Meditation and why we need it!

Meditation is a mindfulness practice that focuses on paying attention to our thoughts as they come, and allowing them to pass without judgement. We focus on being present in both our mind and body, controlling our breath and promoting awareness, in order to reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate wellbeing. It is not about wiping the slate of your mind clean, more so bringing an awareness to what appears there. So, why do we need meditation? Meditation has many benefits on our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation is known to enhance the flow of positive emotions and constructive thoughts. By focusing on moment-by-moment experiences, we are training the mind to remain calm and focused, even when we are in stressful situations.

Extensive studies were conducted on a group of Buddhist monks as they were meditating, and evidence found that the prefrontal cortex of the monks brains were extra active. This is the part of our brain associated with happiness! Long-lasting effects were also found in areas of the brain involved in attention, memory, learning and conscious perception. 

Meditation can lower blood pressure, by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in your body, a compound that widens blood vessels and makes blood flow easier. The relaxation response from meditation also helps decrease metabolism and improve heart rate.

Spiritual meditation helps us to connect and let go of all that has happened and will happen. By focusing on our present, we begin to find peace within it. Spiritual meditation allows us to see beyond the chaos of our surrounding world and exercise control over our response to it. 

Types of Meditation 

One of the best things about meditation is that it comes in many forms and can be practiced essentially anywhere; so long as we are aware of our body and surroundings. Different variations of meditation include breath work meditation, mindfulness meditation, nature based visualisations, transcendental meditation, yoga meditation, guided meditation, use of mantras and spiritual based meditation. We can practice meditation alone, or with groups of others. As you can see, there are lots of different pathways to practicing meditation, so it’s a good idea to keep an open mind when trying different variations, and find what works for you. It is important to remember that meditation can look different for everybody! 

Certain benefits can start making themselves felt very quickly for some people after simply taking a moment to sit. A sense of calmness and peace of mind are common experiences, even if this feeling is fleeting or subtle. If you feel a sense of heaviness, warmth or calm when meditation then you have gone deep enough. If you struggle to reach this level on your own, joining a class or group meditation course is a great way to find some guidance and learn different tools that may work best for you. 

We run meditation classes every Thursday night lead by Anna, our founder, where you can gather with others and practice mindfulness. We also offer different meditation workshops monthly, including sound bowl meditation.

Come and try out meditation with us and other like minded people!

TA Team xx