Healthline has a tremendous read on 12 science-based benefits of meditation.
No matter what some Christians think of that word (more on that later), the science is indisputable.
Meditation (and there are many, many types) is good for every part of ourselves.
Check out Healthline’s piece, with all the attendant studies cited, but here are a few highlights.
- Stress Reduction. Studies have shown that in can reduce the bodily inflammation response caused by stress, and also might alleviate symptoms of PTSD, IBS, and fibromyalgia.
- Anxiety Reduction. Scores of studies have shown mindfulness meditation reduces anxiety levels, particularly in those with high anxiety.
- Depression. A massive study of studies found it demonstrated “moderate to large reductions” in depression. One of the mechanisms might be through its effect on inflammatory chemicals involved in the depressive process.
- Lengthens attention span. Studies have shown that regular meditation seems to improve attention, focus, and clarity when performing a task.
- Dementia. It might reduce certain symptoms associated with dementia, including memory, attention and mental quickness.
- Can make you kinder. Metta meditation, in particular, can lead to more positive emotions, understanding of others, and warmer personal interactions.
- Addiction fighter. A study of transcendental meditation in alcoholics found that it was associated with lower levels of alcohol cravings, stress, and psychological distress.
- Improved sleep. Studies have suggested mindfulness-meditation can improve sleep quality and quantity.
- Pain control. In a massive study of studies, meditators were able to cope with pain better and even experienced a reduction in pain.
- Blood pressure. A meta-analysis found it helped reduce bp, most likely by calming the fight or flight instinct.
Healthline discusses even more, and read them here.
But the point is that meditation (and there are many types), has enormous physical and mental health benefits.
Now of course, Christians have a long history of skepticism with that word and are quick to add, “Yes, meditate like David on the Word of God.”
Well, yes, I do that.
But that is entirely different from, for example, mindfulness meditation.
It’s using the word “meditation” in two different ways.
When I “meditate” on Christ and what he’s done for me, I have this pastiche of thoughts of my sinfulness, his mercy, and all these other things having to do with Christianity.
It’s hardly mindfulness, which is “a state of active, open attention to the present.”
It’s entirely different from meditating on Christ, which by definition, is a connection to the past, present, and future.
I’ve tried mindfulness meditation in the past, and just never quite committed to it.
But I recently downloaded an app, decided to really commit, and so far, I’ve been surprised at how relaxing it is.
How regenerating.
Just breathing and focusing on breathing and each thing you’re feeling. Turns out the hype is kind of right (ugh, sorry to report that, in a way, because I’ve never wanted to join the meditation crowd).
So now I do it for 2 minutes when I wake up, 5 minutes at lunch, and then before bed.
And after just a few minutes, I do feel different.
But you have to commit to the process.
I’m a cynic by nature (massively), but you have to let go of that if it’s going to help.
There’s nothing remotely unChristian about doing any of this.
It’s entirely theologically compatible to believe “Jesus Christ is the way, truth, and life,” and take deep breaths and focus on the sensations around you.
Just like it’s entirely theologically compatible to believe “Jesus Christ is the way, truth, and life” and eat Cheerios for breakfast.
There is no heresy in deep breaths. Or focusing on the present.
Paul wasn’t angry at false teachers because they were teaching mindfulness meditation. Etc etc.,
In fact, there’s great spiritual benefit!
This post, however, is primarily about some of the physical and mental benefits.
(But by next week, I’ll probably have stopped meditating).
[Painting: Philosopher in Meditation, Rembrandt]
