Research is showing positive effects of mindfulness meditation
~ on sleep
~ on anxiety-driven rumination - that endless circle of repeated beliefs and thoughts around a problem, over and over, with no solution and no relief
~ on depression
~ on the brain - there are actual brain changes that may reflect an increased sense of relaxation, self-awareness, compassion and stress reduction
Meditation IS:
~ awareness and focus, and has many forms, including mindfulness and guided imagery
Meditation is NOT:
~ escape or "new age" - it's been around for a long time!
Meditation has 3 components we attend to:
Posture - a comfortable, supported spine, which encourages awareness and energy
Breath - it is the simplest focus when you begin, and is the harbor to which you return - what do we say to ourselves when we need to take a step back? "Breathe"!
Thoughts- that is, a vacation from your thoughts - letting them go, not engaging in a relationship with your thoughts. Did you know that the Latin root for "vacation" is vacare, which means to be "empty" or at "leisure" (courtesy the American Heritage Dictionary). A break from your thoughts - especially the ones that are not helpful - relief!
In mindfulness meditation, you learn that you can have a thought...and not react to it in the usual way, a way that may be causing or adding to your distress.
So have that vacation from your thoughts!
Thoughts become events that occur to you in the moment, but are not analyzed - and don't require reaction. Everyone has thougts as they practice mindfulness. The idea is to not wrestle with your thoughts, but instead notice them and let them move away.
Those new to mindfulness and meditation often believe they cannot possibly do it: "I think too much, there's no way it'll work for me!" or "I am WAY too keyed up - it's not possible to even try!"
The irony, as new meditators discover, is that even after a few minutes, something feels different to them. They notice they feel calmer, or even sleepy, or they've simply taken a genuine lung-full of air for the first time in a long time.
