RP258 Thinking About Not Thinking

 RP258 Thinking About Not Thinking

You might not think that sitting still with your eyes closed and doing nothing can be so good for you. But if what you' re doing is meditation, this simple, ancient act can have enormous benefits for your mind and your body.

Meditation has been practiced by different cultures for centuries. Some religions meditate through chanting. Some do it by moving their bodies and concentrating on their breathing. Many people meditate by sitting comfortably, breathing slowly, and clearing their minds of thoughts. They listen to their breath, turn off their brains, and just exist. When you can sit and simply be in the universe without thinking, you' re meditating.

Proponents of meditation say it helps the body, mind, and spirit. People who meditate for religious reasons have always claimed it brought them closer to their god or the universe. Recently, doctors and scientists have been able to measure the effects of meditation, and there are lots.

Meditation appears to be good for the brain. A study in Wisconsin showed that meditation moved brain waves from the right frontal cortex to the left, reducing stress. Another study showed that experienced meditators were much better at dealing with distraction and quicker to return to a calm state, showing that meditation helps the brain focus, even amid distraction. Meditation has even been shown to reduce signs of aging in the brain! It has also been shown to help people with attention deficit or obsessive disorders.

We often forget how connected our minds and our bodies are. Meditation studies remind us of that connection. Calming the mind through meditation has been shown to reduce chronic

om, a sacred sound and a spiritual in Hindu religion

pain, lower blood pressure, and create positive changes in metabolism, heart rate, breathing, and other systems. Doctors now often recommend meditation to patients.

These days, we' re constantly stimulated, always multitasking. The age-old practice of meditation can help counteract the negative effects of all this constant activity. Close your eyes and say "om."