We place so much importance on activity, achievements and results and therefore it is not surprising that more of us are attempting to find or indeed, require a time for silence. A time to find inner peace, and experience a moment of reflection. A time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

Not only does the practice of meditation offer this wonderful quiet time, it also has many psychological, physiological and spiritual benefits for our overall wellbeing.

One of the five principles of yoga, meditation is an important tool to achieve mental clarity, and just some of the benefits are listed below.

Psychological Benefits of Meditation

Increases creativity

Decreases stress and anxiety

Reduces symptoms of depression

Increases brain wave coherence

Reduces irritability

Improves memory and learning capacity

Increases self actualisation

Increases feelings of vitality

Increases happiness

Increases emotional stability

Reduces thoughts of negativity

Physiological Benefits of Meditation

Creates a state of deep rest due to decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate and reduced the workload of the heart

Reduces stress by lowering levels of the chemicals cortisol and lactate

Reduces levels of free radicals known as unstable oxygen molecules that cause damage to body tissues

Improves the blood pressure levels

Increases skin resistance (lower skin resistance is correlated with higher levels of anxiety

Reduces cholesterol levels (higher levels are associated with cardiovascular disease)

Easier breathing as the flow of air to the lungs improves

Slows down the ageing process

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

As we meditate, we are taken to the source of happiness which in fact is our own peace of mind. Without such peace, we are constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and pressures from the outside world. Allowing the body and mind to relax during this time rejuvenates our flow of energy enabling us to more effectively face the responsibilities of our demanding life.

As harmony becomes a bigger part of our life and we develop the latent powers of the mind, we gain a greater perspective of life and discover our true purpose of life. We will shift our efforts toward both personal and spiritual growth as we find the answer to 'Who am i?'. Listening to the mind and ignoring our egoistic perspective we can begin to realise that our true and natural potential is far greater than what we currently believe which then allows us to discover our true creativity and potential.

There are many types of meditation, but if you are a beginner, you may prefer the practice of guided meditation. The calming voice of your leader will guide you through each step of the meditation process. Have a look at the video in this blog to be guided through a meditation.

Meditation involving visualisation will assist in changing your outlook on life, indeed discovering that there is so much more to learn.

"The most imortant lesson meditation teaches us is that our home - our beautiful universe - is changeable (impermanent) by its very nature. You will begin to understand, appreciate and make peace with the passing show of this world." - Anatole

Don't you think it's time that you allowed yourself to relax, reflect and rejuvenate with meditation?