If there is anything we have learned over the past several years, it is that maintaining our mental health is just as crucial as maintaining our physical health. Maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise both benefit our bodies and minds. But meditation is also gaining popularity as a means of nourishing the full person. If you are new to the practice of meditation, it may seem complicated or time-consuming. However, it’s really different from what you may imagine.
But achieving a certain mental state is only one aspect of meditation. Sally Sherwin, a yoga therapist, explains that the key is to focus naturally. “Some characterize meditation as concentration, but the word ‘concentration’ makes me think of labor,” the speaker said. And there’s no doubt that we don’t need any more labor in our life.
Varieties of meditation
There isn’t just one kind of meditation that works. While engaging in physical activities like yoga or tai chi, you can perform it while sitting, lying down, or both. Sherwin asserts that there are several distinct types of practices. “In the yogic tradition, concentrating on a single point of awareness is considered meditation. However, there are other types of meditation where you may just become aware of everything around you, including the sounds outside and within the room and your five senses, such as what you can smell or feel.”
The advantages of meditation for health
Sherwin asserts that there are already more than 1,500 studies on the advantages of meditation. She claims that the health benefits of meditation are supported by real evidence. When combined with integrative and lifestyle medicine, meditation can result in some very significant changes.
Source: Cleveland clinic
Also Read: How To Use Meditation To Sharpen Focus
