Why Learn to Meditate?
“Seek not to change the world, but choose to change your mind about the world. What you see reflects your thinking. And your thinking but reflects your choice of what you want to see.” — A Course in Miracles
Meditation has changed millions of people’s lives for the better, and has been doing so for centuries. It can enable you to experience greater degrees of happiness and abundance than you have ever known before. It can relieve your suffering from mental and emotional traumas. It has also been proven to reduce physical dis-ease in the body.
Through meditation, no longer will your mind control you. You will control when the mind is active and when it is still. When the mind is still, a number of things begin to occur. You see and learn without effort. You begin to receive intuitive information and direction. You begin to perceive on a much deeper level.
Meditation can help you get rid of negative emotions, thoughts and selfishness and replace them with love, wisdom, acts of kindness and a balanced sense of well being.
Meditation is a gift you give to yourself (and indirectly to others). Learning to meditate takes practice, perseverance and knowledge. Reading books, taking classes, and participating in group meditations are all ways to learn meditation.
Here are some of the transformational effects of meditation:
- Heart rate, metabolism, oxygen consumption and respiration slow down
- Blood pressure and muscle tension are lowered
- Along with other life-style changes, it can lower cholesterol levels and improve the flow of blood to the heart
- Asthma sufferers and people with chronic and acute pain find relief
- It enhances the immune function *
** Based on a Blue Cross Blue Shield 1986 Study of 2000 Meditators in Iowa
As a result of this study, it was found that:
- 87% were hospitalized less often than non-meditators for heart disease and 50% less often for all kinds of tumors.
- Equally impressive reductions in disorders of the respiratory system, the digestive track, clinical depression and more.
In another test, researchers found that many college-age meditators who used alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs spontaneously quit their habit within a few months of beginning to meditate.
OTHER REPORTED RESULTS
- Deepen personal spirituality, connecting with yourself, others and the universe
- Brain activity is characterized by alpha waves which are slower in frequency, increasing mental awareness which leads to optimum functioning
- Increased energy and vitality, less stress
- Improved concentration, I.Q., creativity, perceptual ability, self-confidence
and self-esteem - Increased ability to let go of negative and destructive behavior patterns
* Data from “Peace, Love and Healing” by Bernie Siegel, M.D.
** Data from Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra, M.D