What is Meditation
DEFINITION of MEDITATION
Mindfulness meditation is a medically approved practice that enables individuals to systematically reduce and manage stress. Meditation brings a relaxed and focused state of restful awareness by learning to clear the mind of excessive ruminating thoughts. Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally. This means having conscious awareness to what is happening moment by moment. Mindfulness meditation is a learned skill that brings focus, awareness, and attention to the present moment.
While mindfulness meditation practices have been around for thousands of years, in the last few decades it has gained notoriety among hospitals, business corporations, athletes, schools, military, and governments. Mindfulness is well researched and based on compelling scientific data.
There is a formal and informal component of mindful meditation. A formal component of mindfulness is sitting quietly, without distraction, while learning to quiet the activity of the mind. An informal aspect of mindfulness is bringing a deeper sense of awareness to our day to day activities, so that we can better appreciate and enjoy our lives.
Today there are many different types and blends of mindfulness practices and programs that are being used to manage stress. While stressful situations and challenges in life can not be prevented, learning how to manage them effectively with meditation is an acquired skill that provides resiliency, greater productivity, and better health.
BENEFITS of MINDFUL MEDITATION
In the body: Research shows that meditation improves immune function to fight off disease. Blood pressure lowers and heart rate slows down, improving the cardiovascular system. Balances the endocrine system, which aids in proper hormonal function. Sleep patterns improve, and weight is more easily maintained.
In the mind: Meditation builds emotional resiliency to life’s challenges. Activiates higher brain functioning and working memory. Lowers anxiety, depression, and irritability. Provides more concentrated focus and a greater ability to pay attention.
In the spirit: Participants report that they have awareness of who they are and want they they need in order to live a full life. Develops the realization of worthy goals with meaning and purpose. Provides self regulation skills that improves relationships and communication. Rediscovers peace, calm, and joy in today’s busy lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Primordial Sound Meditation is a meditation technique designed by Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, originating in the ancient wisdom of India. Primordial Sounds are the basic, most essential sounds, known as mantras. Mantras are instruments of the mind used to reawaken balance, tranquility, and compassion within. Primordial Sound Meditation, or PSM, is a healing practice that allows us to experience inner calm and deep relaxation. For thousands of years, people have used meditation to move beyond the mind’s busy activity and emotional turbulence into profound peace and expanded awareness. In the age of digital devices, social media, and busy schedules, the restful awareness we experience during meditation is more valuable than ever, The number of people suffering from stress, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic health problems is on the rise—and many are searching for peace of mind. The most direct way to experience inner silence and well-being is meditation, a tool to rediscover the body’s own inner intelligence. Primordial Sound Meditation isn’t about forcing your mind to be quiet, it’s about experiencing the silence that’s already there and making it a part of your life. Visit chopra.com/PSM for more information.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction was designed by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn. Traditionally, MBSR is a 8 week course, covering topics such as mindfulness in daily living, yoga, mindful eating, chronic pain, stressors, and mind body connections. This course is offered at hospitals, health care facilities, universities, and business corporations around the world. MBSR has evolved into a comprehensive mindfulness training for a broad range of ages, cultures, and nationalities. MBSR is for everyone! Neuroscientific research has shown the dramatic health benefits in those that participate in mindfulness based stress reduction courses. For more information, visit www.umassmed.edu/stress-reduction.
Stress costs US corporations over $300 billion dollars in absentism, low productivity, turn over, and medical costs. 75% of all health care costs in America are stress related. According to the APA, over half of employees are less productive at work at as a result of stress and 70% of employees report that work is the most significant source of their stress. In business companies that have integrated mindfulness meditation into their workplace, have shown a dramatic increase in productivity. Profits have increased, while cost of injuries, workers compensation, and absenteeism have lowered. Happier, healthier employees are necessary for an organization to thrive, grow, and enjoy fiscal benefits.
The key to mental skills training is for athletes to enhance performance while increasing enjoyment and self-satisfaction. Mental skills training involves using arousal regulation, visualization, confidence, motivation, concentration, and goal setting as a means to boost results while strengthening the relationship with the mind, body, and spirit. Many successful professional sports teams use a form of mental skills training for individual and team development.