Benefits of Meditation to Health and Wellbing

In this journey we call life, amidst the responsibilities and distractions, finding solace and stability is crucial for nurturing our health and wellbeing. Meditation, an ancient practice steeped in wisdom and spirituality, can offer a sanctuary amidst the chaos. Its benefits are endless, reaching deep into our being, touching every aspect of our ‘usness’—from the physical to the emotional, from the mental to the spiritual.

Physiological Benefits

The link between meditation and physical health is well-established, supported by solid scientific research. Regular meditation has been shown to have numerous physiological benefits, including balancing hormones, slowing the aging process, lowering blood pressure, strengthening immune function, and decreasing inflammation. As Jon Kabat-Zinn, the pioneer of mindfulness-based stress reduction, aptly stated, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Through meditation, people can better deal with physical discomforts, like pain or illness, in a calm and strong way, tapping into their body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Stress Reduction

Stress exacts a heavy toll on our mental and physical wellbeing—it can literally ruin lives. With meditation as a potent antidote, offering a refuge from the relentless onslaught of stress in this busy world, we can find peace. Deepak Chopra captures the essence of meditation, saying, “Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It’s a way of entering into the quiet that’s already there—buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day.” Meditation helps us find calm in the middle of life’s craziness by quieting our minds. It’s like creating a peaceful hideaway inside ourselves where we can go whenever we need a break from the chaos around us.

Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience

Emotions profoundly influence our overall wellbeing. Meditation serves as a transformative tool for understanding the power of emotions. Sharon Salzberg, a renowned meditation teacher, encapsulates this sentiment succinctly, stating, “Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” Through the cultivation of mindfulness, individuals develop a better awareness of their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Resilience helps us keep going even when things get tough, staying strong, positive, and true to ourselves. And when life throws us lemons, as they say, forget the lemonade; meditate... then maybe have a glass after.

Enhanced Cognitive Function

The practice of meditation has been celebrated for its impact on cognitive function and mental clarity. By quieting the chatter of the mind and honing focused attention, meditation empowers individuals to sharpen their cognitive faculties. As the Dalai Lama observes, “Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” By training our minds to stay calm and focused through meditation, we can unlock our full mental potential, helping us think more clearly and stay sharp.

Improved Sleep Quality

Quality sleep has become a precious commodity, and many people find it elusive. Meditation can be a natural remedy for sleep problems, aiding relaxation and tranquility. Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher and author, offers profound insight into the nature of mindfulness, remarking, “Realise deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” When we focus on the here and now through meditation, we let go of worries about the past and future, finding peace in the present moment. This freedom allows us to fully immerse ourselves in what’s happening right now, making it easier to appreciate the important moments in life and feel more relaxed and alive.

Feeling Happier

With all these wonderful benefits, it seems obvious that ‘feeling happier’ would be one of them. As the Dalai Lama says, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” This emphasises that happiness is not something received from external circumstances but rather something we cultivate through our thoughts, actions, and attitudes, taking responsibility for our own happiness and shaping our lives positively.

Following all this research, it's clear that meditation offers a host of advantages for our health and overall wellbeing, reaching into every aspect of our lives, from our bodies to our emotions and thoughts. By taking the time to meditate, we can foster an inner calm and balance amid life’s ups and downs. Meditation is like a guiding friend, showing us how to stay calm even when everything around us feels crazy. It teaches us to find our own inner peace, even when life gets hectic. I like to think of meditation as coming home to ourselves.