"Since the beginning, man has meditated and prayed as important part of his spiritual being and journey. Today, modern science has recognized the importance of these activities to the mind, body and spirit as well as to the state of one's good health.
Although the spiritual and psychological benefits of meditation and prayer have been lauded for centuries, in recent years physicians and holistic practitioners have come to understand the possible significant physical health benefits.
In fact, many medical centers now incorporate some form of meditation or prayer time for patients as an additional path on their journey toward healing.
Several large studies have concluded that people who include this element as part of their recovery plan for illness or injury have reduced pain levels and faster healing rates.
Possible benefits include:
• Lower oxygen use• Decreased respiratory rates• Increased blood flow • Slower heart rate• Lower high blood pressure• Reduced pain and tension associated with chronic headaches• Increased mood-enhancing serotonin production • Speeded postoperative healing.• Boosted immune system
There are many types of meditation, most of which have their roots in ancient religious and spiritual traditions.
Mindfulness training is for participants to gain greater insight into their perceptions, reactions and behaviors, all of which have direct relationships to physical health.
The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine and some other components of the National Institutes of Health, are sponsoring studies to find out more about meditation's effects, how it works, and what diseases and conditions may be improved by it.
The basic premise is that meditation or prayer - of which both involve deliberate thought, contemplation or communication directed at one's God - is one of the safest things you can do to achieve better spiritual, emotional and physical health.
Doctors and nutritionists often suggest meditation or prayer time for patients who need to lose weight because practicing visualization can make weight loss much easier.
When you use meditation for weight loss, for example, you may visualize yourself walking along the beach. Imagine your healthy, trim reflection in store windows as you go to purchase your new "skinny" clothes. Feel how much lighter and how much more energetic your body feels.
Also, if you relax and improve your self-awareness, you are less likely to give in to emotional "binge" eating which is the enemy of most dieters. One of the most significant aspects may be your ability to be non-judgmental of your former eating habits.
There are various techniques used in meditation or prayer. Some may call for the individual to be motionless with their eyes closed, while others may require focusing on a flame or a candle. For some people, slowly reciting scripture or other passages puts them into the perfect frame of mind for meditation. For others, a simple focus on their thoughts as prayers to their god is enough for reassurance.
The good news is that these activities are readily available to anyone who is willing to embrace them. The only things you need are:
• A serene location: A quiet, serene place with no distractions. • Comfortable posture: It can be done while sitting, lying down, standing, walking or in other positions. • Focus: A large factor is the ability to focus. • A Purpose: Having a purposeful attitude means letting distractions go naturally without stopping to think about them.
You will be pleasantly surprised at the positive difference prayer and/or meditation can make in your daily life.
It's healthy to concentrate on who you are, while discarding for the moment the incredible amount of distractions that are constantly vying for your attention.
Relaxing in meditation and prayer have the same benefits today as they did thousands of years ago, they help us to cope with the frustrations of the day."
Ourtoday.com 9/2010
