Meditation and It´s Benefits

In todayś hectic world it seems to get harder and harder to gain a sense of inner peace and well being. Work, school, family and other obligations consume so much of our time. Over time, life´s pressures take an enormous toll on our overall health-- be it physical, emotional or spiritual. There must be some way that we can regain and maintain stability in our lives. One tried and true way of achieving this is through the practice of meditation. Let´s briefly explore some various types of meditation and their benefits. 

 Meditation Types

Guided meditation. Also known as visualization or guided imagery, this form of meditation requires you to tap into the power of your mind´s eye and imagine  yourself in a variety of settings in order to help you achieve a state of relaxation.  

Under the direction and with the aid of a facilitator, the subject (i.e. you) is guided through idyllic scenarios. These idyllic scenes coupled with the soothing voice of your facilitator helps you relax while exploring your subconscious mind. While engaging in guided meditation, you have the option of exploring any number of interests including: better sleep, less anxiety, manifestation and even meeting your very own spirit guide. You can find many fantastic guided meditation videos on YouTube or Vimeo. 

Mantra meditation. This form of meditation requires you to repeat a particular word or phrase under your breath. Repeating this word or phrase helps block out any distracting thoughts that pop up in your head. Mantra meditation helps sharpen concentration and focus. 

Mindfulness meditation. This meditation technique is founded on increased awareness and coming to terms with existing in the present. This allows you to expand your consciousness. Concentrate on your experiences while you meditate. You focus on your breathing while practicing this sort of meditation. 

Tai chi. Of Chinese origin, this martial arts training practice allows you to relax by performing a variety of slow, gentle movements and postures. Deep breathing helps deepen this relaxation. 

Yoga. This popular form of meditation has physical and spiritual benefits. Yoga has positive effects on both body and mind. It relaxes your mind while increasing the flexibility of your body. When practicing yoga you go through various poses that enhance both balance and focus. This helps you to set aside outside distractions focus on the now. 

Practicing any of the forms of meditation detailed above can have beneficial effects which include: 

• Lessening of anxiety
• Lessening the severity of Asthma symptoms
• Coping better with  chronic pain
• Lightening your mood
• Alleviating constipation
• Getting a better night´s sleep
• Easing headache 

Please note: Consult your doctor or other health care provider before trying the types of meditation listed above in order to find out whether or not they are right for you. In rare cases, meditation could exacerbate some kinds of mental health conditions. Furthermore, meditation should not be seen as a replacement for traditional medical care but rather a supplement to it.