When the subject of mindfulness comes up, there are those who still imagine that meditation is the domain of free spirits who like to sit somewhere on a woven turf. But the fact is, there is nothing woo-woo about mindfulness and awareness meditation. These life-changing practices of meditation have been around for millennia, and virtually every spiritual path integrates some form of it.
Though it has its roots in Buddhism, non-secular mindfulness meditation as practiced today is accessible to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. Despite its remarkable popularity, you may be wondering, "But why should I meditate?" To answer this (justifiable) question, we list six interesting facts about meditation below.
A Few Facts You May Not Know About Meditation
Meditation makes you happier
People who meditate generally lead happier lives than those who don't. Meditation is known to improve the flow of constructive thoughts and positive emotions. Even a few minutes spent meditating regularly can make a big difference.
Scientific evidence supports this claim: Extensive studies were conducted on a group of Buddhist monks while they meditated. The prefrontal cortex of the monks' brain (the part associated with happiness) was found to be extra active.
You don't have to be a religious person to meditate
The experts are sure that meditation can benefit everyone. It goes beyond doctrine: it is about developing calmness, exercising awareness and clearing the mind. And while contemplation is an important part of most world religions, you don't have to follow a religion to practice meditation.
This is good news for the one in five people who typically describe themselves as "spiritual but not religious!" Also, previous research in the United States indicated how common mindfulness meditation has become, regardless of religious affiliation.
Meditation helps you manage anxiety, stress and depression
The transformative potential of meditation should not be underestimated. Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin have shown that meditation has physiological effects on the brain.
For example, researchers found that the portion of the brain that regulates stress and anxiety shrinks when meditation is practiced consistently. By focusing on moment-to-moment experiences, meditators train the mind to remain calm even in stressful situations. In addition, they experience significantly less anxiety due to uncertainty about the future.
You experience meditation benefits almost immediately
The numerous health benefits that come from meditation are another good reason to adopt this habit. Certain benefits can become noticeable very quickly after people sit down to meditate. A sense of calm and peace of mind are common experiences, even if this feeling is fleeting and subtle.
Some people worry that meditation will have the opposite effect because their minds seem busier than ever. The advice: stick to it and keep your sessions short. Meditation is not about wiping the slate of your mind, it is about being aware of what appears there. And you are one step ahead: you already notice how busy the mind can be.
Meditation sharpens your memory
In addition to increasing your happiness and improving your overall well-being, meditation also helps to keep your memory sharp and your concentration stable. Mindfulness meditation trains you to stay aware of the present moment in a non-judgmental way. Distractions will therefore be less and less likely to knock you out of the field. One more reason to meditate.
Meditation helps you fall asleep
Insomnia is a disturbing condition – everyone fears a sleepless night. Unfortunately, about a third of the population suffers from some form of sleep deprivation, either incidental or chronic.
If you're one of those unlucky people who stare at the ceiling all night and count sheep all night, meditation might be the answer. An article in the Harvard Health Blog confirms that meditation triggers the relaxation response – which is why some people actually have the opposite problem: they fall asleep as soon as they start meditating!
Sources include DisturbMeNot (link), Insider (link), MindWorks (link), PositivePsychology (link)
