20 Research- Based Benefits of Meditation

Contrary to what most people believe, meditation is an active practice.

The image we have of someone meditating is of a person sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, with no thoughts on their mind. In reality, the practice of meditation can be performed while walking, dancing, chanting, doing yoga, breathing, talking to your inner-self, doing Tai Chi, QiGong, praying, sitting in communion, and many other ways.

Why would many traditions and even religions support the practice of meditation?

Besides the deep spiritual connection we experience while meditating, the practice of meditation has invaluable emotional, mental, and health benefits. Here are 20 of the most prevalent, research-based benefits of meditation.

1. Reduce stress
2. Improves concentration and attention
3. Lowers blood pressure
4. Increases mental clarity
5. Enhances creativity
6. Enhances presence
7. Increases self-awareness
8. Preserves brain health
9. Reduces anxiety
10. Improves mood
11. Helps manage cravings
12. Improves immune system
13. Improves sleep
14. Increases spiritual awakening and intuition
15. Increases compassion
16. Provides peace of mind
17. Allows to see other perspectives
18. Helps control anger
19. Relieves pain
20. Connects us with our higher self

Meditation is an active training of the mind. Many experts call it opening the gap between the thoughts to allow guidance to come in. When you are able to become aware of your own thoughts and how they operate in your mind, you can gain awareness and insight into the amount of control you have. Practicing meditation we learn to observe our thoughts without attaching to them and take the role of the observer. Even if you do not get to that level right away, practicing meditation will bring a sense of ease and calm much needed in our daily lives.

Experience a guided Mudra Chakra Meditation here