Meditation for Health – Not just for Buddhists
Everyone has heard that meditation is beneficial to your well being. However, did you know that scientifically meditation and prayer work? I was so intrigued by the evidence that you are able to completely re-wire your brain by a simple daily practice of Meditation and Prayer. The use of MRI’s and EEG’s by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that meditation is useful in pain reduction, hypertension, psychological disorders, and more. The practice of meditation will also improve psychological balance, increase calmness, and physical relaxation. If you would like to read about research that was done by a professor using MRI’s and EEG’s as evidence, click here.
So, why isn’t everyone meditating? Perhaps the reason lies in that fact that some people believe meditation is strictly for the Buddhists and that the mere practice is dangerous. In fact, Meditation does have deep religious backgrounds but its not just for Buddhists. The link between well-being, meditation, and prayer is beneficial for all. The medical assessments include religious affiliation as an integral part of patient’s medical history. I am a nurse and I believed asking religious questions were invasive or intrusive. I now understand why it is so important to include religion in the health assessment to get a holistic picture of how to treat the patient. To be frank, if it aids in healing and well being you should be meditating whether you are Buddhist or not.
Christians Meditate too!
Christians meditate in prayer and the practice of Lectino Divina or “sacred reading”.
- Lectio-Find a Passage to read
- Meditatio-Meditate on the passage
- Oratio-Talk to God
- Contemplato-Contemplation or rest in the Lord’s presence
How and when should I Meditate?
My chosen time to Meditate is when I practice my Miracle Morning. I meditate and pray after my work out every morning. For me, I like to begin my morning embracing my relationship with God. I also use this time to express my gratitude for what is and what is yet to come. The best times to meditate is when you wake up or just before you go to bed at night. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable with your schedule. You may have to find moments throughout your day to take some time out and breathe.
What should you focus on during meditation? I choose a scripture to focus on. Some people focus on breathing to keep their mind from running amuck, this is often described as Monkey Brain. Meditating on a scripture reinforces the teachings and the promise of God. It also helps me not to lose focus on the fact that I have the ability to create a beautiful day if I have Faith. I do not talk to God at this time, I only meditate on his word with structured breathing.
After I meditate-I rest in his word. I relax and breathe and appreciate the fact that all is well. I start to verbally express my gratitude and I pray for my family and friends.
Is meditating worth the trouble?
The list of benefits of meditation includes hypertension, reduction in pain, anxiety, depression and it will improve your psychological balance. You can essentially re-wire your brain with just a few minutes a day and it won’t cost you a dime. Headspace and several meditation skills on the Alexa are excellent tools to get you started. However, all you really need is Time and Space. Don’t forget to subscribe for new content on how to unleash your Free Man.
