Meditation is something that most people have some ideas about, but they can’t fully define exactly what it is. That’s made more difficult by the fact that there are nine types of meditation in common practice: Mindfulness meditation, spiritual meditation, focused meditation, movement meditation, mantra meditation, transcendental meditation, progressive relaxation, loving-kindness meditation, and visualization meditation. Take a look at this article to learn more about those different types of meditation and find one that suits you best.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation has many potential physical and psychological benefits for older adults. It’s commonly prescribed as a way to help treat chronic disease and mood disorders. Meditation is a way to calm the mind and body. It requires that you sit or lie down, relax, and pay little attention to thoughts as they drift in and out of your mind. It can be viewed as an antidote to the fight-or-flight response. When you meditate, in general, the breath slows down, heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, stress decreases, digestive function improves and the sense of tension in the body decreases. Mindful meditation has many potential physical and psychological benefits for older adults, including better focus, enhanced calmness, less stress, and improved sleep. Research shows that mindfulness and meditation can reduce depression and pain, and boost emotional well-being. It can even help adults come to terms with the challenges of aging. Mindfulness meditation can improve brain power and reduce age-related cognitive decline. It enhances long- and short-term memory, the ability to focus and resilience. The well-documented stress reduction results of mindfulness practice come with a host of related physical benefits, including lower blood pressure and inflammation.
Where to Learn Meditation
Most communities have yoga centers, where meditation is often taught. Community colleges with Adult Learning programs sometimes offer classes in meditation. Many people learn online. Here is an article that lists the best places online for guided meditation.
The proof is there. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
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