Meditation is often misunderstood; it is not about the quieting or elimination of all of your thoughts, but the simple observation of them. Many of us have no idea how cruel we are to ourselves until we step into the mind and see our daily thoughts for what they really are. Meditation shows us this unfortunate and ugly truth, and simultaneously inspires us with the possibilities of changing our reality for the better. Teaching us that we can become the filter of our thoughts, bringing into our reality those that are beneficial and positive. 

 

Many published studies have documented the numerous mental and physical health benefits of meditation. These include but are not limited to: better immune function, decreased pain, less depression and anxiety, a greater sense of emotional self-control and happiness, and a heightened sense of well-being. Imaging studies have also shown that during and after meditation, there is increased activity in the brain regions related to attention, reduced amygdala response to emotional stimuli (your fear and anxiety center), and a higher volume of grey matter in people who meditate often.