Meditation is an ancient technique that has been practiced by spiritual communities across the world for centuries. There are many different forms of meditation, and approaches to practice may differ by country. Although meditation has been associated with religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, such mindfulness techniques have been observed by non religious communities as well. A new meditation practice called TM or transcendental meditation focuses on a mantra based approach, silently repeating the mantra for 15 to 20 minutes or until a state of inner peace is achieved. Other forms such as Vipassana and Zen meditation focus more on the breath as a guide, some forms also focus on the heart. Whichever approach to mindfulness you take it will certainly bring you peace. The practice of meditation has been shown to help with those who suffer from mental health conditions like PTSD, depression and anxiety. Meditation also has major benefits for the body, and living a well-balanced healthy lifestyle. Within our AAPI communities meditation also serves as a vehicle to bringing culture, peace and healing from the traumas of oppression and white supremacy. Within the workplace, in schools, and in prisons, meditation can bring mindfulness and healthy practice to that space benefiting everyone who participates.
FACTS
Meditation helps to gain a new perspective on stressful situations
Meditation helps individuals develop use skills to combat stress
Meditation helps with an increased self-awareness
Meditation reduces negative emotions
Meditation increases imagination and creativity
Meditation increases tolerance and patience
Meditation lowers resting heart rate
Meditation lowers resting blood pressure
Meditation improves sleep
SUMMARY
As we can see meditation serves as a major benefit for everyone, in every walk of life. With more education on the health benefits of meditation more people can learn to live healthy lives and improving both their mental and physical health. In schools meditation can help students lower stress and focus on their studies, and for those with mental health conditions meditation also helps with healing and lowering depression and anxiety.
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