Understanding the Power of Meditation
Learn the benefits and discover how to incorporate meditation into your life.
We’ve been there: the “to do” list is unending, the demands of work are weighing on you, you’ve got to shuttle the kids from one practice to the next, and in the midst of a chaotic day you’re supposed to…meditate?! How?!
Finding a moment of peace in today’s world can be challenging, to say the least. However, science continues to unveil the remarkable benefits of a steady meditation practice, highlighting its positive impact on our mental well-being. The good news is you can start small – just a few minutes a day – to begin your meditation practice. While it can feel impossible to squeeze meditation into a busy day, it’s the days that are the busiest when we need this practice the most.
We are here to help! Learn more about the science behind meditation, tips to get started, and ways to practice.
The Harvard Study: Eight Weeks to a Better Brain
The groundbreaking study conducted in 2011 by Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital revealed the substantial cognitive benefits of an eight-week mindfulness meditation program. Previous studies had shown structural differences between the brains of people who meditated and those who did not, including thickening of the cerebral cortex in areas pertaining to attention and emotional integration.
The Harvard study contributed to our understanding of the impact of meditation on the brain, showing that participants had an increase in gray matter density in the brain regions associated with self-awareness, compassion, and introspection. They also had a decreased gray-matter density in the amygdala which contributes to anxiety and stress. This incredible research serves as a testament to the transformative power of meditation on the brain!
10 Ways Meditation Can Benefit You:
Enhanced Focus and Concentration
Stress Reduction
Increased Emotional Resilience
Improved Sleep
Enhanced Creativity
Lower Anxiety Levels
Greater Self-Awareness
Boosted Immune System
Pain Management
Increased Overall Well-being and Satisfaction with Life.
5 Tips for Getting Started with Meditation:
Start Small: Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. Be patient and consistent, and understand that progress takes time. Stay committed to your practice, even on days when it feels challenging, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Create a Sacred Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable space for meditation, free from distractions, to enhance your focus.
Use Guided Meditations: Guided meditations structure and guidance, especially if you're new to the practice.
Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for your meditation practice, considering your schedule and personal preferences. (For example, are you more likely to meditate consistently first thing in the morning or later in the day?)
Use Community Support or a Buddy System: Find a meditation buddy and/or attend live meditation classes to connect with others who are also meditating. Both breathe’s online and in-studio meditation classes are great places to find like-minded people who value meditation like you do!
Ways to Practice:
Join us in-studio or online for live meditation classes!
If you’re a member at breathe (online or in-studio) you have access to an on-demand library which includes numerous meditation classes. We rotate the classes biweekly so they stay fresh!
Set a timer on your phone for how long you want to be in your meditation. You can play some gentle music in the background, if you prefer that to silence.
Try a meditation app.
Embarking on a journey of regular meditation can be a transformative experience for your mental well-being. Each moment spent in meditation is a step towards a healthier, more mindful life. Sounds pretty great, right? Maybe you start meditating today. Or right now!
Sit comfortably.
Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath.
And away you go!
