The greatest misunderstanding about meditation and the reason why so many people either don’t start, or give up on it and never fully develop the benefits of the practice of meditation is the misconception that you need to clear or empty your mind of all thoughts.

 

Meditation is not about clearing the mind; it is simply about being in a relaxed state in which the mind is free of scattered thoughts or over-thinking.  

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The earliest written records of meditation are found in the Hindu Veda’s of Nepal and India dating around 1500 BC.  The Veda's are a large body of knowledge texts originating in the ancient Indian subcontinent which discuss the spiritual traditions of ancient India and are among the oldest known sacred texts. It is said that the term meditation was introduced as a translation for ‘Eastern spiritual practices’ from the words:

• Medha (Hindi/Pali) – understanding, wisdom

• Meditari (Latin) – to ponder, reflect

• Mederi (Latin) – remedy, mend, heal

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Psychology, neuroscience and medical research on the topics of meditation and mindfulness has been increasing exponentially over the past 25 years.  Science has proven that meditative brainwave frequencies enable us to access our deeper subconscious and are key states for healing on all levels - mental, emotional, physical & spiritual.  

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Meditation is just like exercise, but it’s a form of mental exercise. And just as exercise increases health, helps us handle stress better and promotes longevity, meditation provides those same benefits.

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Benefits of meditation include, but are not limited to:​

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• Increased energy & alertness

• Increased creativity

• Increased motivation

• Improved quality of sleep - meditation helps overcome insomnia

• Feelings of vitality and rejuvenation

• Reduced stress

• Helps control anxiety and depression

• Reduced irritability and moodiness

• Improved emotional control

• Improved self-esteem

• Lower stress and stress hormone levels

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduction of pain

• Strengthened immune system

• Increased resilience

• Increased neuroplasticity (The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new pathways and connections)

• Improved cognitive functioning – concentration, mental clarity, learning ability, memory, decision making ability & moral reasoning

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It’s well documented that grey matter in our cerebral cortex - the region of the brain that plays a key role in learning, memory, attention, perception, cognition, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness - shrinks as we get older. Scientific studies are showing that meditation can potentially protect against age-related grey matter loss and age-related cognitive decline. 

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Classes will be informative as well as practical and help you overcome some of the hurdles that may be preventing you from meditating.  

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You will find out:

 

• What meditation is, what it isn't and how to do it

• How to breathe 'correctly' to stimulate the relaxation response, a key state for healing and well-being - or to energise

• How to stop 'mind chatter' and not get 'involved' with thoughts while meditating

• How to to disengage from emotionally charged thoughts and re-establish equanimity* (Deep sense of peace)

• How to deal with distractions

• How to deal with pain and other uncomfortable sensations

• Experience a sound bath meditation (see Sound Therapy for more information about sound baths)

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* Equanimity: (Latin: æquanimitas having an even mind; aequus even animus mind/soul) A state of psychological stability and composure which is undisturbed by experience of, or exposure to emotions, pain, or other phenomena that may cause one to lose the balance of their mind.

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For enquiries or information about meditation classes in Central Whangarei and Whangarei Heads 

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Call 022 188 0212 or send me a message via the contact form below.