
In the current modern age, where everything is fast-paced and chaotic, finding inner peace is not only essential but inevitable. One of the most effective and common ways of achieving inner peace is through mindful meditation.
How Crucial is Meditation for Inner Peace?
Inner peace confers a state of being mentally and spiritually serene. It is the art of keeping yourself calm and composed in stressful and anxious situations. Inner peace is crucial for mental health as well as the general well-being of an individual and must be nurtured from the inside. Meditation is perhaps the best means to develop and maintain inner peace.
Key Benefits of Meditation
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Moderates Stress and Anxiety
Research has shown that regular meditation reduces stress and anxiety, thereby lowering the risk of developing various stress-related diseases such as chronic headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, and heart diseases.
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Calms the Mind and Body
Meditation is referred to as a mind-body complementary medicine which means that it calms the mind and relaxes the body. Experimental research has revealed that under stress, the activity of brain waves is elevated to 13-20 Hz while during meditation it was recorded between 5-8 Hz respectively which explains that meditation alleviates stress and allows the body to enter a relaxed state.
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Improves Attention and Concentration
By reducing stress and anxiety, meditation helps in improving concentration and attention. It boosts our ability to focus thus enhancing our efficiency in all domains of life.
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Imparts Resilience
Mindfulness meditation teaches our mind to remain composed under all circumstances thus making it more flexible. It develops emotional intelligence and imparts resilience to cope with challenges in life and allows us to become a better version of ourselves.
Meditation Benefits for Brain
Research has proved numerous meditation benefits for brain in the past few years.
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Enhances Self-Awareness
Neurological studies have shown that meditation actually alters brain structure. Regular meditation has been found to thicken the prefrontal cortex of the brain which is involved in high order functioning thus increasing self-awareness, enhancing focus, and decision making, and developing emotional intelligence respectively.
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Prevents Anxiety-Related Disorders
Stress elevates cortisol (stress hormone) levels which in turn stimulates the release of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines. These chemicals can lead to anxiety and depression, increase blood pressure, disturb sleep, and cause fatigue. Studies have revealed that mindfulness meditation can reduce inflammatory response thus preventing the risk of such conditions.
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Sharpens Focus and Improves Sleep
Kirtan Kriya is a type of meditation which has shown to increase attention span and clarity of the mind. Neuropsychological tests have revealed that this type of meditation can improve age related memory loss specifically in people with dementia. Moreover, regular meditation plays a vital role in treating insomnia.
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Nurtures Kindness and Optimism
Mindfulness meditation develops a sense of self esteem and helps to explore our positive attributes. It fosters optimism, self efficacy and creativity. Another type of meditation, Metta or loving kindness meditation is the exercise of cultivating kindness and positivity towards yourself and others. This type of meditation develops a sense of empathy and compassion.
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Increases Self-Control
Meditation increases self control which facilitates in managing triggers for undesired impulses, especially addiction. Research has shown that transcendental meditation reduces alcohol addiction and other types of food cravings. Meditation also helps in relieving pain. A systematic review of studies has revealed that meditation increases the ability to cope with pain which might be beneficial in treating chronic pain after surgical procedures and in physical therapy.
Role of Meditation Before Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial for the general well being of an individual. About 35-50 percent of the world’s population experience insomnia which is associated with anxiety and stress. Guided and mindfulness meditation calms the mind, restoring inner peace which is essential for a sound sleep. Research shows that meditation before sleep activates the relaxation response triggering a set of physiological changes that helps in proper sleep. It regulates the parasympathetic nervous system by decreasing heart rate, blood pressure and increasing melatonin (sleep hormone) production thus synchronizing the sleep cycle.
Beginners Meditation Course
As a beginner, meditation can be a little intimidating, however, it is not complicated. Currently, there are several websites, apps, and online courses providing basic meditation guidelines for beginners. One can engage in any online meditation course or session to learn and practice meditation at home. You can practice meditation in an affordable meditation retreat with the help of a professional. The quietness of the retreat will help you focus on organizing your thoughts and breathing exercises
Here are some of the best online meditation courses for beginners where one can systematically practice meditation sessions:
- Meditation certification – My Vinyasa practice
- Meditation for relaxation – Sura flow
- Online meditation training – Loka yoga institute
- 50-hour online meditation training – Santosha yoga institute
- Bringing daily meditation to life – Yoga international
In a Nutshell
In conclusion, meditation is not an exercise but a therapy that has wide ranging physiological and spiritual benefits and long lasting positive implications in life. It is a powerful technique to attain inner peace leading to a contented and prosperous life.