Meditation Opens Path to Inner Peace

When stress is high, meditation can ease tension, produce mental clarity and create a climate of tranquility in your life, instructors and practitioners say.

Some use the practice to help relieve anxiety, pain, depression, stress, insomnia or physical or emotional symptoms of chronic illnesses.

“People who need to slow down, who are very stressed and overworked, can benefit a lot,” said Carol Crenshaw, co-director of the Inner Peace Yoga Center in Indianapolis, where meditation is routinely practiced with yoga.

Those looking for something in life they haven’t found — a spiritual experience — also are drawn to meditation, said Crenshaw, long-time meditation and yoga instructor.

“It’s a practice that helps you during personal difficulties to keep yourself centered, focused and grounded,” said Connie Tellman. She practices alone, in her house, escaping to the solitude of her grown daughter’s former room.

“After a good session, my mind is not focused on past or future concerns but the present moment,” she said. “I’m ready to face the day with a new awareness of what’s before me.”

Many types of meditation exist, but most originated in ancient Eastern religious and spiritual traditions. Yet you don’t need to practice those religions to meditate. (MORE)

Source: Chicago Sun-Times