On Meditation
(Note: I am not a medically-trained professional. This information is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional consultation (medical, etc.))
I meditate. I like it. I consider it to be a rather incredible wellness promoting technique. And I think it gives you a sense of control and power when life is tough; you can do something that can improve, and that can change things. I look at it, as each time I meditatate, I add a drop to a bucket. Over time, the bucket is filled and life chanes.
Many cultures, religions, etc. have a tradition of meditating. But, it can also be done as as a health promoting technique. And meditative states occur rather naturally on many occasions, as we do an activity, in which we lose oursleves in the moment. Meditation is about focusing on this moment, and not on the past of future.
I like to use water sounds on a CD that I have. I listen to the sounds and as my mind wanders, I gently return my focus to the sounds. Through the repition of this focus, wandering, return, things begin to change and after a while, I am out of the stressful mode that I was in.
While meditation takes practice, it can be done in many ways. Some people focus on their breathing, and even a moment of focus I think can be helpful. You can meditate while eating, or washing the dishes, or even when walking. The key is to pay attention to something and as your mind wanders, return it to your focus. You can do this for a few seconds at a time or for a longer duration. And yes, there has been scientific study of meditation.
Below I have included some resources, books and websites.
Some Resources Guided Imagery: HealthJourneys.com
Mind-Body Medical Institute (meditation: MBMI.org)
Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center: umassmed.edu/Content.aspx?id=41250
There are Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programs (MBSR) programs listed across the country. Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, MD. Shift Happens by Robert Holden, phD.
Managing Your Mind by Gillian Butler, PhD and Tony Hope, MD.
Calming Your Anxious Mind, 2nd edition, by Jeffrey Brantley, MD.
The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams et al.
Peaceful Mind: Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Psychology to Overcome Depression.
