Meditation, Why we need it

There have been countless published studies that have reported the physical and mental health benefits of meditation. Many of these include decreased pain, better immune function, less anxiety and depression, a heightened sense of well-being, and greater happiness and emotional self-control. 

Meditation isn’t about becoming a different person. It doesn’t mean you have to sit with your legs crossed, hands in a prayer position, and “ohm’ing”, meditation is different for everyone. It’s a skill, just like learning how to ride a bike, we need to learn how to meditate.

When we meditate we learn how to lower our stress levels, improve our focus, and treat ourselves with kindness. There are many styles of meditation, just like diet and fitness, there’s no one size fits all. 

When we pay attention to our breath, we are learning how to return to, and remain in, the present moment.

Below is a great meditation/mindfulness practice for beginners:

Keep in mind we’re not looking to wipe your mind clear of the countless and endless thoughts that enter our brains. We’re practicing bringing our attention to our breath. When our mind begins to wander we accept the thought and come back to the breath.

Find a comfortable space, sit or lay, just be comfortable wherever you are.

You’re going to simply focus on your own natural inhaling and exhaling of breath.

Focus on your inhale and exhale pattern. Where do you feel your breath most? In your belly? In your nose? Try to keep your attention on your inhale and exhale.

To easily keep your attention with your breath we’re going to perform the 5-5-5 method, this method will keep your mind from wandering too far as well as give you a boost of energy at the end. 

To bring ourselves to calm take a deep inhale, expanding your belly, and then exhale slowly, elongating the out-breath as your belly contracts. Do this 3 times, on your fourth inhale you will hold your breath for 5 then exhale for five. We will do this for 5 breaths. 

Breathe in for 5 seconds, hold for 5 and exhale for 5.

It’s about training our awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective. You’re not trying to turn off your thoughts or feelings.