Thursday, June 6, 2019

Benefits Of Mindfulness Training And Meditation

By Jerry Nelson


Most people have heard the term living in the now or living in the present moment. In most cases, this refers to the concept of Mindfulness Training. For, mindfulness is the psychological process which focuses on bringing attention to actions and experiences going on in the current moment in time.

In most cases, meditation is the tool used when trying to attain a mindful or aware state. Although, there are also other methods and traditions which can be used. For example, Tibetan meditation and Zen Buddhism are often quite popular among individuals whom practice mindfulness.

In the 1970s, clinical psychologists began using the practice to treat a number of psychological conditions ranging from extreme anxiety and stress to psychosis. In fact, there were cases in which meditation and mindfulness were effective in cases where traditional medications and methods had failed. Whether focused on special needs, psychosis, weight management, athletic performance or healthy aging, the practice has often been successful.

Clinical trials and studies have both shown mental and physical benefits of the practice in healthy adults, children and those whom are ill or injured. In addition, research studies have continuously shown positive results when it comes to the relationship between psychological health and mindfulness. One of the most interesting aspects of mindfulness is that the practice has been able to calm psychiatric disorders, including that of psychosis, which had previously been non-receptive to other forms of treatment.

The practice has also proved beneficial in eliminating a number of other mental disorders through the elimination of worry and rumination. In addition, the practice has shown the potential to halt the development of ADHD, ADD, ODD and other behavioral oriented mental health issues. As such, a number of studies and trials related to these areas are now underway at different clinics, hospitals and universities around the world.

In order to get the most out of meditation, individuals must learn the skill of focusing only on activities and actions in the present moment. During the process, body scanning, breathing techniques and refocusing attention when drifting toward distractions or thoughts can often be helpful in reaching a mindful state. By locating a quiet setting, then sitting cross-legged on a floor, or sitting up straight in a chair with back support while repeating I am, on the inhale and relaxed on the exhale, individuals may find it easier to monitor breathing during meditative sessions.

By simply becoming aware of breathing patterns and rhythms, one is often placed into the present moment. Whereas, if using body scan techniques, meditation is focused on different areas of the body while noticing sensations in each area. Other techniques involve focusing on actions, feelings, thoughts, sensations and sounds which are present in the moment.

When beginning meditation for the first time, it is often recommended that individuals meditate for up to 10 minutes per session. In most cases, individuals tend to meditate at least once, if not twice a day. While this is the case, the time an individual spends meditating on a daily or weekly basis while in a session can often be vastly different between individuals based on home, school, work and other schedules. As such, each individual must create a meditation schedule which works best with these and other factors.




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