The best-kept secret about meditation
A MENtal Strength series article—click here for article home page.
Everyone has heard of meditation and its benefits. From our friends to celebrities, the positive effects of meditation are often touted. Yet, many people who believe in its benefits don't claim the benefits for themselves.
The most significant benefits are hidden
Why is this? One obstacle is that people don't realize just how profoundly meditation can impact their lives when they practice it consistently. They know it might be good for them but don't understand how significant the long-term results can be.
Documented benefits
It's easy to learn about the documented benefits of meditation. Research shows regular meditation reduces stress, improves concentration, and enhances emotional health.
Stress reduction: The American Psychological Association reports that mindfulness meditation reduces stress by 30% after an 8-week program.
Improved focus: The University of California, Santa Barbara, found improved attention and cognitive performance with mindfulness meditation.
Emotional health: The Journal of Clinical Psychology showed a 38% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety through meditation.
Beyond the stats
The impact of meditation goes beyond statistics. A calmer mind and better present-moment awareness mean more opportunities and better functioning in crucial situations.
Improved awareness
Meditation helps us observe our limiting beliefs. This reduces their unconscious influence. Instead of avoiding situations we wrongly associate with danger, we take healthy risks.
Life-changing effects
These psychological changes can alter our lives. Regular meditation can improve job performance, enhance personal relationships, and create a positive feedback loop for overall satisfaction.
Simple start
Meditation is easy to start. What's hard is keeping it up. Results come gradually, making it hard to believe it's worth the daily investment.
How to meditate
A simple approach is to sit and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. At first, it won't feel special. You won't see the treasure you're amassing.
Long-term benefits
Meditation isn't a risky investment. It pays off beautifully, though evidence comes slowly. Eventually, you'll see improvements in your life. Meditation becomes refreshing, especially when tired or stressed. I've simply never heard anyone claim that they wasted time by meditating, unless they've only done it a little.
You’re worth the investment
As a therapist, I see clients improve more quickly and confidently when they’re willing to invest 20 minutes a day into their making peace with their inner world. It’s hard for me not to believe that it will benefit you in a similar way.
While starting and maintaining meditation requires commitment, the long-term rewards are worth it. Begin today with a few minutes of focused breathing and watch the positive changes unfold.
Michael Giles LCSW is a psychotherapist who specializes in helping men overcoming anxiety, heal from trauma, and repair their relationships.
Click here to schedule a consultation.
Click here to read about his book, Relationship Repair for Men: Counterintuitive behaviors that restore love to struggling relationships.
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