Meditation is the art of being in a relaxed state as you keep bringing your mind back to one thought. It can be an image, a mantra or just counting your breathing. As other thoughts intervene the idea is to let them go and come back to that one concentrated thought.
What are the benefits of meditation?
According to Dr Matthew Thorpe of https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation#section1
meditation can
reduce stress
control anxiety
promote better emotional health
improve self-awareness
increase attention span
improve declining memory
promote kindness
improve sleep
control addictions
reduce blood pressure
help to control pain
Sounds great, doesn’t it? The good news is, you don’t have to be a guru hidden away in a Tibetan cave to enjoy the benefits of meditation. You can meditate anywhere. It is probably easier if you can find a quiet spot. And you don’t have to meditate for hours on end. You can start slowly and build up. Some studies have shown that only four or five sessions are needed to help quieten the brain and reduce stress and anxiety. Like everything though, the more you practice the better you will get and the greater the benefits.
But I find meditation so difficult!
Here is my tip. Just count your breath. 1,2, 3 in. Hold for 1,2 and exhale 1, 2, 3. Concentrate on that rhythm and let any other thoughts just drift off. If you get caught up in another thought, come back to counting the breath.
Thee are other methods such as visualizing a candle burning or chanting a mantra. Find the method that works for you.
So, for the sake of your health, your relationships and your productivity give meditation a go. I’d love to hear how it went and what works for you.
If it all seems too hard right now why not do what I did and take the shortcut? Have a neurofeedback session or several to get back on track.
