Meditation: Quiet Your Mind

“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Most of us have extremely busy lives. It can be hard to take the time to slow down and regain control of our minds. This why meditation may be the greatest addition I’ve made to my health routine. It opened my mind to contemplation instead of over thinking. It enabled me to take control of my brain, to recover and figure out what to focus on next.

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Suggested in a book 52 Small Changes for the Mind by Bret Blumenthal, (a compilation of weekly health advice) I committed to setting my opinions aside to try every suggestion.

I had never meditated and it felt a little weird to do. The book advised starting with only 10 min a day. When first attempting, I noticed a lot of thoughts bouncing around. As recommended I wrote them down. By letting these thoughts be expressed and dealing with them, I was then able to quiet my mind. It was rewarding. I began to notice that many of my thoughts were never expressed and circulated in my mind.

I began noticing meditation in various articles, podcasts, books, and interviews. It became clear to me that meditation was benificial.

“Meditation is like a gym in which you develop the powerful mental muscles of calm and insight.”

Ajahn Brahm

After further calming of my mind, I slowly increased my practice to the recommended 20min a day. From there it was suggested to increase to twice a day.

After I let thoughts come and go for a bit, I found myself entering a deep pleasant state. My mind would feel lighter and more clear. This clarity would remain with me after meditation.

Taking mental breaks became a useful tool. On stressful days just a few minutes could clear my mind to regain focus. This increased my productivity and effectiveness as well as feeling better overall.

https://drjoedispenza.com/pages/scientific-research

“Mediation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body”

Deepak Chopra

Scientific researchers are actively working to prove the positive health effects of meditation. Results by Dr. Joe Dispenza suggest that establishing a regular meditation practice may increase the telomeres of your DNA, therefore increasing your lifespan.

By clearing your thoughts through meditation you can reduce stress and direct your focus on what you want to achieve. The mind is busy and when it is overwhelmed it can lead to burning out.

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There are many sources in the medical community that recognize the health benefits of meditation. It can lower your blood pressure, boost immune system, reduce anxiety, among other benefits.

https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/transcendental-meditation

As my meditation practice has gone on I have experience varied results. Sometimes it is great just to calm my busy mind. Other times it will clear a headache and give me energy. A really great meditation can go so deep that I get completely lost in it. Those are the ones that leave the best impact.

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious; it is the source of all true art and science.”

Albert Einstein

The mind is a powerful thing. If we train ourselves to clear away the clutter and use it properly, it can lead to an easier path to our goals and acheiving a healthier lifestyle.

Let me know your experience meditation experience. Is it traditional or do you have your own unique way of doing it? Which techniques work the best for you?