Most people may consider meditation intangible and only for a certain few. Many may also consider it as worship, prayer or for the occult. On a very basic level, it is the act of listening deeply that has tremendous biological and energetic health benefits. And it's available for everyone here and now. 

The word meditation is derived from two Latin words: meditari (to think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). And in its Sanskrit derivation 'medha' means wisdom.

Therefore, meditation is an exercised awareness that can bring healing and wisdom. Sounds good, right?! So, essentially, whatever you do with deliberate and heightened awareness is considered meditation. Watching your breath is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation; and have you heard of the monk who became enlightened doing the dishes? As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation. Meditation effectively is a cessation of the active thought process; and ultimately 'the watcher' of thought. It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns. The observer or watcher (the one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one. As complex as that may sound, just go do the dishes!

Like anything, repetitive practice will prove deeper and more fruitful rewards. Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. At some point everything one does is a meditation.

Meditation techniques are being implemented in managing life-threatening diseases; transforming molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems, and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems. Wouldn't it be great is certain world problems would resolve with or from meditation?

 

● Improvement of body luster and general health-When your mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance. 

 

● Improvement in concentration - Many athletes and sports professionals regularly employ meditation methods. Studies have found a direct correlation between concentration exercises (meditation) and the performance level of sports professionals. Meditation strengthens the mind; it comes under control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body to effectively execute all its projects.  

● Resolve Phobias: Meditation can help to resolve the deepest of neuroses, fears and conflict which play their part in causing stress and ill health.

 

● Lowers oxygen consumption.

 

● Decreases respiratory rate.

 

● Increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.

 

● Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.

 

● Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.

 

● Good for people with high blood pressure as it can bring the B.P. to normal.

 

● Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.

 

● Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.

 

● Builds self-confidence.

 

● Increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.

 

● Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc.

 

● Reduces Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.

 

● Helps in post-operative healing.

 

● Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells.

 

● Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.