I am thrilled with the feedback I am getting from so many of you regarding positive changes you are experiencing in your life.  It really is incredible how clean eating, regular exercise and meditation can lead to a balanced, peaceful life journey.  Personally, I am excited to be revisiting my own meditation journey a little more seriously as the benefits are "off the chain, " or better than we can imagine!

Meditation helps restore balance between the left and right sides of the brain.  The left side deals with thinking, speaking, writing...the right side, intuition, imagination and feeling.  Our hectic lifestyles find us spending my time using our left side, emitting "beta" waves and spending much time in the past and future.  When we allow ourselves to slow down, the brain emits "alpha" waves, allowing us to be much more open to our feelings as we live in the moment, or the present.  In that state, everything takes on new meaning.

Though all this might sound like a bunch of hocus pocus to skeptics,  the science behind the positives of meditation are endless.  Here is a partial list of benefits that are derived from just SITTING:

Lowers oxygen consumption

Decreases respiratory rate

Increases blood flow and slows heart rate

Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients

Leads to a deeper level of relaxation

Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal

Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate

Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches

Builds self confidence

It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behavior. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.

Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.

Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome

Helps in post-operative healing

Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of 'natural-killer cells', which kill bacteria and cancer cells

Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

Additionally, clinical studies in to the effects of meditation have shown a reduction in migraines, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, panic attacks and lower levels of stress hormones.  In the office, studies have shown not only increased work performance, but also increased job satisfaction.

Time for me to relieve the left side of my brain and go ignite my right side.  I am off to SIT.  I'll be at Bally subbing for Carol today- 11:30 Senior Fitness.  12:30 Yoga.  Tonight I'll be at TFC-- 6:00 Cardio combo.  7:00 Yoga/Pilates fusion.  Expect some meditation at the end of all of those!

I just can't help but feel if more people would meditate, less people would need to medicate.  That's what I call HEALTH CARE REFORM!

"All you need is deep within you waiting to unfold and reveal itself.  All you have to do is be still and take time to seek for what is wthin, and you will surely find it." Eileen Caddy