Meditation and Depression
Meditation is simply the act of taking the time to pause and focus your attention inward. Dictionary.com defines it as continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation.
Meditation can be practiced in groups or individually. Practicing meditation doesn't have to mean sitting in a room in silence; it can be enjoyed outdoors as well! Simply taking the time to enjoy the moment and concentrate on gratitude and positivity is a step in the right direction.
If you wish to practice meditating with a purpose or intention to get greater benefits it may be best to use guided meditations. Guided meditation is also an excellent way to get started for beginners as it literally guides you through the steps to take to get you into a calm and relaxed state of mind.
History of Meditation
The precise origin of meditation is hard to pinpoint, as it dates back far before civilization as we know it. It has been practiced in many religions throughout the world, with Buddhism and Hinduism being the most common. It was primarily practiced in Eastern cultures and was only introduced to the western world in the mid 20th century. Meditation in modern society isn't only a religious practice but is now also used as a relaxation method as well as in self-healing and inner reflection outside of religion.
Benefits of Meditation
The physical and mental benefits of meditation are raved about across the medical field from naturopaths to therapists and family doctors. The physical benefits primarily are natural effects of relaxation and decreased stress on the mind and body. This can be a huge help those suffering from depression as it will not only help with some of the physical pain but it has been known to assist in mood stabilization and focus as well.
