Sarah and I absolutely love using meditations and guided visualizations when we hold retreats or take groups of souls on Mind, Body and Spirit journeys around the world.
Read this incredible list of changes that can occur in the mind, body and soul when you spend even a little bit of time in meditation!
We’re going to get a little more scientific than usual, but sometimes it’s good to see some concrete facts! An expert panel at the National Institute of Health found that the practice of meditating has also been linked with many favorable outcomes. Findings included “effective functioning in the areas of academic performance, concentration, perceptual sensitivity, reaction time, memory, self-control, empathy and self-esteem.” When they evaluated the effects of two meditation-based programs, they were able to conclude that meditating had definite stress-reducing effects and also increased forgiveness!
There is a definable state of calm and peacefulness that emerges as you come out of your meditative state. Your pulse and heart rate have slowed down and a feeling that has been described by many as serene, tranquil and not feeling as concerned about the things that had previously bothered them.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts found that those who meditated about 30-minutes per day over an 8-week period reported feeling a “heightened awareness and a keen sense of observation” at the end of this period. Participants in the study also said that they felt non-judgmental! Other benefits also included reduced anxiety, depression, headaches and pain.
A study recently published in Psychological Science actually suggests that meditation may increase attention spans. Research indicates that practicing meditation can result in better task-related activities and sustained attention.
Did you know that the Alzheimer Website cites using the Sa Ta Na Ma meditation as being scientifically recognized as a powerful tool for preventing or stopping Alzheimer’s disease, increasing cognitive function (perception, thinking, reasoning and remembering) and reducing stress levels while improving short term memory?
Yes! Eleven minutes a day of the Kirtan Kriya is the only requirement.
These are just a few of the thousands of studies related to meditation and its mind, body and spirit connection. But I think that the Dalai Lama phrased it best:
“We all have the Buddha nature and thus already have within us the substances through which, when we meet with the proper conditions, we can turn into a fully enlightened being having all beneficial attributes and devoid of all faults. The very root of failure in our lives is to think, “Oh, how useless and powerless I am!” It is important to have a strong force of mind thinking, “I can do it,” this not being mixed with pride or any other afflictive emotions.”
“Moderate effort over a long period of time is important, no matter what you are trying to do. One brings failure on oneself by working extremely hard at the beginning, attempting to do too much and then giving it all up after a short time. A constant stream of moderate effort is needed. Similarly, when meditating, you need to be skillful by having frequent, short sessions; it is more important that the session be good quality than it be long.”
“When you have such effort, you have the necessary "substances" for developing concentration. Concentration is a matter of channeling this mind which is presently distracted in a great many directions. A scattered mind does not have much power. When channeled, no matter what the object of observation is, the mind is very powerful.”
So we would love to have you join us on one of our Soul Journeys adventures! Each day you will receive a guided meditation specifically created for our participants that will allow your subconscious to integrate the daily soul learning. Are you ready?
Related podcast episodes by Petey and Sarah:
Therapy Unfiltered
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