What is meditation used for?
As described in my article, How to Make Meditation Become a Part of your Lifestyle (includes Videos):
“Meditation is the practice of breathing, being mindful and being present, all to make your mind and your body feel rebalanced and in a state of bliss.”
This state of bliss induces a calm and stable sense of security every time it is achieved. Then, the true practice is maintaining this state throughout the entire day. A beginner in meditation may find themselves slipping in and out of this conscious state of breath and flow, which is completely normal. Once the practice becomes more integrated into their routine, the better the hold of awareness becomes.
From that time on, the overall global purpose is to remain in this state because from here, the mind can focus and thinking becomes clearer. The body can relax and tension along with inflammation decreases. Thus, allowing the person to continue with their day without pain or distractions.
How long does it take for meditation to work?
The benefits that one will experience through meditation will most definitely vary from one person to the next. Obviously, the more one practices, the better they become and the easier it is to focus each time.
Meditation practice can be broken down into length and frequency. Length can be anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours; and frequency can be multiple times a day, once a day or once a week. Once a week is a start, but it is stretching out the days between each session, so anything less than once a week is not necessarily a practice. Although, it can be claimed that the body and mind will always benefit even from 1 meditation, therefore it can be used as needed.
What happens to the body & the brain during meditation?
The human body and brain can function stronger with daily meditation because stress melts away with every day/night cycle, and blood flow increases throughout all the different systems, which optimizes the body and mind, down to a neural and chemical level.
These levels have been measured in modern science through medical technology such as neuroimaging, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and brain mapping or Electroencephalography (EEG). Electroencephalography uses electrical discs placed all over the scalp to measure the collective electrical activity of the cerebral cortex. It is also the primary tool used to evaluate the meditating mind.
The results of an EEG test can be seen on a computer where the signals get recorded. These signals are the communication of neurons between our brains, called brain waves. The measurements are deciphered by the different types of brain waves which are Beta, Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR), Alpha, Theta and Delta.
As we can see from the chart, to be in a state of:
Beta: is associated with the normal waking state, where attention is fully directed towards the outside world.
SMR: is associated with an alert mental state, where stress is controlled and the mind is calm.
Alpha: is associated with a resting mental state, where the mind is present and the effects of meditation can begin.
Theta: is associated with the internal mental state, the meditation state, where attention to the external world is withdrawn and focus is on the signals originating within; such as breath and thoughts.
Delta: is associated with the deep mental state, generated in the deepest meditations, where healing and regeneration take place because this restorative state stimulates healing processes.
Alter Your Brainwaves
What we can take away from all of this, is that when our brain waves are on high alert, all sorts of emotional and stressful patterns occur. When our brain waves are calm and meditative, our emotions are light, stressful patterns are released and reactions are more controlled and intentional.
This is the point with meditation, to become intentional and to be present. Being in the present moment brings a sense of peace and well-being.
If you’re trying to bring more wellness into your life, meditation is a great start. With its proven benefits and versatility, it can fit just about any personality type and lifestyle. All you have to do is pause.
For more on Meditation, check out my Pinterest Page on Energy Healing.
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