Why Meditate?

Yoga in our Western culture is sometimes seen as purely a physical practice. While there are many benefits to the physical practice of yoga, did you know that the traditional practice was originally designed to prepare the body and mind for meditation?

Meditation is an ancient practice, and most spiritual disciplines incorporate some form of it. While many of us are aware of at least some of the many benefits of meditation, there may be others you haven’t discovered. Meditation supports mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood regulation, decreasing symptoms of depression, enhancing focus and concentration, increasing self-awareness, and improving sleep quality. Physically, meditation helps to lower blood pressure, decrease pain perception, and improve immune function. It also helps us live with more compassion for ourselves and others, enhances creativity, increases resilience to adversity, and often improves our relationships.

While most of us logically understand that meditation would be beneficial, convincing our minds – often racing in many directions – to sit still and focus on our breath can be difficult. It’s as if the mind rationally knows we should practice, but then comes up with numerous reasons not to.

With Love,

Crystal Bailey