Meditation

In our modern day life, we are immersed in stress, over work, competition, fights, busy life, technology and many others. All these reasons and many other reasons can make us unhappy, frustrated and unhealthy. In busy schedules and other priorities, we put ourselves in low priority line. We do not get enough time to focus on our happiness and peace. A simple 5 to 10 minutes meditation twice a day can help us to cheer up, be happy and focused.

Dhyana is the Sanskrit word for meditation. Remember dhyana or meditation is not weird — sitting in a quiet place and breathing with a focused mind does not look weird. The practice of meditation is spreading throughout the world. Besides, US congressmen, NFL football leagues, CEO’s of many companies, soldiers, college students, veterans, celebrities and the US Marine Corps all are doing it, then how it is weird ?

Overcoming negative minds and cultivating constructive thoughts is one of the sole purposes of the meditation.

Science has given reason for meditation.  When we meditate, it has effects on brain in different ways.

• The frontal lobe of brain is the most evolved part and is responsible for planning, reasoning, emotions and awareness. During meditation the frontal cortex tends to go offline.

• The parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information of the surrounding world and helps in orientation of in the present time and in space. During meditation the parietal lobe activity slows down.

• Thalamus regions is the gatekeeper for all senses and it keeps sensory data of the brain. Meditation helps to reduce the flow of incoming information and focuses mind only inside of the body.

• Reticular formation receives the incoming stimuli and keeps brain in alert condition. Meditation keeps this area calm and quite. Meditation increases cortical thickness in areas related to paying attention.

The other benefits of mediation: 

• Improved concentration and improves productivity. Helps in focusing and giving attention on subjects and also at work.

• Better health: Increases immune system, decreases pain and inflammation

• Knowledge of self and boosts self control. It makes us wiser. It helps to in making decision and gives clarity with what we have to do.

• Keeping calm : Boosts happiness, increases positive thoughts, decreases depression, stress and anxiety. The more we meditate the less anxiety we have. Multiple research studies have shown that meditation has the potential to decrease anxiety, thereby potentially boosting resilience and performance under stress.

• Happiness and healthy social life: Meditation may be a solitary activity, but it helps to increase the sense of connectivity to others. Helps to build good relationship and helps in making better choices.

• Memory booster and it helps in our ability to creativity and think outside the box.

• More Compassion-Research on meditation has shown that empathy and compassion are higher in those who practice meditation regularly.

Everybody has a busy life and priorities. Finding time for meditation may be challenging but make time. Do not think meditation as one more thing to do in your list. In fact, we should not “do” meditation, because meditation “does” us. All we need to do is sit for meditation and meditation will take care of us!

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