Meditation - Not Just Another Health Fad
Meditation actually has a lot of ‘street-cred’ and is not just another passing health fad. It has been around for thousands of years.
The term “meditate” originates from the Latin word meditatum, which means, “to ponder.” Monk Guigo II introduced this terminology for the first time in the 12th century AD. However, meditation has actually shown up in recorded history for thousands of years.
Indian artefacts reveal the existence of meditation dating back 5000 years.The Buddha is probably one of the most well-known teachers associated with meditation. You may have also heard of Taoist meditation which originated from China and zen meditation which also came from China but was introduced to Japan by a Japanese monk, Dosho. Meditation spread throughout the Asian continent as a result of many teachers who introduced different styles.
History indicates that meditation became an integral part of Eastern spirituality and religions many centuries ago. Yet it took thousands of years to spread to Western societies. Reflection and contemplation on the Bible were generally the main forms of meditation associated with Western Christian cultures in and around the middle ages.
It was really only in the 18th Century that the ancient teachings of meditation gradually became a little more popular. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying was published in 1927 which created a lot of interest in the West.
However, in the mid-20th century meditation started to become more common and perhaps the most well-known technique is Transcendental meditation which was first taught in the 60’s. TM is simply the repeating of a mantra for 15-20 minutes.
I googled current statistics on meditation and found that approximately 8% of USA citizens meditate. I couldn't find any significant data for Australia, but it does appear many people do yoga which could be considered a form of meditative practice. So meditation, in many different shapes and forms, is gradually become more mainstream.
Over the last few decades many researchers and professors have studied meditation. Among the most well-known is Dr Herbert Benson MD, author of 'The Relaxation Response'. Dr. Benson is the Director Emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute (BHI), and Mind Body Medicine Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and has worked tirelessly over 40 years to research the benefits of meditation and to build awareness of Mind Body Medicine. Check out a YouTube video here from Dr Benson MD, on the relaxation response and its effects.
As a result of these studies we now know of the incredible benefits of meditation and how valuable this practice can be for relaxation and stress release and to achieve mental and physical balance. Meditation has definitely withstood the test of time and is now scientifically proven as well. If you have ever wondered about beginning a meditation practice, hesitate no more.
I started meditation nearly 20 years ago to support my own health and wellbeing and reduce anxiety levels, and it has changed my life in so many significant ways, not the least of which is that I now love to share it with others. However, I have also seen my clients benefit enormously too.
Whilst it should never be considered a quick fix, with patience and practice it can have profound effects in so many areas of daily living. The fact that it is relatively easy to learn, and easily accessible, makes it even more compelling.
If you are considering starting a regular meditation practice, visit the Shop for my free relaxation meditation, and begin using it to develop some meditation mojo.
From my heart to yours,