Meditative Practice for College Students
On Meditation
The word Meditation comes from the Latin word Meditari, which means to contemplate. Meditation practice is a unique tool for quieting the mind and centering the body and spirit. Meditation focuses spirit and energy by first bringing attention to the breath. In many cultures, “breath” and “spirit” are similar concepts. The resulting effect is profound relaxation and healing of body, mind, and spirit.
Meditation is an effective tool for managing various kinds of stress. Health benefits from sustained meditation practice include: lowered blood pressure, a reduction in stress hormones, decreased heart rate, and decreased muscle tension. Meditation also increases the brain’s Alpha wave activity, which produces a deep sense of relaxation. Meditators report lower anxiety then non-meditators, are able to sleep more soundly then non-meditators, and also experience decreased urges for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Meditators also report greater degrees of self-knowledge or self-actualization.
Before you begin a meditation, create a quiet and peaceful environment in which to meditate. The meditations may be done in a relaxed seated position or lying down. As you listen to and practice each meditation, be gentle and loving with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to practice meditation. Meditation takes practice, so give yourself permission to be imperfect as you meditate and learn to relax and pay attention to being in the moment. Let the meditations guide you to a new place of clarity and focus. Be patient with yourself in your own process of self-discovery.
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