Why Meditate?
The modern, scientific world are finally waking up to the incredible benefits of meditation as one study after another reveal what has been known for centuries by eastern philosophies and practices.
Meditating regularly improves your focus, lessens stress, enhances creativity and memory and can lead to positive emotions and longer lasting emotional stability during daily life. It has also been shown to diminish age-related effects on gray matter and reduce the decline of our cognitive functioning.
Wire your brain for Happiness
In one study, a research team from Massachusetts General Hospital looked at the brain scans of 16 people before and after they participated in an eight-week course in mindfulness meditation. The study, published in the January issue of Psychiatry Research concluded that after completing the course, parts of the participants’ brains associated with compassion and self-awareness grew, and parts associated with stress shrank.
Meditation literally clears your mind and calms you down, it’s been often proven to be the single most effective way to live a happier live.
What is Meditation?
Simply stated, meditation is the wilful change in brain activity to a more relaxed state or one that is conducive to well being. Often perceived as a spiritual practice, it has now become a very powerful and practical means of training attention and promoting wellbeing.
Meditation and Success
“You don’t have to believe in meditation for it to work. You just have to take the time to do it. The old truth is still true today, God helps those who help themselves. My advice, Meditate.” Russel Simmons, Co-Founder of Def Jam Records, Founder of GlobalGrind.com
After meditation I walked away feeling fuller than when I’d come in. Knowing that in the daily craziness that bombards us from every direction there is –still –the constancy of stillness. Only from that space can you create your best work and your best life.” Oprah Winfrey, recently named the most powerful celebrity of 2013 by Forbes.
“Everyone recommends, not that easy to get started, but said to improve everything.” Tweeted by Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corp, after taking up meditation.
“Stress reduction and mindfulness don’t just make us happier and healthier, they’re a proven competitive advantage for any business that wants one.” Arianna Huffington, President & Editor in Chief, Huffington Post Media Group.
These are just some of the more successful individuals who use the many benefits of meditation as a tool to enhance every aspect of the lives.
Have your cake and eat it too
The most difficult aspect of establishing a meditation practice or habit is knowing firstly where to begin and then how to maintain consistency until enough momentum is built. The SOAR Institute’s new Meditate to SOAR programme will assist you on both counts. Commit to the once a week session over 12 weeks and you will experience the massive benefits as well as develop enough momentum to continue on your own. The programme is designed for the first timer as well as the more experienced but not consistent meditator. It will assist you in developing consistency, insight and understanding of the various meditation techniques as well as a forum to share your meditation experiences. This will allow you to gain deeper learning from the group setting. The most important aspect is that you will be guided through a meditation during every session and will immediately derive its many benefits.