BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

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Meditation is associated with physical and mental health benefits.  Since its origination more than three thousand years ago, these practices have been used by cultures and religions all across the world (LOH, 2003).  While meditation is known to help promote relaxation, it may also result in a slowed heart rate and lower blood pressure (Kristeller, 2011).  LOH (2003) stated that “Other health benefits from meditation includes better sleep, reduced abuse of alcohol and drugs, reduction of blood pressure, decreased in mean total cholesterol syndrome, decreased incidence of headache” (p. 1).  In addition, the psychological effects are improved self-esteem, reduced stress, better cognitive function, and overall happier moods (LOH 2003). 

Reaching beyond the physical and mental wellness aspects of health, meditation also has a great effect on spiritual well-being.  Wachholtz and Pargament (2008) noted that “the daily practice of spiritual meditation technique may enhance psychological, physical, and spiritual health” (p. 15).  Spiritual meditation enhances the feelings of experiencing meaning and purpose in life.  It also opens a pathway of realization to aspects of an individual’s life that they may perhaps take for granted, which in turn results in a greater sense of self-purpose (Wachholtz & Pargament, 2008).  Since I am striving for more meaning in my life, taking time to practice gratitude will be a good way to achieve the enhanced spiritual wellness I desire.

If I was to continually stick with my meditation routine, a few short-term benefits I would expect would be improved moods throughout my day and better quality sleep.  Meditation helps to lower stress and anxiety.  Therefore, if I were taking thirty minutes a day to meditate alone, I would be worrying about less in my life and spending more time being happy and appreciative.

As for as long-term benefits, I would expect to see some changes in my health.  I experience headaches every so often for no reason in particular, and I hope that by continuing with meditation that it will alleviate these migraines or at least reduce them.  Another benefit would be improved self-awareness and self-purpose.  This is my main goal for starting this routine and in the next months that follow, it would be amazing to see a change in this area of my life.

 

 

References

Keng Yin LOH, G. G. (2003). LETTER TO THE EDITOR Meditation for physical, mental and spiritual health. Asia Pacific Family Medicine, 2, 239. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/j.1444-1683.2003.00098.x

Kristeller, J. (2011). Spirituality and meditation. In Spiritually oriented interventions for counseling and psychotherapy. (pp. 197–227). American Psychological Association. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1037/12313-008

Wachholtz, A. B., & Pargament, K. I. (2008). Migraines and meditation: does spirituality matter? Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31(4), 351–366. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1007/s10865-008-9159-2

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