In the book Sebastian’s Dream, I talked about how meditation helps me during competition and training. However, meditation can be a daily thing too, and not just for those in sports. Meditation, more than most people realize, is closely intertwined with history. Martial arts, as well as traditions and some religious groups, use meditation for spiritual enlightenment. More so, this practice is also proven by science to bring in significant benefits, and more people practice it because of its positive effects on the mind and the body.
Having said that, here are some of the benefits of meditation according to science.
Reduces Stress
The stress hormone cortisol is normally elevated in response to mental and physical stress. Too much cortisol in the body can cause sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, raise blood pressure and cause exhaustion and cloudy thinking. Because meditation promotes deep breathing, it allows more oxygen in the body, which triggers the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins, also known as happy hormones, reduce stress and feelings of pain.
Enhance the Cognitive Process
Researchers believe that incorporating meditation into one’s everyday routine is an ideal way to improve their chances of success. Both transcendent and mindful meditation activities have been shown to enhance the brain’s problem-solving and decision-making techniques, which can lead to a positive change in every aspect of our lives.
Improves Attention Span
Meditation requires the brain to be free from any thoughts and it requires a great deal of focus. Therefore, meditation is like weight lifting for your attention span. It helps increase the strength and endurance of your attention and focus. Furthermore, according to one study, meditation can also reverse brain habits that lead to mind-wandering, worrying, and poor focus.
It Makes Us Act with Compassion
Meditation allows stronger control and restraint over emotion. It allows us to think before we react. We don’t react negatively right away when we are faced with stressful situations, giving us more time to think our actions through and consider the feelings of other people. Therefore, it makes us more understanding and compassionate.
The reason to try out meditation outweighs the deterrents. Meditation helps in the expansion of awareness to bring one into a greater state of balance. We are energy, and when we are in a more balanced state of mind, we radiate this out to the world, benefiting everyone we come in contact with, the animals included, and we will feel uplifted and peaceful.
Meditation has brought many health benefits into my life and how I interact with everyone around me, including my horses.
