Healing for the Mind and Body

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.

When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

Buddha

DEFINITION

Meditation shares the same Latin root of Mederi "to heal" and Medicus "physician". It is defined as a system of practices that focuses on training attention and awareness to enhance well-being. The Tibetan word for meditation is Gom, which means familiarity. Meditation has been practiced in ancient traditions for millennium to transform suffering. There are many meditation practices for different conditions. But all meditations share fundamental principles of cultivating breath awareness and mindfulness.

BENEFITS

Science is now discovering and affirming the benefit of meditation in not only reducing stress and blood pressure, but also promoting a sense of joy, calmness and well-being. With the increasing demands in our modern lives, it is helpful to learn simple steps to enhance our physical, emotional and mental health.

The brain is capable of being trained and physically modified (neural plasticity). Research now supports meditation practices can change inner workings and circuitry of the brain that are associated with connecting separate brain circuits, which results in higher cognitive ability, heightened awareness, and greater focus.

Meditation also promotes a sense of inner joy and calmness. It develops the observer or hub of the mind in the mid-prefrontal region of the brain responsible for body and emotional regulation, enhanced relationships, a sense of well-being and mindsight, which is empathy and insight. (Dan Siegel, 2007).

Focus on the breath is primary in meditation. This act produces changes in the brain. In yogic and Tibetan Buddhist tradition, breath is the vehicle for energy (prana). In order for the mind to affect the body, the breath needs to be regulated, as the flow of breath helps direct the pathways of energy flow. Dr. B. Raven Lee integrates meditation in her healing sessions, and teaches different meditation practices, including breath awareness, energy pathways, well-being, and healing power of compassion.

Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?

Lao-Tsu