Head Check: a mental and emotional health resource
Also known as “quieting the mind”, meditation is an ancient practice stemming from the Eight Limbs of Yoga. It can help you feel relaxed by creating a stronger awareness of your emotions and learning to let them just pass by. Meditation is a great tool to recognize our present.
HOW MEDITATION WORKS
Meditation allows us to let our thoughts flow past us, helping rewire the brain towards more positive emotions. Modern technology like fMRI scans have shown that meditation decreases the negative neurological connections to the medial prefrontal cortex, reducing traits such as fear, stress, and anxiety. Thus, it builds new positive neurological connections in the parts of the brain responsible for promoting traits like focus, calmness, compassion and good decision-making.
“When we meditate, we are cultivating awareness and compassion; we are training the mind to stop being easily distracted and instead be more focused in the present moment. Using the breath as our anchor in the moment, we simply sit and gradually learn to let thoughts and feelings come and go.” - Headspace
MEDITATION AND STRESS
Stress is the natural reaction of our bodies necessary for survival and happens when we encounter changes in life. Acute stress or fight-or-flight occurs in response to demands and pressures. Chronic stress on the other hand has more long-term effects. Constant worrying can wear down the body, making you feel tired, anxious, and damage your overall health dramatically.
Meditation triggers the body’s relaxation response, stopping the release of stress hormones and reducing the density of brain tissues associated with anxiety and worrying. Meditation helps the body repair itself and prevents new physical damages of stress, such as low energy, headaches, upset stomachs, insomnia, and more. The practice of refocusing your thoughts can help you avoid falling into negative thinking patterns.
LEARN YOUR OWN WAY
Take time to get comfortable with the skill of meditation! Find which techniques and types of meditation works for you.
Body Scan
Focused Attention
Noting
Visualization
Loving kindness
Skillful compassion
Resting awareness
Reflection
Zen
Mantra
Transcendental
Yoga
Vipassana
Chakra
Qigong
Sound bath
Meditation helps you become aware of your thoughts and navigate through them. With discipline and consistent practice, expect to feel refreshed, less stressed, and ready to face the challenges of your day with a healthy attitude.
See for yourself and join a meditation class with Abby on othermovement.online
Words and Illustrations: Tasha Soriano
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Qn5d-Dv7GyISCJEh7Z54n-y1G-_apkOZPcEYZqj0jbw/edit?usp=sharing