Meditation: the art of healing

Reflection, contemplation and speculation are all disciplines of still and quiet, esoteric thought. The reverberation of an afternoon spent relaxing, both mentally and physically, remains apparent in the way students direct their lives for some time. A mellow bout of meditation does the body good, and the Heath and Wellness Center’s tranquility trainers are ready and equipped to ease the tension in students’ lives.

Every Tuesday night, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Cultural Center’s Meditation space and each Wednesday afternoon, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Building, the Boise State meditation group practices the healing art of meditation and invites the community to join them, at no charge.

Though many are put off by the high-minded terms of the exercise, why not practice let the experience speak for itself? Before any apprehensions destroy the possibility of adding an invaluable calming and centering custom to one’s hectic life, let’s brush up on some of the basics.

Simply stated, meditation is an active, thoughtful form of relaxation. Fifteen to 20 minutes of patience and the static mind of the individual are all that are required, as thoughts work to release the ailments currently at work against us. Deep concentration, a fair attitude and a love for naps make any individual a likely candidate.

The benefits of meditation have been praised for ages in the Eastern hemisphere, but as the popularity of the practice rises in the states, various forms and ways of executing meditation have emerged. The most commonly accessible forms are concentrative and mindful, according to WebMD.

The concentrative practice is founded on the mind’s focus of an image, sound or mantra. This type of mediation is useful for those who seek to clear their heads of the congestion in everyday life.

The second practice, mindful meditation, is described as the mind’s awareness of each thought along with the presence of the environment, both internally in one’s mind and in the physical world.

These easily executed processes not only refresh the participants, but have also been proven to assist in treating a plethora of health conditions. Anxiety and stress are prevalent on campus, but know that the effects of these conditions can be minimized with regular meditation. This reflection process can also relieve issues like depression and insomnia.

An entire self-rejuvenation is feasible through meditation. Physically, in the form of a healthy and rested body, and both mentally and emotionally through the personal recognition that is possible via this contemplative self-discovery of sorts.

Considering what meditation can do for one individual, imagine what it can do for the world. Inner peacefulness and serene sentiments are appreciated in our often harsh, fast-paced reality. By working on ourselves and reducing stress, we’re taking the first steps to healing our pressure-burdened society and making it a better, more enjoyable place.

KAYLA CHRISTOPHERSON Culture Coordinator

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