I had previously read about the benefits of meditation and decided to give it a try. I began meditating for about 10 minutes a day a month ago. I have specifically noticed that I have a more positive outlook on life and I no longer feel like my mind is constantly racing. It is so easy to get caught up with daily life and our minds are saturated with so much information and sensory input that it needs a break to filter out unnecessary information. I have decided to write about the benefits of meditation in hopes that it may help others, especially if you suffer from severe anxiety. Meditation is certainly not a substitution for prescribed therapy, religious practices, or prescribed medication. It is, however, an easy tool to use in combination with other activities that can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Meditation is beneficial if you suffer from any form of mental illness or medical condition. Meditation has been proven to decrease stress, lower blood pressure, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and even slow down the aging process. According to a study done my Harvard University, meditation even can help repair the grey matter of the brain in about eight weeks (see here). The grey matter of the brain is involved with sensory perception, muscle control, memory, emotions, decision making, and speech.
As we all know, creators and artists use their brain extensively. Training the mind to relax and concentrate is crucial to the creative act. As much as we love Vincent van Gogh’s art, mental illness is not intrinsic to the artistic process. In fact, it is difficult to know what anyone is truly capable of without having the ability to fully explore their creativity in a positive metal state. In the end, meditation can help our brains to perform optimally.
We all have heard about the process of meditation, but few know how to do it or where to begin. There are many free apps available that guide you through the process of meditation. My favorite so far is the app called “Meditation and Relaxation.” The app has a blue circle with a white background (Link): Just to clarify, I am not a sponsor for the app, but I really like that they walk you through the process step-by-step. There are plenty of other free apps available for your choosing.
If apps are not your thing, the best thing to do is to find 10 minutes a day to sit down somewhere quiet, play soothing music or sounds of nature (no voices), close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. The point of meditation is to be in the present state rather than somewhere else. As your mind wonders, the idea is to bring it back to your body and refocus on your breathing. Letting yourself let go of all your fears and worries that hamper your creative process will do wonders for you. Your brain will naturally learn how to remove or block unwanted or unnecessary thoughts, maintain a positive attitude, and allow you to focus on your goals.
I would love to hear your thoughts on meditation. Have you tried it, and what is your experience with it?
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