The Life Saving Effects of Meditation

There have been many articles written lately on how meditation changes your brain, the health benefits of meditation, and how many different ways meditation can have a positive impact on your life. This article on Care2 outlines 7 ways meditaiton can save your life. It does a great job of summing up the benefits. The more I read about and practice mediation, the more I think it is the most important practice I have. 

Here's 2 of the items on the list that I connect to the most when I consistently meditate:

1. Chill Out

Stress is responsible for 70-90 percent of illnesses, while quiet time is the most effective remedy for a busy and overworked mind. In a stressed state, it is easy to lose touch with inner peace, compassion and kindness; in a relaxed state, the mind clears and we connect with a deeper sense of purpose and altruism. Your breath is your best friend. Anytime you feel stress rising, heart closing, mind going into overwhelm, just focus on your breathing and quietly repeat: Breathing in, I calm the body and mind; breathing out, I smile.

4. Develop Kindness and Compassion

Every time you see or feel suffering, whether in yourself or in another, every time you make a mistake or say something stupid and are just about to put yourself down, every time you think of someone you are having a hard time with, every time you see someone struggling, upset or irritated, just stop and bring loving kindness and compassion. Breathing gently, silently repeat: May you be well, may you be happy, may you be filled with loving kindness.

You can find more about the Living Kindness meditaiton here, on how-to-meditate.com.

Image from Rosh PR on Flickr