Friday, January 30, 2009

Why Meditation Works

I know now why meditation makes you calm and relaxed. Studies have shown the benefits of meditation which include stress reduction, a sense of well-being and better health.

Meditation requires two things : alertness and abandon. These two contrary positions placed together cancel each other out resulting in a sense of "freedom in the void."

Because it requires attention and alertness, meditation increases brain activity in the frontal lobes. In essence, it develops the executive functions. At the same time, it develops the "letting go" that results when attention becomes rhythmic and steady.

The juxtaposition of these two contrary movements during the meditation process accounts for the deep release that comes after 10 minutes of sustained attention.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

The reason meditating is such a boon for those who need stress relief is that if you make it a ritual; that is, something you do constantly every day or at least every few days, then you will find it has a lasting impact not only on your stress levels but also on your physical health, emotional health and mental health.

Shim Sung Training