What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness is a way of paying attention from moment to moment to whatever arises. Derived from the Buddhist meditative traditions but now finding its way increasingly into secular contexts, the mindfulness approach to personal effectiveness, emotional intelligence and stress reduction has increasingly been subject to scientific research. This research is showing very positive effects on the brains and bodies of people who practice meditation.
One of the most recent studies which was reported in the Jan. 30 issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging. It reported that M.R.I. brain scans taken before and after the participants’ meditation regimen found increased gray matter in the hippocampus, an area important for learning and memory. The images also showed a reduction of gray matter in the amygdala, a region connected to anxiety and stress. A control group that did not practice meditation showed no such changes.
Many people still think that you have to sit is weird positions, wear robes, chant or practice Buddhism. This is not the case.
Mindfulness meditation can be practiced almost any place and anywhere by anyone. You can meditate sitting in a chair, lying down, sitting on the floor or on an airplane or train. Anywhere you can focus your attention to your breathing and let go of distractions, you can meditate. It is that simple, yet it takes practice to achieve that benefits of meditation.
Mindfulness meditation training benefits –
The ancient wisdom of mindfulness is being supported more and more by scientific research. Studies have found the following benefits for people who have completed mindfulness training and practice mindfulness meditation:
- Increased self-awareness, self-trust, and self-acceptance
- Enhanced appreciation of life
- Serenity in the face of difficulties
- More accepting attitude toward life and its challenges
- More fluid adaptation to change and development of more effective coping strategies
- Improvement of ADD and ADHD symptoms
- Lasting decreases in a variety of stress-related physical symptoms, including chronic pain
- Reduce considerably their chances that depression will return
- Significant decreases in anxiety and depression
- Improved concentration and creativity
- Improved immune system functioning
- Decreased symptoms secondary to cancer
These days, mindfulness training is found in corporations, health care, athletics, professional services firms and business schools.
We look forward to teaching you Mindfulness Meditation and help you better your life. If you would like to learn how to mediate and become more mindful please contact us at 918-734-4335 or 877-901-4335 or email tulsapsych@cox.net
