Meditation has been practiced since ancient times (mainly in Eastern societies). Today, it is catching on worldwide as a means to reduce stress and help with pain caused by various illnesses. Studies have shown that meditation may help lower anxiety, produce a more positive emotional state and increase immune function.

Meditation is distinct from deep relaxation. Deep relaxation allows you to let your mind drift without a specific focus into a dream-like state. This is often done while lying down. Meditation, on the other hand, is focused; when you meditate you are fully focused on the present moment and in a state of relaxed alertness. Since the goal is to remain alert, meditation is typically done while seated with your legs crossed or sitting tall in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Meditation comes in several forms and can have numerous health benefits. There are many great books, CDs, and meditation cards that can help get you started; a small selection is listed in the resources section.

There are many types of meditation but the one definition that fits almost all types is, consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness. There is no limit to the things you can direct your attention toward. It can be symbols, sounds, colors, breath, uplifting thoughts, or spiritual realms. Meditation is simply about attention, where you direct it, and how it alters your consciousness.

Why Do People Meditate?

Traditionally, meditation was, and still is, used for spiritual growth (i.e. becoming more conscious; unfolding your inner light, love, and wisdom; becoming more aware of the guiding presence in your life; accelerating your journey home to your true self and your spirit).

More recently, meditation has become a valuable tool for finding a peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief in a demanding, fast-paced world. Uses for meditation include        

• Healing;
• Overall wellness;
• Emotional cleansing and balancing;
• Deepening concentration and insight;
• Manifesting change;
• Developing intuition;
• Unlocking creativity; and
• Finding inner guidance.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, meditation can be used for specific conditions such as:

• Insomnia;
• Anxiety;
• Pain;
• Depression;
• Mood or self-esteem problems;
• Stress; and
• Physical or emotional symptoms that may be associated with chronic illnesses and their treatment such as:
• Cardiovascular disease;
• HIV/AIDS; and
• Cancer.

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Benefits of Meditation:

Meditation is often used for health purposes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, meditation can increase physical relaxation, mental calmness, and psychological balance; and can help people cope with certain diseases and conditions.

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine in 2005 reports that meditation can help decrease anxiety and contribute to a more positive mood and a higher pain tolerance. The study also found that meditation is often utilized to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate.

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Common Misconceptions about Meditation:

• Misconception #1: Meditation consists of turning off your thoughts or making your mind blank.
• Not True - Inner quietness is experienced in meditation, but not by willfully turning off thoughts. Quieting the mind occurs naturally when you’re ready.
• Misconception #2: Meditation is difficult and takes tremendous discipline.
• Not True - Meditation can be easily learned, and can be quite enjoyable. Meditation is only difficult if you try to do it perfectly, but it is not possible.
• Misconception #3: Meditation is not successful unless you see interesting things in your mind.
• Not True - Although some meditations are specifically for visualizing, many are not. In those meditations, seeing things may be entertaining, but is not essential. Even visualization does not necessarily require seeing. Some people sense or feel things inwardly, and that's all right.
• Misconception #4: Meditation is associated with a religion.
• Not True – While meditation is practiced as a part of some of the world’s religions, it is not a religious procedure. It is a means for you to become more aware of your own being and will help you to connect with any source – from within or outside.

Click here to visit the Meditation Center for more information on meditation.

Sources: Tom Bergmann, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University and public lecturer about meditation; Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28 (4): 2005; National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.