Kindly written by Chloë Webster
Meditation teacher and slow living advocate
What is meditation?
In its simplest terms, meditation is a practice of training the mind and body in awareness using a set of different techniques (both physical and mental) to create a focussed attention.
It’s a practice that is over 5000 years old, and it must be working as its popularity is growing year on year. It is practiced in numerous religious traditions but you do not need to be religious to start your meditation practice.
There are many different types of meditation. It’s like asking someone to explain exercise. Well.. there’s running, yoga, crossfit… then there’s different types of sport….
There are many different ways to practice meditation, such as yoga, tai chi, Qigong, guided meditation, mantra, visualisation, body scan, mindfulness, transcendental meditation, loving kindness meditation, the list truly does go on. You just have to explore and find one that you enjoy.
What are the benefits?
The benefits are plentiful! Many people start meditating to reduce stress, anxiety and overwhelm. It also helps people:
-
Gain a new perspective
-
Increase self awareness
-
Practice focussing on the present
-
Reduce negative emotions
-
Increase patience and tolerance
It has some physical benefits too such as:
-
Lowering stress hormone levels
-
Lowering blood pressure
-
Studies have shown that meditation actually thickens the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes which are both linked to attention control.
-
Improve blood circulation and help maintain a healthy heart.
-
It can also improve lung capacity.
Meditation is a skill that once learnt, we can continue to practice and use in our day to day lives to fully reap the benefits.
Do I need any special equipment to start?
The great thing about learning to meditate is that you probably already have everything you need to start.
If you'd like to start in a seated position all you need is a chair. If you like to try it lying down to begin with, all you need is the floor! Of course, you can make your experience more comfortable with yoga style mats, meditation cushions and blankets but you really can start today with what you have right now.
Can I join a class as a beginner?
Of course! I hold classes in-person classes in Chester, Hawarden, Mold and Wrexham which are all beginner friendly. I also regularly hold online programmes and sessions plus 1 to 1 private and personalised guided meditation sessions.
You can contact me via email at hello@girlmeditates.com
Be well,
Chloë
Let’s connect
Meditation Cushions
For all your eco-friendly, UK made, high quality yoga and meditation equipment, check out Ekotex Yoga. Use the code MANGOACU to get 10% off your order.
Ekotex Yoga (affiliate link)
