are you already part of the revolution but wanting to meditate more regularly? If so, meditate one session at a time until it becomes a natural part of your life.

Jeanie Marshall, Personal Development Consultant and Coach Marshall House http://www.mhmail.com writes extensively on subjects related to personal empowerment, meditation, and effective use of language. Please enroll in her free Mini Course, Meditate Now: 21 Days to Meditate Regularly. You may republish this at your web site or blog, provided you include this paragraph and make all links active.

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation Is a Quiet Revolution