igniting your inner calm

The turning of the seasons offers an opportunity to become mindful of transitions we may be going through in our own lives. The fall season can represent a time of transition in nature, from a phase of growth and rejuvenation to a phase of rest and retreat.

When the fall season nears I find I often need to adopt more restorative and grounding practices as to not get sucked into the rapid changes all around me. Adopting a meditative practice can help us to flow through these transitions of life and nature with balance and harmony. If you have been curious about the benefits of meditation, check out the 5 W’s of meditation below!

I wish you all a healthy and restorative autumn season!

5 W’s of Meditation

Are you familiar with the benefits of meditation?
Has your doctor suggested meditation to help with your medical condition?
Do you keep hearing all of the pros and cons of meditation?
Let’s take a look at 5 W’s of meditation!

*WHAT is meditation?
It can be described as sustained concentration or even a state of being. 

*WHO is it for?
Anyone!
The benefits of meditation are being seen throughout the spectrum of life, from young children to older adults; and for preventative health measures or support of health ailments.

*WHERE does one meditate?
Anywhere!
If you are new to meditation, it may help to begin your practice in the comfort of a quiet environment. However, as your practice evolves, the act of meditation can be integrated into your daily life no matter your setting.

*WHEN should I meditate?
Anytime!
Yogic philosophy encourages meditation at the transition points of the day—just before sunrise, around midday, and just before sunset, as it is believed that these transitional points best open the mind to be transformed. However, in today’s modern pace, getting it in where you can fit it in, works too! Anytime is always better than no time.  

*WHY should I meditate?
In one of the first US studies and publications on the effects of meditation, US physician Dr. Herbert Benson highlighted the clinical applications of meditation in his book ‘The Relaxation Response’ released in the 1970s.
Since then research continues to grow on the benefits of various meditation techniques. 

holistic benefits of meditation

Physical:
-Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
-Reduces respiratory rate
-Enhances breathing capacity
-Enhances sleep quality
-Alters brain wave patterns 
-Reduces stress hormones, like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol

Energetic:
-Reduces tension
-Lessens restlessness 
-Increases creativity and productive use of energy

Mental:
-Enhances memory
-Increases self-awareness 
-Improves focus and concentration

Emotional:
-Promotes positive emotions
-Decreases feelings of attachment
-Promotes healthful expression of emotions
-Enhances feelings of peace and contentment

Spiritual:
-Instills a sense of purpose
-Increases the ability to get along with people
-Improves resilience in the face of challenges
-Strengthens virtues such as humility, acceptance, and compassion
-Deepens a relationship with God and a power higher than ourselves 

The benefits of meditation span all of our layers of being human while also promoting physical, mental, and emotional health outcomes.