Lora COPY of Faith Formation at St. Martin's Episcopal Church
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Meditation

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Meditation can take many forms, but all have one thing in common--focusing on quieting the busy mind. This reduction of “mental noise” has far reaching benefits for the health of body, mind and spirit.  Meditation is not only useful for healing, but it is helpful in deepening concentration and insight, developing intuition, unlocking creativity, exploring higher realities, finding inner guidance and manifesting change in one’s life.

How does it work? When our minds are calm and peaceful, we worry less and have less mental discomfort so we experience more happiness. When our minds are not peaceful, we find it difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. With consistent practice, meditation can help us to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. It helps us to separate our true Self from our ego and our circumstance. For the past few decades, meditation has been the focus of many scientific studies. Research has shown that meditation offers benefits to practically every body system and every mental and spiritual process.

Physical Benefits
 Lower metabolic, heart, respiratory rates, and blood pressure resulting in reduced workload for the heart; increased ability to relax and sleep; faster post-operative healing * Lower oxygen consumption, improved airflow to the lungs and increased lung capacity, lower cholesterol levels * Enhanced immune system (especially increased numbers of killer T cells) * Decreased headaches, chronic diseases, allergies, arthritis, etc.; reduced activity of viruses, pain, including chronic pain; reduced PMS in women.

Psychological Benefits

 Decreased depression, anxiety, irritability and moodiness; resolution of phobias * Greater creativity and improved reasoning and IQ; improved learning ability and memory* Increased emotional stability, reduced stress, self-actualization, overall happiness, feelings of vitality, rejuvenation, patience and compassion * In mothers-to-be, increased bonding with their babies

Spiritual Benefits
 Increased faith in one’s religion and/or personal philosophy; increased connection with one’s Higher Self *
 Enhanced relationship to God/Higher Power; decreased fear of death

Below are some ways you can learn how to meditate and actually meditate from the internet:
  • Labyrinths Online Meditations (click here) are virtual meditative walks that are done while at your computer.  You may want to walk quietly or play your favorite relaxing music as you walk the labyrinth and open yourself to the healing and peace the labyrinth offers.

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