Our thoughts and emotions, whether we are fully aware of them or not, are deeply connected to how and when we experience stress and anxiety.
Oppressive and restrictive thought patterns, egoic projections, and harsh emotional responses can significantly contribute to raised levels of confusion, anger, sadness, frustration, and nervousness.
In response to stressful situations, our bodies go through chains of physiological shifts that involve the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. Without being conscious or aware of the damage in play, we might have a thought, an emotional reaction, and a projection – and find ourselves entrenched in anxiety within moments.
These tremendous shifts prepare us for a “fight or flight” reaction, which is normal in short bursts – but detrimental when these reactions continue for long periods of time.
Long-term chronic stress can also lead to many other problems, including high blood pressure, weakened immune system functionality, cardiovascular challenges, and mental health issues like depression or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Insead of cramming western meds down our throats and relieving only the symptoms, there’s a better way.
Meditation helps us become more mindful of what’s happening right now. It interrupts the damaging stress loops through the practice of observing what occurs within ourselves without judgment. Scientifically, meditation helps us change the brain wave frequency so we can experience a more peaceful mental state.
We are always in control of how we respond to our mind and emotions, though sometimes taking command ourselves can be quite difficult.
Be patient and loving of yourself through these processes. You are unlimited in your ability to heal yourself. It just might take a bit of time.
Brain Waves Science
You might have heard about alpha, beta, or theta states – these represent different frequencies at which brain waves oscillate while we’re awake. Each state corresponds to a specific level of awareness, mindset, and perception range. Although various parts of the brain may operate at different frequency bands simultaneously, generally speaking, most times our conscious attention is concentrated on just one frequency band per time point.
During wakefulness hours, adults mostly live within the beta range. This yields an outward-directed experience, aimed at engaging with the external reality: problem-solving, thinking ahead, planning, strategizing, communicating, etc. High beta tends to become critical, anxious, and negative in perception, creating even hostile environments if prolonged. Low to mid-beta represents the productive thinking area, most often experiences in the workplace.
Alpha, on the other hand, opens up a less active but receptive state where beyond what we know, there could be new things waiting to be discovered. It’s characterized by relaxed alertness, hence allowing imagination and creativity, where we conjure solutions, otherwise inaccessible.
When we are falling asleep, daydreaming, or in a meditative state, our brains shift into the alpha frequency. This is a less active and more receptive state where we move beyond the beta paradigm of an interactive reality and open to new discoveries, understandings, and solutions. Alpha accesses inspiration and creativity that beta can’t even fathom. In alpha, we begin to consciously utilize our brain’s power for personal development and spiritual growth.
Meditation Alters Brain Waves
Meditation changes the pattern of brain waves to Alpha, which in turn shifts the individual away from feeling stressed or anxiety. Over time, each of us can perfect our experience of the meditative state and control the levels to which we embody anxiety.
During meditation, high-frequency beta waves associated with active thought processes shift towards lower frequency alpha waves linked to relaxation and calmness. The decreased activity levels help quiet all mental chatter. This facilitates fewer disturbances, clearer thinking and a deeper presence within the Self.
Amid meditation and during Alpha, the brain is able to enter the much slower theta wave state. Even slower than alpha waves, theta waves are associated with deep relaxation, profound creativity, and the divine awareness awakened within the subconscious mind. Here individuals can experience profound relaxation and inner peace – with significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels.
Benefits Of Meditation For Stress And Anxiety
By focusing attention and stopping the flow of stressful thoughts, meditation calms the mind. This process leads to improved physical health and emotional wellbeing. Research has demonstrated that meditation reduces cortisol production, which immediately reduces anxiety levels and produces a sense of peacefulness.
For those with an anxious disposition, meditation provides an avenue towards tranquility within oneself. By inspiring a deep awareness of our immediate surroundings, mindfulness reduces our fears and feelings of worry, and, for many, alleviates a need for western medications. Over time, a meditator can heal themselves of the addictive thinking and stress patterns that have long debilitated them.
Meditation As A Pathway To Self-Mastery
Life presents us with various hurdles that might trigger stress and panic attacks. Hidden within each challenge is an opportunity for growth, healing, and change, transforming us into better, stronger, and more aware people. By tapping into our innermost being through reflection, we become stronger mentally and emotionally, gaining control over how we respond when faced with challenges. This also brings about mental stillness and stability, even amid the most difficult circumstances and conditions.
Anyone can meditate.
Practical Steps To Begin Meditating
If you’re new to meditation, follow these few simple steps:
- Find A Quiet Place: Select an area where there is little noise and find a place where you can sit comfortably and peacefully.
- Set a Time Limit: When starting out, it might be helpful to set aside 5 or 10 minutes of your day to meditate. Over time, you can expand on this.
- Concentrate On Breath: Observe how your breathing feels as air goes in through your nostrils then down into lungs before coming back up again. When we focus on breath, we are focusing on the rhythms of life itself.
- Note & Release Your Thoughts: As ideas arise during meditation and when practiving mindfulness, allow them to rise up and exit. You may notice their value, but do not form an opinion or judgment – and do not hold onto them. Instead, return your attention back to your breath. Over time, you will notice your awareness of Self becoming deeper and more expanded.
- Be Consistent: Establishing a routine in your daily life can forever transform you. Be gentle with yourself and your schedule so that you will continually choose to meditate. If you can practice meditation twice a day for 5 minutes, you will find immeasurable benefit.
Long-Term Effects Of Meditation
The benefits of meditation become quite palpable over time, leading to less stress and anxiety, and a deeper sense of Self. With practice, you’ll achieve a balanced state of mind and heart, learning to deal calmly, even joyfully, with anything that comes your way. When you begin to practice meditation, you will immediately move closer to achieving a deep and lasting happiness.