Although meditation has been practiced for ages, it has only recently become popular in the Western world as more people become aware of the benefits, not only in achieving a more peaceful and less stressful life but also in maintaining a healthy physical body. It has become part of my daily routine just like exercising and eating healthy, and I have experience the benefits of it over the years. So when someone ask me what my secret is to living a joyful and healthy life, I always mention meditation as one of the ingredients.
A few weeks ago one of my cousins came to visit and asked me the same question. She works 60 hours a week for a big company in New York and lives in a highrise condominium. Although she makes a very good living, she told me she wasn't happy. She was a nervous wreck; her life was hectic and stressful and she was having some of the most common health issues associated with her lifestyle like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and borderline obesity.
My cousin was actually jealous to see me live a very peaceful and joyful life in a small town in the South while maintaining a healthy body which is also in great shape. She also admired the aura of self confidence that I always presented. She admitted that even her doctor had told her to learn how to relax. So I said to her, "that's your answer." I also went on to tell her about the benefits of meditation and that she should incorporate the ancient practice into her daily routine.
There are various meditation techniques from the very basic to elaborate ones involving different postures, visualization, guided imagery, and mantra. However, they all serve a common purpose which is to focus your awareness to the present moment, freeing your mind of all concerns.
Besides being used by holistic healers, some meditation techniques also help people ease anxiety and depression, and are nowadays employed by physicians in large hospitals to aid in the healing process of their patients. Meditation also benefits students and athletes in improving their performance.
You don't have to belong to a certain religion to benefit from meditation. Nor do you have to sit barefoot in a lotus or half lotus position (although that's what I do) as not everyone is capable of doing that. All you need to do is be in a quiet place free from distractions for about 15 minutes during the day where you can relax and free your mind. So you can be in your office and still experience the benefits of meditation. There is also walking meditation that helps you relax your body and mind while you walk slowly and concentrate on your breath and the movements of your feet.
While many people go to great lengths to try to find their life's purpose, mine is really simple: to be happy and have fun each and every day. Meditation is one of the great tools that help me do so. By enjoying my own life I also help others enjoy theirs. Even though I don't make nearly as much money as my cousin, I can say (without boasting) that I enjoy my life more.
The good news is, the last time I talked to her, she told me she had joined a meditation class and started to reap some of the benefits. She was calmer and happier, and her blood pressure had improved. So if you're in a situation similar to hers, you may want to give meditation a try and watch it work magic in your life.
Tanya Robbins is a staff writer at http://www.coolinfolounge.com/ where you can read great articles like Wall Decorating Ideas.
