Posted: 8/6/2013 | Meditation	Comments
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Do you remember when Yoga and Meditation were just a passing, Eastern fad? These powerful, ancient practices have finally been accepted, even by our mainstream Western culture. Meditation, in all its myriad forms, has been around for thousands of years, possibly as long as human kind. All major religions include some form of meditation practice, including Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, as well as many others. Scientists have studied meditation in earnest for over 60 years, and the benefits have proven to be all-encompassing.

Studies show meditation benefits us physically, mentally and emotionally. Within our bodies, meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce arthritis symptoms, boost immune response and possibly increase dense brain matter. Mentally, meditation enhances our ability to concentrate, improves memory and general cognitive function. Studies suggest that emotionally, meditation can calm us down, improve our outlook on life, and even enhance our compassion and empathy for others. (More about those studies here, here, here, and here.)

Yet with all these studies, it&rsquos still difficult for scientists to pinpoint exactly how meditation works, perhaps because of its transformative nature. Like Yoga, a meditation can provide profound benefits, especially with a good teacher who can open you to them. Meditation brings a wakefulness about ourselves, feelings, thoughts, sensations and our spiritual connection. In my book, Your Ultimate Life Plan, I explain how meditation can increase our awareness on every level of consciousness.

As we grow more in touch with our inner life we can&rsquot help but recognize our connection to others. We see the Earth as interdependent and ultimately connected to us. We move beyond the interconnectedness to a deeper sense of oneness. We see, feel and experience all of life, within us and outside us, as one totality. This brings us to higher and deeper levels of consciousness, and higher vibrations. If we do our personal and shadow work, we continually embrace more of life, building the capacity to hold life&rsquos paradoxes along with it&rsquos pleasures and difficulties.

It&rsquos so important that meditation has found a place in our Western culture, and the research is fascinating. You don&rsquot need more information to convince yourself it&rsquos good for you&ndash start now! Pick up a copy of Your Ultimate Life Plan in which I include many meditations that will support your journey of healing and awareness and I walk you through the process. Whether you&rsquore just beginning a practice or refreshing a long habit of meditation, you&rsquore on your way to greater peace, well-being and vitality.

Do you have a meditation practice? What benefits have you discovered along the way? Please leave your comments they make a difference for all of us!