I previously talked about meditation within my yoga articles, however this article is about meditation, its effects and how it can help calm the mind.

 You may think of meditation for spiritually minded people only, but it is so much more than most people believe.

 The word ‘meditation’ is really only a generic statement that gives us a simple way of describing the many techniques that work on our brain waves putting them into an altered state that is, in effect, calming and health promoting instead of health damaging.

 You see, meditation triggers the release of endorphins, which are natures own opiates, so this gives us a great sense of well-being and it boosts our immune system. Although this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the beneficial effects it can provide.

 Simple techniques can be very effective, for example, a meditation I like to use if I can’t shut off the chatterbox in my head at night is as follows.

Nonsense Meditation.

 We talk in our minds in our native language and we all know that this keeps our minds following all sorts of stories, worries, things to do, things that are done and all sorts of anxieties etc, etc.

To stop this, try changing your language to unintelligible nonsense.

If an unwanted thought enters the mind, become aware of it and simply decide to not continue with it, instead return to your nonsense and before you know it, it will be morning. If you still can’t sleep, just remember that meditation is almost as good as sleep itself, so don’t be stressed about not sleeping, you are releasing opiates into your body, (enjoy).

 So what nonsense do I use? What I do is simply say in my mind ‘Blah, blah, blah’ until the thought is extinguished. When the next unwanted thought surfaces, be aware of it and start the ‘blah, blah, blah’ again.

Just try it! It works for me although it does get easier with practice.

Meditation in Action

How about meditation in action, did you know that being creative such as painting a picture is meditation, simply because your mind is focused and you are enjoying yourself.

 Gardening, singing, dancing, yoga etc. are good examples of meditation in action. As long as you are enjoying yourself whilst being absorbed into what you are doing, you are releasing those opiates and improving your health and well being.

 So take up meditation or at least get a hobby and start enjoying those natural opiates!

 Linda