Close your eyes . . . no, open them; you can’t read this with your eyes closed!
Take a moment to clear your mind of all stresses and worries. Imagine the stillness of a lake with the bright reflection of the setting sun and dark blue sky glistening from its surface. A warm breeze comes gliding over your skin, bringing with it the smell of rich foliage and bright blossoms. You rest comfortably in an outdoor lounge chair either alone or surrounded by people you love. Now think of nothing but the dark gray silhouette of the bird in the distance gliding peacefully with the warm breeze. Softly move your gaze to a small red fox and her pups on the bank of the lake and watch as they sip from the cool clean water.
Open your senses, feel the breeze, smell the air, hear the lapping water, and observe the wildlife around you. Let all of the tension in your mind and body go just for this one moment. Be mindful of the space around you and the feeling your body has as it relaxes.
This is an example of guided meditation.
How do you feel? Is this a place that you long for? If we could imagine our daily lives with the same calmness and longing that we have for this scene, our lives would dramatically improve. The relationship between the mind and body is dramatic.
Health cannot be obtained without a break from the stresses of everyday life. Finding a way to become peaceful during many moments of each day may reduce stress, fatigue, and illness.
The Mayo Clinic states that the emotional benefits of meditation can include:
- Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
- Building skills to manage your stress
- Increasing self-awareness
- Focusing on the present
- Reducing negative emotions
Meditation may also be beneficial in managing of symptoms of illnesses such as anxiety disorders, asthma, cancer, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, and sleep problems. There are many types of mediation that you can practice. Some examples include guided, mantra, transcendental, and mindful mediation. There are also types of mediation such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and yoga for a more physical practice.
Find the right one for you and make it part of your daily routine for maximum mental and physical health benefits.
