Photo Courtesy: http://bereanresearch.org/

There is no doubt that the meditation word 'meditation' is familiar with everyone. Then what actually is meditation? The answers may be: thinking nothing, sitting idle, closing eyes and the list goes on. Meditation is simply the art of doing nothing. In the past meditation was practised by saints but nowadays meditation has become fashionable. It is said that the more hectic your day is the more you should meditate. It is scientifically proven that 20 minutes of meditation equals the energy gained from two hours of sleep.

We may believe that mediation should be practised during the old age. Let me share you a short story. Once upon a time there were two woodcutters. They both worked hard. The only difference between them was one of the wood cutters kept working all day without taking a break. But the next woodcutter was a bit different; he used to take rest in between and sharpen his Axe and get back to work again. Now, which one of the woodcutters is more successful? The one who sharpens his axe frequently or the one who keeps working hard without a break; obviously the one who frequently sharpens his axe is more successful. Likewise in daily life if we want to be successful, meditation is essential.

Physical Benefits of Meditation

With meditation, the physiology undergoes a change and every cell in the body is filled with more prana (energy). This result in joy, peace, enthusiasm as the level of energy in the body increases.

On a physical level, meditation:

• Lowers high blood pressure

• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks

• Decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems

• Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior

• Improves the immune system

• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

Mental Benefits of Meditation

Meditation brings the brainwave pattern into an Alpha state that promotes healing. The mind becomes fresh, delicate and beautiful. With regular practice of meditation:

• Anxiety decreases

• Emotional stability improves

• Creativity increases

• Happiness increases

• Intuition develops

• Gain clarity and peace of mind

• Problems become smaller

• Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation

• A sharp mind without expansion causes tension, anger and frustration

• An expanded consciousness without sharpness can lead to lack of action/progress

• The balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness brings perfection

• Meditation makes you aware - that your inner attitude determines your happiness

Other Benefits of Meditation

Emotional steadiness and harmony

It cleanses and nourishes you from within and calms you, whenever you feel overwhelmed, unstable, or emotionally shut down.

Meditation brings harmony in creation

When you meditate, you are in the space of vastness, calmness and joy and this is what you emit into the environment, bringing harmony to the Creation/planet.

Personal Transformation

Meditation can bring about a true personal transformation. As you learn more about yourself, you’ll naturally start discovering more about yourself.

      To experience the benefits of meditation, regular practice is necessary. It takes only a few minutes every day. Once imbibed into the daily routine, meditation becomes the best part of your day!.Meditation is like a seed. When you cultivate a seed with love, the more it blossoms. Busy people from all backgrounds are grateful to pause and enjoy a refreshing few minutes of meditation each day. Dive deep into yourself and enrich your life.

Some Researches:

John Denninger, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, is leading a five-year study on how the ancient practices affect genes and brain activity in the chronically stressed. His latest work follows a study he and others published earlier this year showing how so-called mind-body techniques can switch on and off some genes linked to stress and immune function.

In a study published last year, scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles and Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn found that 12 minutes of daily yoga meditation for eight weeks increased telomerase activity by 43 percent, suggesting an improvement in stress-induced aging. Blackburn of the University of California, San Francisco, shared the Nobel medicine prize in 2009 with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak for research on the telomerase “immortality enzyme,” which slows the cellular aging process

“Bill Ford is a big proponent of meditation in the business world. During difficult times at the company, he set an intention every morning to go through his day with compassion. And to lead with compassion, Ford said he first learnt to develop compassion for himself through a meditation practice.”

"Meditation has given me centeredness and creativity," said Dalio. "It's also given me peace and health."- Ray Dalio, Founder & Co-CIO, Bridgewater Associates USA.

Arianna Huffington described early-morning yoga and meditation as two of her "joy triggers" in a 2011. Now, Huffington has brought meditation into her company, offering weekly classes for AOL and Huffington Post employees.

Huffington has spoken out on the benefits of mindfulness not just for individual health, but also for corporate bottom lines. "Stress-reduction and mindfulness don't just make us happier and healthier, they're a proven competitive advantage for any business that wants one," she wrote in a recent blog.- Arianna Huffington, President & Editor-in-Chief, Huffington Post Media Group.

Source information:                                                                                                                                                                           Ram Pandey (He is teacher at Art of Living organization.)