“Success is falling nine times and. getting up ten”
-Jon Bon Jovi

Why is it important to meditate?

There are so many great reasons why meditation can be helpful. Here’s one for starters –  it calms the busy mind so things can be seen more accurately. When this happens wise decisions become easier to make.

And who couldn’t use some help every once in a while with that?  Some decisions are significant and life changing like, Should I enlist in the army? Others not so big but decisions none-the-less like, What color shirt should I wear today? Of course a Color Therapist might consider that last question quite significant. “Chromotherapy” involves the use of color to support life on multiple levels – physical, emotional and mental.

But that’s my mind going into overdrive. It’s not unusual to have a mind in overdrive, yet it’s also vital for the mind to have opportunities to rest. That busy ol’ mind after all is even busy in sleep creating dreams.

And speaking of dreams, that’s something that meditation can help with too.

We all dream whether we remember them or not. Meditation can help in remembering dreams! You may be thinking at this point, dream on, Joan.

But you don’t have to take my word for any of this. There’s plenty of scientific literature and research supporting the incredible positive side effects a regular meditation practice can bring. Here are just some of the reported proven benefits:

lowers cholesterol levels
reverses arteriosclerosis (hardened arteries)
lowers blood pressure levels
reduces angina (chest pain)
lowers levels of stress hormones in the blood
lessens fatigue
alters brain wave patterns reflective of a calmer state
lessens anxiety and depression
reduces insomnia
improves muscle and joint pain
strengthens the immune system
lessens craving type behaviors like smoking
increases overall confidence, awareness and general health

Wow!

Considering all these many positive side effects, it’s a wonder why we’re not meditating right now.

So let’s!

Here’s a simple meditation I call …

Zen Ten

Sit in a comfortable seated position.
Bring your attention to your breath.
Each time you inhale count down one number starting with 10.
For example, Inhale 10 – next inhale 9 – next inhale 8, etc.
When you get to 1, next number will start over again with 10.
If you loose focus on your breath or get distracted
gently bring your attention back to 10 and start again.
Continue this meditative practice as long as comfortable.

In the morning, in the evening, anytime you have a few moments in the day consider taking a Zen Ten. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

And as your calmness within develops and radiates outward, the people in your life will be thanking you too.