The healing power of meditation

These days, there is a lot of discussion about meditation, and it is well-deserved.

Meditation is frequently included in lists of activities that contribute to our emotional well-being. It is considered a fundamental practice for cultivating happiness and inner peace.

Understanding meditation is not a mystery, as science has demonstrated its numerous benefits. Meditation has the potential to:

• reduce pain and strengthen the immune system

• reduce depression, anxiety, anger and confusion

• stimulate blood flow and calm a rapid heartbeat

• increase calmness, peace, and balance

• aid in the prevention of heart disease

• assist in controlling thoughts

• increase energy

• reduce stress

Various meditation techniques are available, such as concentrating on your breath, gazing at a candle flame, or reciting a mantra, whether with music or in silence. The choice of method depends on individual preference, but meditation can be done individually or in a group setting.

If you feel unfamiliar and unsure, it may be beneficial to enrol in a meditation course and spend some peaceful time there. Nevertheless, you are free to meditate at home on your own.

While meditation might initially appear complex, it is actually quite simple. Essentially, meditation involves being mindful of our thoughts and letting them pass without becoming agitated or feeling discouraged by the inability to quiet the mind.

Meditation does not involve completely stopping thoughts, as that would be unattainable. Instead, we can observe thoughts as they arise, recognize them, and allow them to pass. The essence of meditation is just being aware of your mind.

The video below provides a very clear explanation of meditation. It emphasizes that while our mind is constantly active, meditation enables us to control it by assigning it a specific focus. For instance, we can instruct the mind to pay attention to our breath, repeat a mantra, focus on a candle flame, and more.

This is precisely what enables us to fully experience the present moment in this desired "now." Through this, we understand that we exist only in the present, here and now, as we cannot revisit the past or jump ahead to the future. Therefore, investing our time and thoughts in those realms is rather futile.

No matter how hard you try, you cannot alter the past, so there is no point in criticizing yourself for past actions or wishing for different outcomes. The future is unpredictable, allowing for unexpected changes despite your plans. It is beneficial to remain open to whatever comes your way, without rigid expectations.

Regardless of your concerns, the future will arrive - worrying is therefore futile and seldom beneficial. The present moment is the only aspect you have power over, and that is the essence of mindfulness.