Meditation

What is it?

Meditation is a mind-body practice that focuses on the interactions between the brain, mind, body and behavior. It has a long history of bringing physical and mental benefits to those who practice it and has been shown to enhance overall health and wellbeing. Meditation encourages the use of a technique called mindfulness for individuals to focus their minds and attention on the present moment. You can increase awareness of yourself and others by training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It is a simple process of connecting with your inner peace, typically in silence.

Where did it come from?

The earliest known practice of meditation dates back to 700 B.C., where the Taoists concentrated their mind on a single object. In current practices, meditation can be used to focus the mind on an object, mantra, sound, feeling, etc. It is used to reduce stress, achieve mental clarity and cope with illness, among many other benefits. The popularity of meditation is increasing as more people discover all of the benefits it has to offer.

How to get started?

Find a quiet place with as few distractions as possible. Decide the best time of day for your lifestyle and schedule. It is important to keep the time and place of your practice the same so meditation becomes a habit in your daily routine.

Next, choose a comfortable posture to maintain throughout your practice (use a cushion for comfort if needed).

Finally, focus on your breathing. Allow your inhale and exhale to guide your practice and center yourself. Start by meditating for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes each day. If you have difficulty controlling your mind from wandering or don’t know where to begin, try listening to a guided meditation.