Meditation

Many meditation practices involve focusing on the breath. This can be challenging for some people and may require substantial practice to achieve. Guided meditation involves focusing attention on images and guided thoughts. It does not require a great deal of practice to be beneficial. A meta-analysis of meditation research has shown that it reduces somatic (or body) arousal, and has other physiological results such as changes in heart rate, skin conductance, and lowered anxiety. It also has effects on brain function, and can help relieve intrusive and worrisome thoughts.

Moving or walking meditation is a form of meditation in action, where we concentrate on our movement and our body rather than our breath. Again this is a very traditional and well researched technique. In response to stressful events walking meditation was found to lower the stress hormone cortisol, and improve mood. It has also been shown to decrease both heart rate and blood pressure, as well as anxiety.

Demonstration Video:

Guided Meditation:

More Information:

• Meditation Research Articles
• What is Mindfulness? / Jon Kabat-Zinn
• What the Beach Does to Your Brain