The benefits of meditation...

notredame2011

Hi all,

I just wanted to post about meditation and how it has helped me, even though I have only just started doing it. I was also wondering if there were any other meditators out there, thought maybe we could start a group?

I was introduced to meditation through the advice of my family GP. I went to him about my weight gain. I explained that I have been binge eating as a way of dealing with stress. It started getting really out of control due to a range of things, including:

My father, who has been healthy all his life, was told he would have to have a triple heart bypass. He has since had the surgery and is recovering, but it was so difficult to watch him be in pain when I have never seen him in that sort of state. His heart disease was passed genetically, he practically can't improve his diet any further or exercise regime.

My mother was hospitalised for about a month with a really bad case of CMV. This was also difficult and it meant that I had to be there for both of my parents, as this all happened over the same couple of months.

I had just broken up with my boyrfriend, whom I had been with for over 2 years and we had just come back from an overseas holiday together. Whilst I was the one who broke it off, it was a very difficult decision and of course it hasn't been easy getting used to being single again.

About a week after breaking up with him I moved states so that I would be in the same state as my family, and closer to my old friends, however this also meant, quitting my job and starting at a new university... and I didn't know anybody. I also had to find people to live with - I share now, but didn't know the girls beforehand. I also don't have a job right now and am relying on my parents for extra money...which i HATE! I feel so guilty.

SO you can see, I had some major changes and due to all of this,my stress levels were at their peak. Instead of prescribing anti-depressants, my GP prescribed 'mindfulness'. He advised that I get a book called 'Hurry up and Meditate' by David Mitchie. It was the best advice I have had in a long time.

If any one is sceptical about meditation, this is the book to read. Using meditation as a healing tool does not have to affect your religious beliefs. It is simply a tool that you can use to unclutter your mind - and believe me, it feels wonderful when you can just relax and not have to think about how many calories are in this, or how that washing needs to be done, etc. It gives you the ultimate 'me' time and you will not regret it! The author also goes to great lengths to give you the results of studies done across the globe which indicate how beneficial it is. I won't go into it all, but if anyone was wondering how to get rid of some stress, for no money, and really no physical effort - I would suggest you have a read of this book and give it a try. It definitely can't hurt you!

beelouise5

I love this post-thank you so much for this! I practice yoga regularly, and although yoga and meditation usually go hand in hand, the meditation is something that I often neglect. I will check out this book- many thanks!

sarah44254

Thank you! I keep meaning to try and practice more meditation. I have been forgetting and putting it off. Thank you for the reminder!! It is definitely a great step in self-betterment for any person to take.

KayakAngel

It sounds like we're all on the same page here. Thanks for your post - I haven't been meditating regularly lately, and I know I feel more grounded when I do. I have a couple of books on meditation, but I will check out Hurry Up and Meditate.

AngelsKisses75

Oh hun when it rains it pours! Blessings to you and yours! You have come a long way and will go even further!

I too love to meditate and will add 'Hurry up and Meditate' by David Michie to my must read list. It sounds like a good book for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced veteran. Thank you!