Benefits of Meditation

PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS

• Highly effective as a sleep aid and relaxation technique, as measured by metabolic rate, reduced load on the heart, and a lower heart rate.
• Lowers high blood pressure, but also normalizes low blood pressure.
• The levels of cortisol and lactate, two chemicals related to stress, are lowered.
• Lowers the levels of free radicals or unstable oxygen molecules that are known to damage tissue.
• Stress relief meditations will measurably lower skin resistance which is related to high stress and anxiety levels.
• Lowers Cholesterol levels, which are associated with cardiovascular disease.
• Increases air flow to the lungs, known to be very helpful for asthma patients.
• Slows down the aging process.
• Higher levels of DHEA, which is a sign of youthfulness, have been measured in the elderly.
• Measured increase in the immune response, and levels of anti-bodies, which is in keeping with recent stress management research.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

• Measured increase in brain wave coherence, which is a sign of increased neurological efficiency and increased learning ability.
• Measured decrease in anxiety, of great benefit in the treatment of panic attacks, and anxiety disorders.
• Decreased depression by offering alternative responses and therefore alternative experiences.
• Increased creativity due to mind opening aspects, and increased ability to adapt. Known to be of great help with writer’s block, and as an aid to get the creative juices flowing.
• Lessens irritability and moodiness with increased brain activity in the part of the brain linked to positive emotion.
• Enhances the learning experience by increasing concentrative abilities.
• Dramatic measured increase in gamma wave activity which is directly associated with attention, memory and perception.
• Helps you achieve self-actualization, the ability to reach one’s inner potential, through increased self confidence and self empowerment.
• Provides a sense of rejuvenation, bodily energy, and mental freshness, as the body and mind are truly subjected to less wear and tear through activation of the relaxation response.
• Achieves true and lasting happiness by coming to terms with where you are in life, and being content with it, while still continuing to affect change for the better.
• Stabilizes the emotions by being able to experience them without being swept away by them.

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

• Gives a feeling of closeness to nature and those around you, lessening your sense of separation.
• Puts you in closer contact with your true self, leading to a less conflicted life.
• Makes you feel more awake, therefore more alive with a greater sense of clarity.
• Provides you with inner peace and calm while opening the mind to true freedom and independence, new experiences and new people.
• Through deeper consciousness, your experiences, including colors, tastes, and sounds, are more intense, more vivid.
• Puts you in touch with your inner wisdom.