Meditation used to be associated with religions from the Far East. But what is concentrated prayer, if not a kind of meditation? Well, meditation is a practice that has many faces and can serve very different purposes. So is it worth spending time on it? Of course!

What is meditation?

It is challenging to define meditation clearly because it can mean something entirely different to everyone. In general, however, the term refers to mental exercise, which may (but does not have to!) involve entering another state of consciousness. The practice of meditation is strongly related to the ability to focus. Specific physical exercises are also often part of meditation. The method of meditation is a very individual matter. It depends on both individual predispositions and the goal itself.
Why do people meditate? The purpose of meditation can be different. Some seek enlightenment within themselves, fusion with nature, their self, or a way to communicate with the deity and pray. Others try to improve their mental condition or gain control over their bodies. This is why some people meditate through concentration, visualization, or repetition of mantras (e.g., prayers), and others with specific movements.

Meditation and faith

Pop culture has created many harmful myths about meditation, linking it directly to physical strength (martial arts) or magical powers of the mind. And although meditation certainly helps to master your own body, it will not teach you how to bend spoons with your eyes. Similarly, although meditation often appears in the context of Far Eastern culture, especially Buddhism or Hinduism, it does not imply a challenge to any particular faith. The practice of meditation is unrelated to religion, as it does not require practices related to any deity. Of course, Christians can meditate through prayer - but this is their unique way. A human mind is an amazing tool, and meditation helps to master it.

Why is it worth meditating?

People have used various meditation techniques since ancient times. It was therefore known that many researchers would also become interested in meditation sooner or later. Meditation has been the subject of research by psychiatrists, psychologists, and physiotherapists since the 20th century. Its fantastic influence on the human mind and body has been repeatedly confirmed. Today we know that even twenty minutes of meditation a day can bring many positive effects. The most noticeable effects include the ability to control emotions, control the body, and the acquisition of excellent focus skills. However, this is only a drop in the ocean.

For the human body, daily meditation can mean:

• Decreased cortisol levels
• Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Permanent reduction in blood pressure
• Increasing the ability to produce gamma brain waves
• Increased body resistance
• Controlling premenstrual syndrome and the negative symptoms of menopause
• Slowing down cellular aging
• Increased resistance to physical pain

What effect does meditation have on the mind? This question has no definite answer because it depends on too many factors. In general, however, a few areas can be identified that are affected by daily meditation:

• A sense of harmony of the mind
• Greater self-acceptance and self-confidence
• Mood improvement and psychological well-being
• Increased empathy and easier building of positive relationships
• Positive effect on sex life
• Reduction of stress and anxiety levels
• Increased ability to concentrate and the ability to perform the same activity for longer periods of time
• Significantly increased psychomotor alertness
• Improving the ability to process visual-spatial information
• Increased mental toughness, stamina and emotional intelligence
• Preparation for more effective coping with stressful situations
• Increasing the sense of internal control
• Lowering the level of neuroticism
• Reducing the time it takes to fall asleep with insomnia
• Helpful in normalizing mood and in the treatment of anxiety disorders

Although these are only examples, it is seen that meditation has many positive effects. Practiced daily, it benefits both the body and the human psyche.

What happens during meditation?

Surely you have often wondered what happens to our body during meditation. Skillful introduction of the mind into a state of meditation immediately affects the human body: blood pressure and heart rate decrease. In addition, the brain starts to produce more dopamine, the frequency of brain waves changes, and the body enters a state of deep relaxation. This is a physiological state very similar to sleep. The difference, however, is that man remains fully conscious.

Finally, a few more words of reflection. Meditation is the art of self-control at a certain time - concentration despite stimuli, control over the body, breathing, and thoughts ... All this combines into one whole, which is the performance of a specific exercise related to meditation. By devoting at least a little time to these practices every day, we can improve the quality of our lives as individuals and influence the better functioning of our environment.