Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to achieve a state of relaxation, and/or focused attention, and also heightened awareness. There are various forms of meditation, but they all share common principles and practices. In this article I share how meditation work and what it does for you.
Calm the Mind
With meditation you can get your mind to settle and become less distracted by the constant stream of thoughts. This constant stream of thoughts is something I call mind clutter. And just like we feel better when we de-clutter our home and life, this has the same effect on our minds.
By repeatedly bringing the mind back to a chosen point of focus, you can learn to let go of unnecessary mental chatter. This is a technique I teach when I show you how to meditate in my one-on-one meditation training.
Focus and Concentration
Meditation can help you to focus and concentrate more in daily life and tasks, because when you start meditating you learn techniques like the following:
Mindfulness Meditation
In mindfulness meditation, you often focus on your breath, a specific sensation, or an object. The goal with this technique is to maintain attention on the present moment without judgement.
Concentration Meditation
This meditation technique involves focusing the mind on a single point, such as a mantra, a repeated word or a phrase, a sound, or an image. The aim here is to cultivate deep concentration.
Relaxation Response
Although it sounds counter-intuitive to use meditation when you’re in stress-mode, it’s one of the most effective practices to utilise to support you. Even just sitting with your eyes closed for 5 minutes and consciously taking slow and deep breaths will bring about the relaxation response within your body.
The relaxation response within our bodies is the opposite of the stress-induced “fight or flight” response. Activating this leads to a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure, and overall stress levels.
I do, however, recommend the following techniques prior to trying to sit for a meditation when you’re in high stress mode.
I teach more about these in my meditation workshops for corporates, and also during my one-on-one coaching sessions.
When you feel anxious or agitated:
- Shake your hands and arms for 30 seconds
- Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth as wide as you can and stick your tongue out as much as you can towards your chin.
When you feel shut down, or numb:
- Cross your arms over your chest, tapping alternate hands on your opposite shoulders/upper arms for 1 minute.
- Slowly gaze around your space, using super slow eye and head movements.
Changing Brainwave Patterns
Meditation has been associated with changes in brainwave patterns. Meditation increases alpha and theta brainwaves, which is associated with a relaxed but also alert state.
For example: If your brain is anxious, you create high beta brain waves, which result in rapid thoughts, fears, stress, and anxiety.
But if your brain is calm, you create alpha & theta brain waves, which is a flow state – you have a relaxed mind, calm breathing and you feel grounded. This is the state that brings solutions.
Mind-Body Connection
Meditation brings you into a deeper connection between your mind and your body. As the mind becomes more focused and calm, it has positive effects on the body. This also allows for a heightened awareness of your body and what it wants to share with you.
Enhanced Self-awareness
Meditation encourages self-awareness and introspection. It supports the journey within. It teaches you to observe your thoughts and emotions without attachment or judgment, and this in turn helps you to develop a deeper understanding of your own mental and emotional patterns.
Stress Reduction
Meditation is widely recognised to reduce stress. It helps you manage stress by promoting a more mindful and balanced approach to any challenges and difficulties you may face.
Improved Cognitive Function
The research is out there that shows that regular meditation enhances cognitive functions such as your attention, memory, and executive function.
Neuroplasticity
Regular meditation has been shown to create changes in the brain’s structure and function. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity, and it refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise itself in response to experiences. Dr. Joe Dispenza has written extensively on this topic.
The effects of meditation can vary for each person. Consistent meditation practices over time yield more significant and consistent benefits, but even after short daily meditations you will feel the benefits and effects of it during your day.
Also read the post 9 reasons to start a meditation practice.
I am here to show you that meditation is an easy practice that you can make part of your life, with huge benefits.
See below what I have to offer.