WEB EXCLUSIVES

Reeling into the mysterious journey that surrounds the truths and history of meditation culture in the world.

History & Background

 

            Historically speaking, the term “meditation” was not brought to the surface until the 12th century, the word derives from the Latin word meditatum, meaning “to ponder”. While historians believe that meditation is a practice that has been used as early as 3000 BCE, the earliest documented records that withhold information on meditation come from Hinduism culture in India. Along with Hinduism, meditation influence also began to proliferate in Taoist China and Buddhism culture. However, in today’s world, meditation is no longer limited to your religious beliefs or practices, rather it is used broadly nowadays as yoga programs have adapted it into their teachings and introduced the practice of meditation to people from all around the globe.

 

Benefits & Magic

 

            The benefits of meditation have only continued to vary with time and it’s likely that as time continues to march on we will only see more benefits in its ritual. Among this list, we have a reduction in overall stress, decreased depression, and even a decrease in anxious behavior. Thus it’s no surprise that its influence has resurfaced in our pop culture today with mental health awareness dominating our society. Yet, the magical aspect of meditation is not limited to purely mental health benefactors, doctors have even begun to turn patients towards the practice as it’s been discovered to aid the regulation of both blood pressure and heart rates. With that being said, its influence has reached even an elitist doctorate level of scholarship as the National Library of Medicine now even commends meditation as a pivotal benefactor of psychiatry on their global webpage. This page features an article by Hari Sharma, who goes into depth on both the medical and scientific reasonings for meditation’s benefactors in both the neurological and physiological realms.

 

Embarking on the Journey to Discover Your Inner Zen

 

            Perhaps one of the most intrinsically intriguing aspects of meditation resides in the fact that it can be done by almost anyone by having an abundance of options. Meditation techniques range in a vast variety from mindfulness, concentration, walking, tai chi, and compassion meditation. In my personal experience as someone who suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), I have found that concentration meditation best aids in the overwhelming and anxiety-inducing thoughts that come with OCD. As concentration meditation involves focusing on a single point, be it following a breath, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive sound, or even repeating a phrase or mantra, it can be extremely helpful in pursuing mental clarity amidst an anxious mind that can be incredibly formidable. Immersing myself into meditation was a pivotal moment in my mental health journey and I’m certain that it can aid many others. Yet, amidst all the magical benefactors and historical backgrounds, the choice to indulge yourself in the practice is one only you can choose, and in the end, the mystery and journey will be yours alone to experience.