People have been meditating for thousands of years, often as part of a spiritual practice. Recently, mindfulness has become a popular way to help people manage their stress or anxiety, or improve their overall well-being. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation changes our brain and biology in positive ways, improving mental and physical health.
Meditation and mindfulness are two different concepts. Meditation is a mental training technique that leads to an altered state of consciousness to connect to your inner self. Meanwhile, mindfulness is an intentional awareness of the present moment without judgment.
While they are different, they are related and can deliver similar benefits. For instance, both meditation and mindfulness are important for improving your mental health. They are holistic health practices with the potential to connect your mind and body.
What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness meditation has two most important elements. The first is attention, which requires focusing on the present by tuning into your experiences. The second element is acceptance, which requires observing your feelings without judgment. To get started with mindfulness meditation, all you need is a comfortable place to sit, three to five minutes of free time, and a judgment-free mindset.
Multiple studies have explored the benefits of mindfulness meditation. Most of the findings were positive, showing how mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing stress, increasing positive emotions, overcoming addiction, and even improving the physical health of people with chronic diseases such as arthritis.
Maximizing the Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation to Achieve Inner Peace
There are various approaches to engaging in mindfulness meditation, though their efficacy may vary. To optimize outcomes, consider the following recommendations:
Practice Proper Breathing
One of the most crucial elements for effective mindfulness meditation is breathing. The idea is simply to focus your attention on your breathing—its natural rhythm and flow and the way it feels on each inhale and exhale. Mindfulness meditation breathing entails more than just the mechanical process of inhalation and exhalation; you need to maintain undivided attention throughout the exercise. Your active mind should be focused on your breathing. While you can do it with open eyes, some people find it easier to concentrate with closed eyes. You can sit, stand, or lie down, depending on the position you are most comfortable with. Breathe as naturally as possible.
Choose the Right Location To Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Pick a place with minimal distraction and where you will be at peace with your inner self. Whether you are exploring meditation for the first time or are a regular practitioner, stay flexible in your approach. Creating a practice that works for you is key, and you may modify and adjust your practice to suit your evolving needs. You may wish to dedicate a part of your home to practicing mindfulness meditation, an area where you are most comfortable. Proper lighting can also help as it can make the space calmer. Even the temperature will impact your practice.
Try CBD To Enhance The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Using CBD can help in mindfulness meditation. One of the most notable benefits of CBD is to help you relax your mind. While the studies remain limited, anecdotal evidence supports the ability of CBD to help reduce anxiety. With its potential to calm the central nervous system, you might find it easier to focus and be present in the moment.
There are different ways to use CBD during mindfulness meditation. For instance, you can try sublingual administration, which is done by dropping CBD oil under the tongue. It is quickly absorbed by the body. CBD supplements and vapes are also popular. Meanwhile, if you want to make your own CBD products, you might want to grow the plant at home. Cultivating cannabis can help you make your own products and have better control of their quality.
Meditation and Mindfulness At The Holistic Healing Heart Center
Dr. Cynthia Thaik, M.D. provides support for those interested in holistic approaches to better health, offering meditation and mindfulness for mind, body, health, and harmony. As the World Health Organization’s constitution states: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” We at the Holistic Healing Heart Center firmly believe in the power of meditation to improve health, balance, and overall well-being, when used correctly.
Dr. Thaik, one of the top doctors in Los Angeles, is a Harvard-trained, holistic cardiologist who practices with her heart. She helps replace stress, fear, and anxiety in patients by instilling a sense of inner calm and peace. She educates and inspires clients to take proactive steps towards health and healing. Her team has helped thousands of people transform their lives through the ways they think, feel, and act.
Uniting Eastern and Western practices, Harvard-trained naturopathic cardiologist Dr. Cynthia Thaik, MD and her staff have made it their objective to keep their patients’ hearts healthy and vibrant – in its truest definition. Sometimes the road to health means changing long-held habits, but Dr. Cynthia and her team greet such challenges with compassion and focus. Their motto is, “If you’re willing to commit to a healthier life, then we are here to help you”.
Find out more about getting started with mindfulness meditation, how to cultivate mindfulness for the whole family, our integrative health services, and more.
