Research & Studies.

Harvard Medical School has been one of the pioneers in scientific studies regarding the healing benefits of meditation. What they have discovered is that relaxation can change the chemistry of our body in a way that balances the body out so that it can return to it’s natural state absent of extreme stress and agitation.

Meditation and being focused can help you to mentally gain better control of your emotions. A tranquil mind leads to less anxiety, thus, reducing the intensity of mood swings and frequency of anger episodes.

Anger affects the natural functioning of the frontal lobe in our brains. Anger shuts down the frontal lobe, resulting in loss of the ability to act with awareness of whether or not you are responding from a rational place. As a result, communication becomes difficult and the stagnant energy left from the residue of mismanaged anger releases the neurochemicals that destroy parts of the brain that control emotional reactivity.

Sources: www.blueosa.com

The Science of Stillness.

The basic fundamental goal of meditation is to reach a state of enlightenment where the conscious mind is liberated from the continuous flow mental chatter and internal unrest. We tend to have no control over these random thoughts but with meditation, we can find the inner peace of stillness and transform our thoughts from confusing and restless to harmonious and focused.

External stimulus distracts our body’s natural functioning and if we do not manage this stimulus, it affects our the balance between our mind, body and spirit. If stress is not managed properly, it affects our adrenal glands, which starts to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that has a negative effect on our bodies and the more of it we produce, the higher our blood sugar levels become. Higher blood sugar levels, in turn, has a negative impact on our immune system, resulting in us being less resistant to illness and disease.

If we get in the habit of responding to stressful situations with a positive attitude and calmness, our body starts to produce serotonin, also known as “the happiness hormone”. Serotonin is not actually a hormone; it is a neurotransmitter that contributes to our feelings of happiness and confidence. Wearing a smile everyday and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity keeps our serotonin levels high and helps with stress management. With a happier attitude, we start to appreciate the big picture more and understand what actually matters in life; putting us in a position to find solutions to the most complex and difficult problems.