Three Myths of Meditation

Today in episode 9 we’ll bust the three myths of meditation and I’ll share my three favorite types. I also reveal what kind of meditation is the very best for your health. Plus, stick around because there is a bonus for you at the end!

00:01:10 Can you think of one person that has such a deep peace in their spirit that you feel calmer just by being around them? Finding that level of peace is something I’ve been working on lately. I’ve always thought one of the best things we can do for our friends and family during a time of stress is to have our own reservoir of inner calm, ready to share with others. If you’ve been interested in meditation but you have some questions, then its time to find out what’s keeping you from having this peace in your life. 

00:02:35 Myth #1 It’s not going to work for me. There are many types of meditation out there; it’s important to find one that syncs with you and your background. The best meditation is the one that you want to come back to, day after day. Just remember: Don’t Give Up. Everyone’s mind wanders during meditation, but if you bring your focus back to your breathing and keep moving on, you’ll see the results over time. 

00:03:53 Myth #2 There’s no time; there’s no place. Meditation isn’t defined by a place, a pose or a practice. It can be as simple as just focusing on having a steady, slow breath for a few moments in the middle of a hectic day. There are many ways to gain this peace and calmness in your life, but my favorites have always been these three: walking meditation, controlled breathing and scripture meditation. If you would be interested in finding out more about my podcast on scripture meditation, you can go to restingintheword.org.

00:06:50 Breathe in… breathe out. Try a sample of controlled breathing and feel the difference it can make!

00:08:17 My other podcast is a guided scripture meditation to aid in sleep. You can find it at restingintheword.org

00:08:43 Myth #3 You can’t prove it works. Yes, scientific studies have proven that meditation does work to reduce anxiety and depression, heart disease, diabetes, improve sleep and your immune system. Want the facts? Here’s the scientific research you need!

• Meditation and Depression (study from Harvard)
• Study on Controlled Breathing
• Meditation and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
• Meditation and Blood Pressure
• Increase Focus and Attention 
• Meditation and Better Sleep
• Meditation and Auto-Immune Disorders
• Meditation and Diabetes
• Meditation Alters Networks in the Brain and Improves Emotional and Physical Well Being

00:10:30 Gratitude meditation may be the best meditation to have all the health benefits like focusing your mind, calming your spirit, and thinking more clearly. 

Gratitude is the world’s healthiest human emotion. It increases your immunity to sickness

~Pastor Rick Warren

Bonus! For your free, uplifting gratitude meditation click here.