"I know of no other single thing so conductive to misery as this uncultivated,
untrained mind.
I know of no other single thing so conducive to well-being as this cultivated and
well-trained mind."
The Buddha
Back to Inner Healing Page.
Back to Holistic Healing Page.
Table of Contents
- Insight Meditation (Vipassana)
Note: Other meditation styles will be added over time.
Meditation is a mental practice in which the mind is directed to one area or
one point of operation. There are many forms of meditation (Native American,
Tibetan, Buddhist, Yogic, etc.) and the techniques used can vary considerably.
While some people practice meditation in conjunction with spiritual practices,
it is often practiced in Western countries because of its potential for profoundly
positive effects on one's physical and psychological well-being.
Because 1) meditation techniques are relatively easy to learn and not some
esoteric, New Age practice (requiring a "guru"), and 2) can provide significant
positive benefits, it is very quickly growing in popularity in Western countries.
Practitioners of meditation include the rich and poor, actors/actresses,
athletes, business persons, scientists, physicians and other medical practitioners,
etc.
"Meditation helps to bring harmony and inner peace. It makes a person
feel centered, grounded, and stable. Through meditation we can go into the
center of awareness and stay there. It is like being back in the womb of
the mother. Meditation not only brings balance to the body, mind, and
consciousness, it helps to balance the three doshas [Ayurvedic Medicine term].
Meditation is the single greatest healing factor within the Ayurvedic system
of medicine. We say 'Our medication is meditation.'" [Excerpt from
Sounds True interview
with Ayurvedic Medicine expert, Dr. Vasant Lad. Ayurvedic
Medicine is one of the world's oldest systems of Holistic Medicine.]
Scientific research has shown that meditation practice, by itself is helpful
in treating
Epilepsy,
Blood Pressure Disorders,
Low Self-Esteem
and Other Behavior/Psychologic Disorders,
Anxiety Disorders,
Chronic Pain, and other physical and psychological diseases/disorders.
A selection of the general benefits include (but are not limited to):
- Deep Inner Peace
- Improved Self-Esteem, Self-Control, and Orderliness
- Improved Sleep
- Increased Creativity
- Physical Health/Healing
- Psychological Health/Healing
- Reduced Medical Care
- Slowing or Reversal of Aging
For almost all chronic diseases (cancer, arthritis, lupus, FMS, CFS, heart
disease, intestinal or digestive disease, allergies, etc.), meditation
can be a very important part of a Holistic Healing program. While meditation
practice can lead to improved physical and mental health and some positive
effects are often noticed after a short time, more profound changes may
take a longer period of time. Persons looking for sudden, magical changes
may be disappointed.
For those practicing other powerful transformational
techniques such as Integrated Awareness or Breathwork, meditation practice
can often provide added benefit. Of course, meditation is not necessarily
the best Inner Healing &
Transformational technique for everyone to start with. Some people
fare better with
body-oriented or
breath-directed techniques when starting out.
It is preferable to start learning meditation by going to a class
at a meditation center or in classes given at community or health centers.
Regular class attendance can help your develop a regular practice. In addition,
the teacher can answer many practical questions that you may have. If
you do not have a class in your area, the
Meditation Books and Tape Sets may prove very helpful.
Please peruse through the resources below, including the links to directories
of meditation centers (for classes). Looking at the details of each of the
each of the meditation techniques linked at the
List of Techniques
can provide additional information and resources.