The word meditation has been used loosely in our modern world. Meditation has been around before your great-great-great grandparents were born. It’s a technique that has been practiced for thousands of years by people all over the world. Before I started meditation, I had absolutely no clue what it was and how to practice it. After attending meditation classes, reading books and more importantly trying it out for myself, I have a pretty decent understanding of what it is.

A simple way of describing meditation is: “A mental technique of focusing your mind on an object.”

Meditation is the process of giving full attention to whatever object you have chosen. The object can be a physical or mental one. There are many different types of meditation, but they all have one thing in common – they all involve a complete focus on an object.

Furthermore, I want to make it clear that anyone can meditate. You don’t have to be some Buddhist monk, become celibate and meditate in a cave.  People from all over the world practice meditation due to its benefits. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry meditate. One of the greatest leaders of all time, Nelson Mandela meditated on a regular basis.  Meditation has no barriers to entry. You don’t have to believe in anything. You can be a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim or any other religion to meditate. You don’t even have to be religious.  Your age doesn’t matter. Your race doesn’t matter. After all, meditation is about concentrating the mind. We all have minds, right?

I think you get my point now.

How does Meditation decrease stress?

Meditation lowers stress in our life as it keeps us more focused and less distracted from mindless chatter. It makes us more patient as we become aware of the now. The present moment only exists, and as we continue meditating our concern for the future and worry for the past decrease.  Meditation gives us a moment to be with ourselves, allowing us to quieten down our mind and relax.  By experiencing this peace within ourselves, we naturally allow stress and anxiety to disappear slowly. The main reason I hardly stress is because of meditation (as well as mindfulness which I will introduce to you next). The only stress I get now is from approaching girls. If anyone can solve that problem, let me know. Presto will publish your book.

By: Shivad Singh