Meditation- It’s Not Just for Hippies

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For the last 20 years, I have had the great joy of walking alongside of people beginning their journey toward greater relaxation, self-awareness, clarity, and overall peace and well-being. While each individual’s process was beautiful to witness, it was often not without some struggle. Sure, I’d find that individuals would melt into a blob of what seemed like tension-free bliss in my office recliner, reporting that their mind was free as a bird, or clear as the sky on a sunny day. However, upon return, it seemed this same sky turned stormy. People would often recount the numerous barriers that kept them from being as relaxed at home or even attempting it. They would explain that the previous week was too stressful for them to try to relax, or paradoxically already fine so they didn’t think they needed it. I heard everything from “I was too stressed to relax,” to “the cat running up the drapes made too much noise.” Mostly, I heard some version of “I don’t think I’m doing it right, I have a lot of other things I should be doing, or I don’t think I can do this like those other people can.”

After witnessing countless individuals trying to relax, adding meditation to the instruction was a natural evolution. What I learned from the feedback that people were giving me is that our minds are always processing. Sometimes, for no good reason at all, our thoughts are racing a mile a minute. In fact, you can test this out by simply pausing while reading this article. Take a minute. What did you notice? You may have found yourself wondering what this has to do with anything. Maybe you were thinking how wonderful it would be to be serene, like sailing effortlessly across the ocean in a state of bliss rather than whatever state you find yourself in now.

Chances are you were engaging in ongoing evaluation of whether meditation is for you or not. This appraising is something we often do, and for good reason. It is adaptive for us to assess our circumstances in order to make good choices for the future, for the purpose of staying out of harm’s way. However, this tendency has evolved to us constantly thinking and planning, often to gain some improved acceptance, prosperity, notoriety or overall happiness. Think about it for a moment…why were you thinking what you are thinking? You’ll probably find that at the root of the thought is the desire to seek improvement in one of these areas. That, in itself, is not all that bad. It is actually pretty human. However, studies in the area of happiness tell us otherwise. It seems that it is actually when we are more fully engaged in the present moment, no matter how difficult that moment is, that we are happier.

So, what can we do about the frequently thinking, rarely resting, and sometimes runaway train of a mind we have? The key is to start to catch this thinking when it goes on automatic pilot. Meditation is one way to do this. It can be thought of as a training system to assist us in becoming more familiar with the mind, with our thoughts, and ultimately our reactions to life events. With practice, it can help us make choices about our thoughts and reactions to situations so that we can be less upset, less stressed, less reactive and, thereby, more content in our everyday moments, even the difficult ones.

As mindfulness meditation has made its way into the mainstream, it’s become harder to extrapolate information needed to begin and succeed in the practice, from the vast enticing promises suggested in media coverage. Images tend to depict people in what appear to be peaceful states. However, there is more to that peaceful expression than meets the eye. There is much below the surface and it can be tumultuous at times. The positive effects of meditation may seem unreachable to someone who has tried to relax in some form and failed. Rest assured, studies have shown that people from all walks of life, in very diverse circumstances, and various settings benefit from meditation, as noted in the news story above. For further information on some of the research behind meditation read about Structural Changes in The Brain.

Meditation is not a passive technique, but rather an intentional act of mind training. So, for anyone embarking on this journey, I would like to share some observations of how this process typically unfolds in hopes that you may benefit from others’ collective experiences.

I will start by saying that it is most recommended to acquire a teacher as you are beginning a meditation practice and for ongoing coaching. In the least, it’s helpful to have initial sessions guided through audio exercises. Most people find themselves becoming quickly uncertain of what to do with their mind in total silence. A common first response to listening to the exercises is a sense of relaxation or peace. This may be experienced as heaviness, lightness, or even sleepiness if you are not used to being at rest. Occasionally, people feel an increase in restlessness or frustration. At this point, creating a regular practice of the exercise will be most important, and possibly most challenging.
After the initial period of time, people may forget or intentionally skip the exercises on occasions that they are busy, distressed, or even feel good and think they do not need it. It is at this juncture that establishing a routine practice, independent of emotional state and external circumstances, becomes essential. Commitment at this level leads to a more rapid relaxation response, with some ability to maintain this state as you transition back to activity.

Over time, you will begin to enjoy the benefits of inner stability well beyond the guided exercises. For example, you may suddenly realize that you are not as frazzled by the reactions of others, or you return more quickly to balance after triggers to your nervous system, such as near-collisions while driving. This is the point at which you know that true and longstanding change has begun. I call this the extended release of Mindfulness Based Biofeedback.

Regardless of your personal goal for considering meditation, I invite you to practice and share your experiences with this forum! I am delighted to be a part of your journey. Enjoy!

Dr. Urszula Klich
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

PS. To receive additional helpful health hints, “like” MyMindfulWayofLife on Facebook and follow @UrszulaKlich on Twitter. If you have been practicing the meditation CD, I invite you check out our harmonious visualization CD and post a review at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/DrUrszulaKlich

136 thoughts on “Meditation- It’s Not Just for Hippies

  1. Daniel (Yong) Kim

    I haven’t meditated before, but if studies really show that meditation can help improve your ability to focus and reduce stress, that it is definitely worth trying. Whenever I study, I always get distracted with random thoughts or things around me. I’m hoping that I can focus and actually do my work instead of procrastinating. Since always focusing is important, is it also important my life that I can stay focused on vital tasks. Keep stress to a minimal is also important. I wonder how long it’ll take to achieve my goal of being able to focus because of meditation.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Noticing your mind’s habits is the first step. So great. Next, think of meditation like taking a snapshot into your mind. Just stick with it and be curious about what your mind does. You will still notice that you get distracted. However, by sitting with it, you will evolve into discovering a bit more about why you get distracted with certain things. At that point people often feel like they have a bit more control over what they let their mind do. Think about it as guiding the mind back over and over, until one day you’ve realized that you’ve kept yourself from even going there. Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
    2. jaime ramirez

      I completely agree with you Daniel. I often have the same thought process as you. I study for long hours that sometimes my mind floats around leaving me clueless in my actual work. If meditation actually works like it says here in this video and post i agree that it is worth a try.

      Reply
    3. Rachel B.

      I hope mediation can do the same for me too. I also hope this process is very short, so i can actually do well in the classes I take.

      Reply
    4. Samir

      I’ve only used meditation as a form of prayer. So meditation with the intent to focus and relieve stress is something I can definitely see myself doing.

      Reply
  2. Jannet Shim

    I have never tried meditating because I had always thought that they were no medical significance that would come out of it. I would definitely try meditation to help me with my studies because I often loose focus and get side tracked. I easily get stressed and I don’t see how meditation would hurt me so It sounds like a great idea. I have a history of high blood pressure within my family so it would be nice to incorporate meditation in my life to avoid any health issues. I am shocked to hear about positive outcomes of meditation and find it very interesting.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Jannet, I am glad. Not much to loose so go for it! Be forewarned that you will likely find yourself just as sidetracked and distracted when you first start to meditation. That’s ok. Remember, that meditation is like taking a snapshot into your mind. Just stick with it and be curious about what your mind does. This will evolve into you discovering a bit more about why you get distracted with certain things. At that point people often feel like they have a bit more control over what they let their mind do. Think about it as guiding the mind back.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
    2. giselle

      Everything you explained here is exactly my issue. I have very bad problems with my attention and focusing and I really think starting to use this technique of meditation could be a good thing for me also.

      Reply
    3. melissa

      I’m the same way. Whenever I think of meditation I think of Buddhism and shaved heads who try to reach enlightenment. I didn’t really know all the details regarding meditation as described in the video. This will definitely help in me focusing since I tend to wonder alot.

      Reply
  3. Hyeongu (Bryan) Kang

    As a native Korean, I have meditated countless times before. Meditation often helps me to concentrate “consistently.” Acquiring ability to concentrate consistently has helped me to focus consistently on studying. In addition, meditation seems to relieve my stress because when I meditate, it relaxes me and I can sort of control my temper easily. In short meditation basically brings you to the calmer state. I want to ask Dr. Kilch (or anyone, it doesn’t matter) if she has ever heard about ASMR. I have a severe anxiety issue and it always eases my nerves. I highly recommend meditation to people who has any mental and physical issues and above article was very very interesting to read.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      That’s great. Check out our research tab to read about how meditation changes the amygdala and left prefrontal cortex to increase well-being and reduce anxiety and agitation. I am familiar with thee term ASMR but have not really heard much about it. I am glad that it is soothing. Do you listen to audio for it? Ill be curious to hear how you like the sounds on our CD If you purchase the cd http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/urszulaklich you will discover that it has been recorded with very gentle sounds of nature i.e.- water, wind, fire, and other earth sounds.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
      1. Saliou

        I have definitely never mediated before. Meditation has never really captured my attention until now. For instance when i am stress i don’t really meditate i sit back relax and take a deep breath and exhale it slowly,of what i heard and read about meditation it feels like meditating relaxes your brain very well.
        my question is meditation different from relaxation thinking and concentration.?

        Reply
    2. Julie

      It is interesting/curious that this has helped you with your anxiety, I too have anxiety issues and wonder if meditation would be worth more of an effort for me because I’ve tried it in the past and never stuck with it. I wonder how it can help with anxiety issues.

      Reply
      1. Rolla

        I know exactly how you feel. I have anxiety as well and when one of my friends suggested meditation, I thought she was being silly. However, after reading this article I’m beginning to consider it.

        Reply
    3. Dalvin

      After viewing your comment, I hope that I too have the same experiences with meditation. Though I have only done it once in class, I feel as though this is something that I want to continue to do on a serious level.

      Reply
  4. Cherie Yoo

    I have meditated only when I exerciser, such as in yoga or cenenergy. I really am an opened minded person so I am excited to try it this year. I have tried it before so I know how the technique works. it relaxes your mind, I am really looking forward to it because I need to work on my focus. I always wonder off and do other things which eventually stresses me out. If this mediation technique works I will be thrilled and spread the word to my family and friends. I thought it was very interesting how we can train our brain like we train our pets. I want to ask Dr, Kilch, how she thought of this idea and what triggered her to start and grow this new and unique technique

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Hi Cherie,
      I am glad you enjoyed the video. As for my beginnings I have been teaching relaxation for 20 years. After a few years I felt that there was a piece missing that could improve peoples results with their overall well-being…After I started teaching simple breath meditation I found the answer!

      Reply
  5. jimmyvo121

    Having never meditated before, I have high hopes of achieving a way to cope with my stress as well as avoiding it. I also hope to achieve a great grasp on life and to better myself for times that require great patients and critical thinking.

    Reply
    1. Sydney Thomas

      I completely agree with you! I would love to find a way to help cope with stress and patients at times that I do not have any. I am excited to start this meditation process!

      Reply
    2. Linda Tran

      I have never mediated also. I been reading a lot about our inner chakras and how mediation also helps us open these chakras to be more comfortable with ourselves and everything around us. Honestly I have always used the excuse “I’m busy and don’t have time” but better to give it my all now and actually put aside time, because I do have a lot of stress and hope that mediation will help me cope.

      Reply
  6. Briona Forbes

    I’ve never really mediated or have thought to meditate before. However, I do think that meditating will and can help you as far as your studies and in other areas. It puts you in this position that doesn’t allow you to think or let your mind wander somewhere else. It’s like a no stress zone and helps clear your mind. My question would be if there’s a specific amount of meditation, that would be considered as “too much”???

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      That’s a great question Briona and the answer may vary depending on the issue. I see it on an individual basis. Provided the mediator is not experiencing some sort of harm, significant distress, uncontrollable anxiety or depressive thoughts, or finding themselves meditating instead of paying attention to their responsibilities I would say they are likely ok. Certainly, there are people who practice meditation for hours daily for much of their lives. If there’s ever a question of it causing difficulty, one should contact a professional.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  7. Quynh Nguyen

    I think that meditation can benefit one who stresses about certain areas in his/her life. It can help a person clear their mind of unnecessary things. I once had a Buddhist come in as a guest speaker for my healthcare class of junior year. He spoke of many experiences he had in his life prior to his devotion to Buddha. Along with his speech, he spoke of meditation and how it can improve your chi/energy. One method on how to transition oneself into a trance is simply , clearing ones mind and picturing the sun. In doing so, you are focusing your chi on something bright and peaceful, since the sun represents light and hope, helping you fall into meditation. The Buddhist said, the more one meditates, the more one lives. I never really understood that, but I think he meant that if you meditate, all stress will be released, and without stress, one’s life is easier. I’ve never really put effort into meditation , but I do it every once in a while. I agree that all my stress becomes nothing more but just thoughts I exaggerated in my mind.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Quynh, its great that you notice that much of the impact of stress is related to what our mind does with thoughts. Exaggeration, all or none thinking, personalizing, projecting into the future, and so on, are all ways our mind might lead us to greater suffering in any experience. The talk you attended sounds interesting. An additional way to see the statement “the more one meditates, the more one lives” is that meditation is a practice of focus that teaches us to be more present in everyday moments. If we are more present we hear more, see more, sense more, and therefor live more deeply. Enjoy your practice! Though as I say that I want to leave you with one more caveat. True practice is effort, even if its for 5 minutes. Its not always relaxing or easy, but people typically notice changes in the way they experience things over time.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  8. Alisha Ukani

    I have never meditated before, however, I can’t say that I haven’t attempted. I remember many times when I was overwhelmed with school, family, etc., and needed a break. All I knew about meditation was that it serves as a technique for relaxation. Every time I attempted to meditate, within a minute, I would open my eyes and quit. I always found myself loosing focus. But the tips you’ve shared about concentrating on our breathing as soon as we loose focus helps a lot! Similarly, I also find myself loosing focus during lectures or studying. After obtaining all this information about meditation and practicing soon, I am sure I will be a lot more attentive in not only my studies but in my everyday life. I do have two questions I would like to ask; is there a specific time of day you would recommend meditating? ex. morning, night? And, what role does music play while meditating? Is it recommended?
    I extremely enjoyed reading your blog, thank you!
    -Alisha Ukani

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Alisha, welcome to the site. I am glad it speaks to you and look forward to hearing about your experiences as you embark on your journey. Distraction is a very common challenge even for regular meditators. The importance is in how you relate to the distraction rather than the distraction itself. With regard to time of day, the best time will be any time you can get into a regular groove. With that said, many people find that starting the day off with a few minutes of focused silence can set the tone for how you relate to the rest of the day. So you may want to try a few different times. In terms of music, again there are options. Though I recommend that initially one starts with even a few minutes (5 can be plenty to begin with) of silence. If you purchase the cd http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/urszulaklich you willl discover that it has been recorded with very gentle sounds of nature i.e.- water, wind, fire, and other earth sounds. Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  9. Aicha Yachare

    i started meditating at an early age. At first it wasn’t really but choice but because my grandmother would make my brother and I do it for hours as a punishment for being too agitated and breaking stuffs in the house, or for just being idiots really. Around the age of 10 or 12 i’d meditate because I found it cool and also because I would seen my favorite anime characters do it n TV. then I did it for YOGA, when I was sad and tormented by something… But I never really knew about all the brain stuffs I saw in the video so I guess that’s just a plus to the relaxation it provides. Hopefully it will help me accomplish more in school like liking reading, lol!

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Its unfortunate that your first experience of meditation was used as a punishment. Your story, however, is a nice example of how resilient kids are. The fact that you kept doing it is great. Keep it going…and enjoy the meditations! I look forward to your input on here…and on our FB page I would invite you to comment on anything you find interesting… Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
    2. Hope R.

      I’m beginning meditation soon, but I think that it’s brilliant that your grandmother started making you meditate at such a young age. I’m hoping that if this works, I’ll do it for the rest of my life, and teach my children also.

      Reply
  10. Graciela Carrau

    I have never meditated before, but after reading this, I think I am going to start trying. Meditation would definitely help me to improve my study habits, and help me gain more focus. Also I hope it would help me cope with the emotional stress of the new changes in my life.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Graciela, Tat is great! stick with it and be curious about what your mind does. You will still notice that you get distracted. Think about it as guiding the mind back over and over, until one day you’ve realized that you’ve kept yourself from even going there. Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
      1. Daniel

        I definitely need the meditation to help improve my study habits during college. It is better to start now since I am a freshman

        Reply
  11. Nikolas Holloway

    I have been meditating for a little over a year now. It use to be something I did to be able to fall asleep, but now I do it throughout the day. it took me a VERY long time to fully understand what to do. It has completely changed my life, and I’m sure it could change many others. Thanks for the information.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Nikolas, that is wonderful and for sure something that you can find a solace to turn to during a variety of challenges in life. I look forward to your feedback on meditations. It can sometimes be a challenge to try slightly different ones than you are used to. Im a true believer that challenging ourselves leads to growth and it will be interesting for you to have the opportunity to apply meditation in different areas of life. I invite you to like, comment and share on FB as well https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
      1. Sagar Rijal

        My mom also meditate, and she has been doing it for 30 years. She is now 52 years old, and she has the same problem. she falls asleep while meditating. She has Insomnia(sleeping disorder) which might explain why, and its really hard for her to meditate because she does not have that balance of staying awake and clearing everything in her mind.

        Reply
  12. Giang Nguyen

    Like some other people here, I have never tried to meditate before since I’m rather impatient and I often get distracted easily. I have a skeptical mind so even though I’ve heard of many benefits meditation can bring, I’m not quite sure whether it will work for me. I will give it a try, however. My goals are really simple: to get rid of stress and to be able to stay focus on my works/studies. I have several questions that I hope to find the answers to. I’ve seen there are CDs, that has been recorded with nature’s sound, available on your website so I wonder if white noise would have the same effect? Also, how can one be able to stay in one position comfortably for a period of time? It seems to be a difficult task for me.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Giang, welcome to beginning meditation practice! I feel that anything you try that is new can build neuronal connections and and help overall personal growth so you probably dont have a lot to loose even if you decide not to continue. Those are great goals and ones I commonly hear. The CDs have very gentle background nature sounds and our guided with instruction as people first starting often find it challenging to be in complete silence. With that said, you can also add practice with no sound at all…(there’s typically some type of sound wherever you are). There will be distractions and the idea is to simply bring your mind back. If you also practice on your own (sound or not) I would begin with 5 minutes and build up to 10, as even five is a long time to sit in stillness. This brings me to your other question…we are often uncomfortable and shifting about. When we sit in silence we might find that amplified. That is a common experience and another reason to keep beginning meditations short. Outside of severe discomforts from physical problems I would recommend seeing what happens when you dont immediately succumb to shifting your position. We often chase comfort and sitting will give you an idea of what your mind does with that…does it get bored, angry, jugdemental of yourself and so on.
      Enjoy and I invite you to like, comment and share on FB as well https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  13. Taimur Butt

    I have never meditated before because I never really thought it would work. I hope it can help relieve the stress I feel with my studies and situations I encounter in life. I also hope it can help me deal with the pressure I’ll feel with all the changes in my life.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Opps…I typed a longer reply and lost it. Do read through some of the other comments and goals as they are pretty common. Welcome to the website and mediation! I look forward to hearing about your experiences as you embark on your journey. Life pressure can be pervasive these days so you are learning a life skill. It will take time but hopefully also be enjoyable if you enter with an open hear.
      For general relaxation I also recommend visualization exercises. If you purchased the cdat http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/urszulaklich you willl find another CD with visualization exercises there. People often find it pleasant to unwind wit this. You will discover that it has been recorded with very gentle sounds of nature i.e.- water, wind, fire, and other earth sounds.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips ! https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  14. Joshua

    It is fascinating to know that relaxing and meditating can affect a person’s well being. I have never meditated before and even the thought of it has never crossed my mind. I always thought meditation had something to do with religion. However, after watching the video and reading this post, my thinking has changed simply because the evidence demands it. Normal people, who are not doing it for any religious purposes and, finding peace, happiness, clarity, and rest through meditation tells me that it can help me, too. College can be very stressful but if meditation can help me overcome stress, and not just college, but if it can help me overcome stress in my life, then I’m willing to try it and see for myself.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Joshua, yours is a common initial thought. The meditation practice that has come to the west referred to as “mindful meditation” is typically secular (i.e.- not tied to a religion). However, many religions do have some component of meditation and prayer and people can certainly practice this within the context of their overall spiritual practice. It is amazing the variety of areas in which meditation has taken off for “normal” everyday people. I look forward to your observations on here and possibly on FB if you get on there.
      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Remember its a practice like learning any other skill and I recommend approaching it with curiosity.

      Reply
  15. Nelida Munguia Rascon

    I have definitely never mediated before. Meditation has never really captured my attention until now. I hope to feel less stressed and more relaxed. Now that I think about it, most people go around living life stressed out all their lives without even knowing what it feels like to be happy and stress free. I also hope that meditation makes me feel happier with my surroundings. Is meditation really for everyone? According to the video it affects parts of your brain but does it really work for everyone?

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Nelida, Welcome! I hope you enjoy the process which I recommend approaching with curiosity for what it is and how you react to yourself in trying it. Your question is deserving of a larger answer. Meditation may not be for everyone for a number of reasons. For example, there are some people that simply wouldnt be interested in practicing or may say they dont have time or dont want to. Its the practice practice practice that creates changes. Also if someone is having significant mental health issues they would be advised to work with a counselor and discuss if its right for them. With that said I am a psychologist and work with individuals with significant depression, anxiety, or physical disability and the patients I use it with do well. However, they are under a doctors care.
      Just know the benefits take time and may not be immediately observable by you even when they are there initially.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  16. Tobi Ogunyale

    mediating feels like it only works for certain people.I would like to meditate but I do not think that i have the lifestyle and the settings to do something like this. Also is mediating a by the book kind of thing of differs from person to person.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Tobi, I can understand. Many people that come to me to learn meditation say they wish they could relax, clear there mind or have time to do either. They are sometimes surprised when I say to them that they will never find the time. The truth is, in this busy world you will never find the time, you have to make it if you want to give it a try. I do recommend short periods. the exercises on my CD are 10 minutes. But you can even use the technique and practice on your own for 5 minutes twice daily. most people can find 5 minutes that they are whittling away on something, TV, emails, Social media, laying on the couch, or even ruminating about how much we have to do! Most people I work with find themselves much more clear and therefore more efficient after taking a short break that isnt zoning out but rather a focus training session. That can be one way to look at meditation.
      You are right.. It is always more personalized to work with a teacher or coach for meditation or many other skills we might want to learn. Good luck! I invite you to be curious about the process!

      Reply
  17. Samir Basu

    I haven’t meditated before and I easily stress myself out with my school work. I almost cannot keep up with the ever increasing assignments. I also have epilepsy where stress is a trigger so I hope learning how to meditate will help me with stress. I had seen a news video on both mental and physical effects meditation has on a person and I was impressed.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Samir, I’m so glad you are attempting this. Life has become more stressful for people as we are seeing surveys show people are feeling more overload at a younger age these days. Stress will absolutely exacerbate physical symptoms so its great to work on things that might be of assistance. Be sure to check out some of the other responses.
      Also, the benefits take time and may not be immediately observable by you even if they are building so have patience and enjoy.

      If you are able I invite you to like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  18. Ekaterina Selivanova

    I have wanted to learn and start meditating for about a year or even longer now. Yet, I was not completely sure what it is all about and, most importantly, how to get it right. This weekend I have purchased Mindfulness Based Biofeedback: An Audio Companion and have finally tried to meditate. I was hoping to experience something new, get to a totally different, absolutely peaceful state of mind, as well as to help myself to calm down and put myself into the right mood after a stressful, highly eventful school week. I was also expecting to use meditation as a way to prevent future stresses and practice it regularly. I cannot say that my first experience with meditation was totally successful because random thoughts were still running around my head and I could not concentrate for the entire time. Yet, it really did calm me down and cleared up my mind. I am very excited to continue practicing meditation and learn more about it in the future! I truly believe that it is a great idea to provide college students with such opportunity in order to prevent major stresses, or at least reduce and help to overcome.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Ekaterina, Your message deserves a longer reply. Mostly I want to say, “congratulations, youve embarked on the journey.” Now put on your seatbelt, you are in for a ride. If you stick with practicing you will find ups and downs and a wandering mind. You will find that sometimes you sit wanting to calm yourself and you may find your mind restless and experience feelings of stress or whatever is going on. In a nutshell, I find that a couple of important things happen. First off, meditation gives us a more clear picture of what is happening…so that if you are running around stressed, anxious or down about something but you have a lot to do and places to be, if you are like most people you just push that stuff to the back to get through. When you sit in meditation those feelings are likely to become clear. Its like taking an extremely clear picture of what is really happening. Why is this good? Because the only way out is through. When we push feelings away, they are likely to come out sideways (some way we dont intend and dont welcome.) Also, you become more familiar with some of the habits of your mind. When you sit you might realize that you have constant to do lists, or recognize that you are always judging yourself. You might become aware of the purpose of some of your habitual thoughts. (there is actually a meditation on the CD that guides awareness of thoughts. It is after the breath meditation.) Once we become aware of our habitual thought patterns and more familiar with their purpose we can better control them, or keep them from taking over. This is meditation…the work of bringing our mind back and opening to more space around our thoughts and intention around our actions.
      the benefits take time and may not be immediately observable by you even when they are there initially.

      Enjoy and like us on FB to get additional tips https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  19. Andrea Herrera

    I have mediated before and I have always been very interested in the matter, but I never fully thought anything of the benefits from meditating. I am very excited I will be meditating and being active in meditating very soon. I think it will help me relax, step back, and take a breath. I have anxiety and I know that meditating will help me. It will allow me to excel, as I desire to, in school and it will help me broaden my studies with a open mind and positive mind. I will be able to focus on everything else in life. I just want to be able to call myself a good person with good habits and great traits. I feel like I can do more when I am at ease and thinking properly.And now that I have scientific proof saying meditation does work; I will be that much more in to the matter and dedicate the time I need to.

    Reply
  20. Makel Guice

    I have never meditated before but after reading your posts and watching the videos I would not mind participating in the activity. Anything to relieve some stress would be valuable in my life! Hopefully, meditating would help to clear my mind and allow me to focus more when it comes to in class lectures and studying. Sometimes the stress can get the better of me when it comes to studying so I tend to lose focus. Also, I just hope it helps me become a more positive person. I want to focus less on the negative and more on the positive. I am really looking forward to my first meditation experience!

    Reply
  21. Michade ! (@Lovely_Chade)

    Meditating is something I’ve always looked at in a spiritual manner. Inever thought about the affects of it. I would love to experience a peaceful way to aliviate stress and also prevent it. After reading this, i still feel that it only works for certain people not including me; however, it may be that i really don’t understand the how the concept works or how to focus my mind. I look forward to learning more about how it works and/or how to apply it to my lifestyle

    Reply
  22. Alejandra Yacaman

    I have never tried meditation before, but i am very excited to try it out. Knowing meditation has made lots of medical advances give me more of a reason to try it out and it will become a daily thing for me. I hope being able to train my mind will help me stay on task more and this could certainly help me with my classes and my college journey. applying this to my life might just create a more peaceful lifestyle.

    Reply
  23. Shreyans Shah

    Meditating was never an option for me because listening to music always refreshed me.But i would like to give it a try, also I’m the one who loves to listen to silent and achieve peace. With listening to all to all the claims if it helps me managing my time and decrease stress than this would really help get through the rough time in college.

    Reply
    1. Neysa Parham

      Music also helps me as well. Usually I calm my mind by listening to a few slow songs but I now see how meditating can help.

      Reply
    2. Jerome Smith

      Music is usually my go to remedy in most situations as well. More often I find myself using it as a refresher and reliever. I’ve heard others mention mediating but I’ve never tried it. After reading this post, I am willing to try it after reading about some of its many benefits-clarity, less stress, better decisions,etc

      Reply
  24. Lante Lal

    I have not meditated before in my life, but then, i am not so sure of it. However, I find it quite fascinating and interesting! As a student, i am looking forward to control my mind from wandering during lectures and during my readings. I noticed it also help reduces stress and it enhances the better part of the brain! So I think if this work out with me, i will have a whole new positive attitude in dealing with every areas of my life. As you warned, i think ‘not falling asleep’ part would be pretty challenging for me.

    Reply
  25. Austin Hoang

    I think I might have meditated before, but that was a long time ago when i was much younger. I do find meditation an interesting topic. I do want meditation to help me focus and train my mind. I think it will help me through my troubles.

    Reply
  26. Wagaki Karaba

    I have meditated a couple of times when I did yoga. Every time I finished the yoga sessions my mind and body was in such a peaceful and blissful state. So, I can definitely testify that meditation is very beneficial; meditation is just as important as consuming the right foods for your body. Meditation is food for the mind and spirit.

    Reply
  27. Avion Rice

    I have never taken meditation seriously before. Before actually understanding what meditation is used for, I didn’t feel as though it was a credible tool to use toward every day life. I feel as though the concept behind meditation can be both a waste of time to some and a way to prolong focus and encouragement in others. After watching this video I feel as though the idea behind meditation is a good one. Every time one’s mind wonders, he or she is suppose to slowly return their focus on his or her breathing and concentrate on that breathing. I think this encourages relaxation and maybe even enhance one’s patience with one’s self and increase focus on his or task at hand. I also learned that people use this method of thinking as a religious tool as well to get closer to their religious deity. I would most likely relate to this subject in an educational and religious way.

    Reply
  28. Nykeria

    I have never felt the need to meditate or to look into meditation before. I do think that it can help some people with focusing better and relieving stress. I also think that it can have no affect on others. If studies show that it can help with stress levels then I am willing to try it since it won’t hurt anything. I’ve always seen meditation as something closely related to religion but, I’ve never really understand what all it helps.

    Reply
    1. Athena

      Mediation is a form of guided thought. I have the same feeling as yours. Though I did not have this experience before, I think one day I’d like to give it a try. But first I guess I’ll need to focus and relax. I may find peace through meditation.

      Reply
  29. Vilexia

    I’ve never meditated or have thought to meditate for any reason. Hopefully, it can help me have a clear mind, so that I won’t be so stressed out with school assignments. I really would like for it to help me calm down, because I have a quick temper. How will I know that the meditation is actually working?

    Reply
    1. Deej

      I am in the same boat as you. I have never once thought about meditating but after this video I hope that it will also help me with the stresses of being in school.

      Reply
    2. Trei Chamberlain

      I feel the same way as you when you that you have never thought of meditating for any reason. I followed the instructions on the video by sitting up straight and trying to zone out everything outside of me just breathing. When i meditated, i felt more relaxed and stress free for the moment of time.

      Reply
  30. Ann Nguyen

    I actually have a mild case of anxiety and I have been having frequent panic attacks ever since I started college as I’m still adjusting to the environment. I never have time to think about meditation because my mind is always focusing on one thing to the next and my stress levels have definitely increased within the pass two weeks of constant homework load. I have meditated in the past at one point in my life and I never noticed a difference in my mood or behavior, but I could say I never really knew how to properly meditate. I hope this method helps me focus better and stay calm if I feel a panic attack coming.

    Reply
    1. Kayla Carr

      I can completely relate to your situation. I have been suffering from panic attacks since high school. I have attempted meditation as well but it has only worked for me to a certain extent. However I would like to try meditating more consistently, because perhaps I would be more successful.

      Reply
  31. Joshua Kim

    I personally have never meditated before. My expectation of using meditation was to just relax us for that duration. I have not thought that this would help us through our studies and prevent stress as well. This will be very helpful for me through many circumstances. once occurrence for example is when I drive back home. It is a good 40 minute drive, and I tend to lose focus, but not frequently. With meditation, the healing will help prevent myself from dosing off and being distorted by distractions.

    Reply
    1. Urszula Klich Post author

      Joshua, it will be interesting to see how meditation influences your drive. Though I wouldn’t recommend meditation in the car of course. However, you could practice mindful focus for the first 5-10 minutes of your drive each time by simply returning your mind to your senses, breath, hands on steering wheel, sounds, signs on the road and of course the road ahead.
      I invite you to like us and comment as you’d like on FB https://www.facebook.com/MyMindfulWayOfLife

      Reply
  32. Sydney Thomas

    while watching the video, I found it interesting that people who had diseases or some type of sickness used meditation to help them with it, and it actually worked! When reading the blog about people’s reaction to meditation, such as not having time, etc… I thought of myself because I thought it was silly when I first heard about it. Now I am very excited to see the outcome of this process.

    Reply
    1. Brooke Sax

      Sydney I very much agree with you! Now that I know that it could possibly help my family members and their sicknesses I’m more then happy to pass this information along!

      Reply
  33. Ashley

    I have attempted mediation before, not knowing what to expect out of it. However, in the process I found my mind constantly wondering. Also, I find myself not sleeping at night because my mind is racing. I think I’m going to try mediation to help me sleep and to ease frustration.

    Reply
    1. Em Thatcher

      Ashley,

      I did not think of using meditation when my mind wanders at night, because that happens frequently! I’m going to try that and see if it works.

      Reply
  34. giselle

    I’ve had various encounters with forms of meditation and I’m glad I’m able to learn more about it. This technique seems to be the best I’ve seen and it looks as though anyone can do it. I can’t wait to see how it will not only benefit me but everyone else trying it for the first time also.

    Reply
  35. Athena

    I have heard that Buddhist meditation utilizes yoga. I imagine one day I’d bend my head in meditation. I would certainly find time to focus on meditation. Some people said that meditating would bring more energy, awareness, and release stress. I hope this could happen to me.

    Reply
  36. Cloud Holmes

    I am interested in this indifferent type of meditation, since its such a stray from traditional styles in india .Because the Mindfulness Meditation its heavily focused on breathing is there a way it could relieviate asthma symptoms?

    Reply
  37. Sagar Rijal

    I tried Meditating because my parents forced me to but I never saw the point of it so I stop doing it. This information about changing the state of my brain is really shocking. It was hard for me to believe that clearing my mind and just breathing could really improve my health physically and mentally.

    Reply
    1. Austin

      It’s truly incredible that minor changes in routine such as meditating can lead to major changes in the body and in life. Such an activity seems only easier when it is driven by willpower and the fact it was at first forced upon you certainly may not have made it welcoming. Hopefully if you intend to try it on your own, it will be a more enjoyable and relaxing activity,

      Reply
  38. Terra Keyes

    You know how the blog describes an individual who makes an earnest attempt to meditate but somehow finds , what they think, to be a logical explanation as to why their attempt failed? Well, that’s me! The most interesting aspects of the video was the explanation that meditation alters not only your mental state, but your physical being also.

    Reply
  39. Lon Ben

    Meditation seems like an attractive thing to engage in when you have extra time in between your daily activities. I feel like it would work as a way to clear your mind of the extra things that pile on your mind throughout the day.

    Reply
    1. La'Shaee' Williams

      I agree with you Lon Ben. Meditation is a good technique when one wants to clear their mind, because it puts the mind at ease. It allows one to relax and gain the ability to accomplish the set daily tasks.

      Reply
  40. Kayla Carr

    For me meditation is more of a spiritual thing. It tends to work more so for me when I meditate based on Christian beliefs rather than my own mindfulness. However I find it very interesting that meditation can be used to combat a variety of different illnesses. This article has inspired me to practice meditation more consistently, and I hope that it can continue to assist me with stress and anxiety.

    Reply
  41. Em Thatcher

    It was interesting to see someone who had used meditation and found it helpful. Sometimes only reading about a case study does not fully convince me, or help to hold my attention while reading. I also found my mind wandering while reading the blog just as I read it would and laughed aloud!

    Reply
  42. Julie

    I tried meditation in the past but it is difficult to calm one’s mind. I wonder what would be helpful to really help focus or unfocus so as to properly meditate. And how someone with a busy schedule can fit in meditation.

    Reply
    1. Taylor Johnson

      Julie I was wondering the same thing. Trying to shut everything out and truly focus on nothing seems extremely hard when you have everything going on. Hopefully MBB will teach us different techniques that help us relax.

      Reply
  43. Daniel

    I had a teacher last semester who made us do meditation for 10 minutes before we worked on our assignments. At first I thought it was pointless and had nothing to do with the class. Then as the semester came to a close I came to realize that the meditation put my mind at ease and let me focus on my topic better. So I will definitely continue doing that with any future problems or assignments

    Reply
    1. Chad Walker

      I feel as if I am currently in the same bat as you were in, I don’t believe that this is going to be helpful for me because I have my own way of relieving my own stress. I am now hopeful after reading your comment that it will work for me.

      Reply
    2. Koya

      Did you continue your meditation after the class? Id like to know if you noticed any changes in your studying habits or behaviors.

      Reply
    3. Norman Mann

      I believe that I am in the same class. I’m interested to see how this is going to go. Like many others I’m in the skeptical side of meditation. Generally I’m not aware that I am stressing until it’s almost to much to handle, so maybe this will help me cope with the stress at an earlier point.

      Reply
  44. Deej

    I did not previously know that meditation was used by the Marines. I find this very interesting and would like to learn more about how and why they do. If Marines who are the biggest and baddest military force we have do meditation, I guess I can give it a try.

    Reply
  45. Brooke Sax

    The article and the video were very interesting. It interested me how it helped people who were sick. And it also interested me that it actually relieved stress. I always thought meditation was nonsense but now I see that it relieves major anxiety along with stress.

    Reply
  46. Neysa Parham

    I did not know until watching the video that meditating can make a certain part of your brain become larger. When I was younger, my mother used to advise me to meditate because she always did it. But as I got older I stopped doing it completely. So I think this article helps me because its refreshing and it makes me want to do it again.

    Reply
  47. Chad

    i personally never tried meditation before but have always heard from co workers in the same field as me (marketing) that it makes the job a whole lot easier. i always thought i was a rather stress free person although it may be because i bottle things up inside. I am willing to give it a shop due to above comments and the numerous amount of success stories.

    Reply
  48. Koya

    I am one of the people who believes meditation is not for them. I don’t think sitting in the middle of a floor with my eyes clothes is gonna make my stress level decrease. However after reading the blog and listening to the news report i was baffled at the efficiency that meditation had on the man who was claustrophobic and could not receive his Cancer treatments. Information like that which gives real life solutions make me reconsider my idea of meditation. Im sure further research would open my perspective up some more and one day I will truly be able to commit myself to meditation.

    Reply
  49. Amar

    This article and the video truly adds to the appeal of meditation. It is very accessible, simple to do and has practical uses. I believe everyone should try meditation, it helps and doesn’t hurt at all.

    Reply
  50. La'Shaee' Williams

    The first time I tried meditation was in high school. I was extremely tensed and stressed out over school and work. Literally, I felt like I was going to pass out on several occasions from exhaustion. Meditation helped maintain my sanity by keeping me calm. A great deal of people, like myself, rejected the idea of meditation because they didn’t want to perform some of the actions mentioned in the video such as, chanting or lighting incense. Dr. Klich made it clear in her post that the mind is constantly racing every minute. Meditation allows for people to put this racing to a halt and bring their mind to an ease. Overall, meditation helps maintains one’s sanity especially during their time of frustration and anxiety.

    Reply
    1. pseudonym

      Im glad to hear from someone who has tried meditation at a younger age and it sounds like it had worked for you. Sounds like I should try to do the same to help with stress that I have piled on for some years now.

      Reply
  51. Pseudonym

    I have been on the verge of trying meditation, myself, for quite some time now. My problem was always that i never had the proper motivation nor the time in my life to actually sit down and try it, but I see that the results are fascinating. I have several friends, alongside myself, who have studies Buddhist theology and other concepts found in the East pertaining to chakras, enlightenment, etc and this seems to be a step in the right direction. I’ll give it a try.

    Reply
  52. Dylan W.

    Hey, so I realize practicing frequently gives people better results, but does meditation work for everyone? For instance, would a person with an attention deficit disorder be able to meditate, and what suggestions do you have for someone who struggles with focus but wants to meditate? Also I have heard of people meditating in their sleep, or lucid dreaming. Is this a different type of meditation, or is it something different, and are there benefits to lucid dreaming like there are for meditation?
    —Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Xander M.

      In my high school psychology class we actually took the question you asked, “Does meditation work for everyone?” to the test and done an experiment as a class at a whole. We were first asked to take sort of a poll to help place us in certain groups: one group being highly stressed, another being the calmest people, and within those two groups we were split again my attention span, because he said attention span had the most to do with meditation working or not. After two months of meditation in each class and each morning before, the results showed that for both high stress and low stress groups, attention span was not a confounding factor of whether meditation worked or not. In fact after the two months, the people with lower attention spans actually said they saw an increase in their attention spa through the meditation.

      Reply
  53. Rachel B.

    I have never meditated in my life and probably would of never thought to do it, but in the video it talks about how the lead singer of weezer got over stage fright. I have anxiety and would like to boost confidence, will meditation cure or help with this? If so how does it do that,?

    Reply
  54. jaime ramirez

    I have never meditated ever in my life, however after watching this short video and reading this blog i sure will be giving it a try. As a college student it is very likely to feel stressed or frustrated and i believe i could use some stress relieving techniques. i was amazed after watching the man with cancer be able to finally used his equipment mask for his treatment after meditating. Also after reading the blog i was convinced that mediating is in fact like a workout or routine. One must continue to do it after starting it or it wont work on the body like we would like to.

    Reply
  55. Malik Moss

    I can see why meditating can be extremely beneficial. Im curious however, what is exactly meant by “focusing on your breath?” Should my mind be clear, which seems like a tall task, or should I literally be thinking about my breathing?

    Reply
    1. Sharae R.

      I think you should literally be thinking about breathing, like the video said, yes your mind will wander but just try to remain focus on your breathing. When you’re meditating you don’t want to have any outside thoughts.

      Reply
  56. Sharae R.

    I once had a mediator come to speak to my class and we practiced meditating, she suggested we practiced everyday for a week. At first i found it hard to concentrate but the more i did it the more i was able to focus, and i could tell a huge difference on how i was feeling mentally and physically compared to the beginning and the end of the week. After watching the video, it made me more aware about all the benefits mediating has, such as the singer no longer having stage fright. Towards the end of the article it talks about mediating helping you go back to balance after an incident and i think this is extremely helpful because usually after incidents i am heavily stressed out which sometimes goes on till the next day. I will be happily be practicing meditating daily so i can have peace with my inner and outer self.

    Reply
  57. Linda Tran

    Currently in my English class my instructor is incorporating mediating into our daily class schedule, which I believe is a great thing/idea. Stress is a part of everyone life and sometimes it can be overwhelming, so students and people that are aware that meditation is very helpful for each individual and the mind itself is great. I love that researchers, CEOs, instructors have insisted that patients, students, and employees take the time out and mediate. Watching people in the video and even classmates participate in mediation is a wonderful. I believe that mediation is extremely helpful to everyone who takes the time out and actually make it a routine.

    Reply
    1. Kanea

      Same here Linda! My instructor also takes about five minutes in the beginning of class to let us meditate. I agree that it’s a great idea, because it does allow some of the stress to go away.

      Reply
  58. joe

    I have meditated for sometime now and a lot of times I meditate when Im tired. I find that meditating is almost like a nap and i usually feel really refreshed afterward. Im happy to find out that it is actually good for me 🙂

    Reply
  59. Hope R.

    I’m really interested in the studies that have been shown. I saw on the video that meditation helps stress, but does it also help anxiety (mental and physical), too? Also, I read that you have been researching this for a long time, but how long have you personally been meditating? And what changes have you seen in yourself?

    Reply
  60. Aminah

    The video was very informational on the sense that meditation has been proven to physically change the brain for the better. Meditation is very simple but quite difficult at the same time as Dr Urszula Klich stated, if you are not familiar with the feeling of being at rest. I feel as though meditation will be a hard task for my to complete but its definitely worth a try!

    Reply
    1. Aahsihia Reed

      Aminah, I thought the same thing when my roommate suggested it to me, but figured I shouldn’t be so closed minded and try something different. Although it was a little difficult concentrating, I was able to clear my mind and focus on speaking the things I want into existence.

      Reply
  61. Austin

    This article as a whole definitely enlightened me about the effects of meditation on the human mind. What I found most intriguing about the video was that meditating actually has a physical change on the brain and that specific areas (ones that revolve around self-awareness and compassion) would literally grow from this activity. In the blog post, it was interesting to see that there is a lot more concentration on breathing than just simply relaxing and letting the mind calm down. Meditation is an activity that seems to have many benefits and both the video and blog have me convinced that I can gain much from taking part in it.

    Reply
  62. Aahsihia Reed

    I was recently introduced to meditation by my new roommate and believe it or not, after one session, I did see results. At first, I thought it was a little cheesy and cliche, but eventually I was able to clear my mind and focus on what they were saying. I put into the universe that I needed money to pay for my books and other expenses, and the next day I received an email saying I had gotten hired for a on campus job. Meditation is definitely something I would suggest anyone to try!

    Reply
  63. Taylor Johnson

    It’s very interesting to read about the effects of meditation and how they can help you in the long run. With stressing over school, work, and extra curricular activities, I never really get a chance to slow down and just clear my mind. I am excited to start MBB in class because I believe that it will positively affect how I deal with situations and how I balance out everything I have going on.

    Reply
  64. Rolla

    I’m beginning to look into meditation but 30 minutes seems kind of long. In the video he said that you can meditate for a shorter amount of time and still get results, but will the result take longer to appear because of the reduced time?

    Reply
  65. Samir

    My experience in meditation has been strictly prayer as an occasional exercise in a religion class I took in high school. This article has opened me up to the different dynamics of meditation and the various benefits it has to the body and mind.

    Reply
  66. melissa

    I would like to know how focus a person can be regarding the meditation because a person can wonder off many times even after mediating.

    Reply
  67. Breana

    Again I am amazed. I did not know that meditation could treat high blood pressure! My grandmother has been plagued with this for awhile. I am going to tell her to look into doing some meditation.

    Reply
  68. Dalvin

    I find it very interesting, yet powerful that meditation is not something specific to a certain group of people. Whether you are a child, or an executive for a major company meditation can be helpful in calming your thoughts. Furthermore I was intrigued at the fact that the brain’s stress level physically decreased because of meditation.

    Reply
  69. Kanea

    I have meditated before, but it was always jokingly. I’d make humming sounds to make it like i was actually meditating when I was not. Now that I know how to meditate I plan to make it more of a routine in my life. I’m constantly stressed out with the work load of school and I think it will help ease my mind. Too many testimonials have all been positive feedback including in the video for me not to try this technique more often If it works for a lot of other people, I know it will work for me.

    Reply
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