The Science of Meditation

Meditation is beneficial to our wellbeing.  Scientists have recently stepped up their game with the research surrounding meditation.  Although there is a long way to go to fully understand the magnitude of the benefits, there is a lot that is already known. Meditation increases the ability for one to focus and pay attention–research shows that these benefits are long lasting and suggest that long-term changes are possible with the integration of meditation into one’s life.  Meditation also increases one ability to handle stress– meditation decreases one’s physiological and psychological reactions to stress.  People who practice meditation regularly, have decreased activity in the amygdala and increased connections between amygdala and prefrontal cortex–these changes in activity allow one to reduce their stress response and recover more quickly after a stress response is activated.

Mediation increases one’s capacity for compassion and increases one’s likelihood of taking action to reduce suffering–within themselves and for others.   This is achieved through the decreased activation of the amygdala in a stress response state–this decreased activation allows one to be more present for their own suffering and the suffering of others.  This ability to be present activates feelings of love and when one has increased feelings of love, and decreased feelings of stress, they are able to act from a place of compassion.   This decrease in stress activation and increase in capacity for compassion often has positive impacts on one’s relationships.  A small study in 2016, showed an increase in the quality of relationships between parents and their children for those who meditate when compared to those who do not practice meditation and mindfulness. 

Meditation and mindfulness come in all different forms.  Each practice has unique qualities and benefits.  The type of practice matters and all practices are beneficial.  Be Curious!  Explore the deep experience of meditation.  All that is needed is a willingness to open and soften to the present moment without worry, judgment, or fear.  Join us for The Inner Refuge Meditation Series guided by Rev. Greer starting on April 25 at 5:30pm. This series will provide participants with several methods of meditation practice.  Fee per participant is $20 a drop in session or a prepayment discount rate of $60 for all four sessions.  Starting in June, community members are invited to begin their week with a Community Meditation Sit on Mondays from 7am to 8am.  The weekly silent sit is donation based and all are welcome.

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