Is Meditation For Everyone?
Written by An Pham
In today's fast-paced world, our minds are constantly bombarded with stimuli, making it difficult to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. The distractions and stress of daily life can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from our true selves. Meditation can bring a sense of peace and clarity that can help you navigate the complexities of life; allowing you to slow down, breathe deeply and connect deeply with the “now”. Meditation is a deeply personal and intimate practice, for some, it may work wonders, but for others, sitting in contemplation, stillness and quieting the mind can be a great challenge. Especially for those of us who struggle with anxiety or depression, negative thoughts and emotions can make it difficult to focus and maintain a meditative state. Meditation can also be a slow process, and it can take time to see the benefits, which can be discouraging, and you might’ve given up before the magic starts to “work”.
Will meditation serve me?
The benefits meditation can offer depends on your openness and commitment to the practice. You might find that your mind is too active, and it’s maybe taxing to quiet the mind during meditation. Or it’s simply because you haven’t found the type of meditation or teacher that serves your personal style and approach to practice. It's important to remember that everyone's spiritual journey is unique, and meditation is just one path towards inner peace and self-discovery. Just like a seed needs the right conditions to grow, our minds and hearts need the right environment to open up and embrace the transformative power of meditation.
How meditation feeds Our brain and nervous system
For some, meditation comes naturally and they experience its benefits right away. But for others, it may take time, effort and patience to develop the discipline to sink into the quietness. It is said that meditation is like a key that unlocks the door to inner wisdom, but only those who are willing to turn the key will find its benefits. Regardless, the journey of self-discovery and inner peace through meditation is worth pursuing for those who are willing to put in the effort. Although the journey might be different for each of us, but by quieting the mind, one can tap into a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being, which can have a profound impact on the brain and nervous system. Regular meditation has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, improve focus and attention, enhance memory, boost brain plasticity, and even decrease symptoms of depression. These benefits can be attributed to the positive effects of meditation on brain activity and the nervous system. While meditation is a deeply personal practice, the scientific evidence supporting its benefits is undeniable. If you're interested in learning more, I recommend checking out studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA). These organizations have conducted extensive research on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, and their findings are a testament to the power of this ancient practice.
Meditation: beyond the physical benefits
But it is not just about the physical and scientific benefits, but also about the spiritual journey of self-discovery and inner peace. By allowing ourselves to be present in the moment and connect with our inner selves, we can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, meaning, and happiness. Meditation helps us cultivate a deeper awareness of our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to make conscious choices in response to difficult situations. It also develops a sense of compassion and empathy for others. When you meditate, you are reminded of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding.
In a busy world, it's all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities and responsibilities, losing sight of what is truly important. But meditation provides a much-needed respite from the chaos, helping us recenter and refocus on our priorities. It enables us to tune out the noise and distractions and tap into our inner wisdom and intuition, which can often be drowned out by the demands of daily life.
So, if meditation isn't working for you, don't be discouraged. Keep searching for what resonates with you, and have faith that your spiritual journey will lead you to where you need to be. With an open heart and a willingness to explore, you will find the peace and contentment that you seek.
Upcoming at our studio, we are honored to host 2 meditation courses and trial classes with different teachers and styles:
Integrate Meditation In Your Daily Life with Ernestine Numan: A 5-week course to will retreat from our daily lives into the comfort of the yoga studio, and into ourselves. With various styles of meditation, go on a journey to discover the inner peace and wisdom that’s in each one of us. Whether meditation is new to you, or you are an experienced meditator, you will find ways to connect with yourself, stay grounded and centered, and follow your flow in your everyday life | Five Tuesday evenings | 7 Feb- 7 Mar 2023
Buddha-dharma & Meditation Course with Dana Marshall: Learn how to integrate meditation into your everyday life in this 5-week course. You will be introduced to the practice of Shamatha, a Sanskrit word that means peaceful abiding. The atmosphere will be infused with the view of basic goodness. When you complete this course, you will feel confident that you know the view and technique of meditation practice | Five Tuesday evenings | 25 April & 2, 9, 16, 23 May.
Trial meditation classes with Dana are on 21 March and 18 April. You can book these classes with your membership or class pass here.