Introduction
Meditation involves becoming aware of the experiences in life facilitated by taming one’s mind to focus on the significant tasks. The practice of meditation enhances the capability of an individual to achieve centeredness in spite of the surrounding circumstances. Sitting meditation is regarded as the core of formal meditation practices. In this case, an individual adopts a relaxed and alert body posture to create comfort without movement as s/he accepts the present circumstances calmly (Brantley & Millstine, 2008). This paper identifies the mental, emotional, and physical implications of sitting meditation.
Mental Implications
The practice of meditation has various mental benefits that facilitate the attainment of cognitive calmness. The practice promotes the reduction of depression and anxiety as the neurochemical system is balanced to achieve stability regardless of the circumstances. Improved intuition development is an effect of sitting practice whereby an individual understands different experiences quickly. Peace of mind and clarity are also achieved as one concentrates on the important things in his/her life (Brantley & Millstine, 2008).
Mental strength and focus are other effects of sitting meditation that enhance the realization of stability and direction. Sitting meditation fosters information processing through the ignorance of disruptions (Kornfield, 2010). The development of enhanced creative thinking and cognitive skills facilitates improved decision-making and problem-solving endeavors when sitting meditation is regularly practiced. Additionally, there is an improvement in recall and memory retention when the mind is subjected to regular relaxation (Butera, 2012).
Emotional Implications
Emotionally, the practice of sitting meditation has several effects that facilitate the mitigation of negative feelings due to impactful life events. In this case, impulsivity, worry, and anxiety are countered when one meditates after a stressful event. Besides, stress, loneliness, fear, and depression are curtailed by the practice as one finds comfort by comprehending what is going on in his/her life. Furthermore, a boost to self-acceptance and self-esteem is realized as one finds perfection in imperfections (Davis & Hayes, 2011).
Resilience against pain and adversity is fostered through the development of awareness, optimism, and relaxation during the meditation. Moreover, it triggers the creation of beneficial social connections resulting in improved psychosocial development through meaningful personal and interpersonal interactions. The improvement of emotional intelligence and mood is also facilitated as one reacts rationally to different situations. Besides, emotional harmony and steadiness are achieved due to the nourishment after the feeling of emotional shutdown or being overwhelmed (Butera, 2012).
Physical Implications
Physically, sitting meditation scales up the energy levels as the inner source of energy is generated. An experience of improved heart rates and breathing is also achieved, thus boosting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (Kornfield, 2010). The reduction of tension-related pain is likewise attained through sitting meditation as tension headaches, insomnia, ulcers, and joint and muscle pains are reduced. Anxiety attacks are also lowered as the lactate blood levels are lowered when meditating (Davis & Hayes, 2011).
Through the practice of sitting meditation, the blood pressure is lowered due to the calmness achieved and a rational approach to various life circumstances. Higher levels of serotonin are attained, thus resulting in mood and behavior enhancement. Moreover, the fortification of the immune system is a resultant implication of the practice of sitting meditation (Brantley & Millstine, 2008).
Conclusion
Sitting meditation is beneficial to the individual in terms of mental, emotional, and physical aspects of living. Some of the benefits include mental strength, memory retention, lessened impulsivity and anxiety, increased relaxation and optimism, improved energy levels, and reduction of blood pressure. Thus, regular practice of sitting meditation is recommended to achieve emotional, mental, and physical equilibrium.
References
Brantley, J., & Millstine, W. (2008). Daily Meditations for Calming Your Anxious Mind. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Butera, R. (2012). Meditation for Your Life: Creating a Plan that Suits Your Style. Minneapolis, MN: Llewellyn Publications.
Davis, M., & Hayes, A. (2011). What are the benefits of mindfulness? A practice review of psychotherapy-related research. Psychotherapy, 48(2), 198-201.
Kornfield, J. (2010). Meditation for Beginners. Mumbai, India: Jaico Publishing House.