 A Connection Between Meditation and Longevity.
The connection between meditation and longevity has been the subject of debate for many years. The search for the "fountain of youth" has caused too many myths and false hopes to be raised about supposed miracle cures for the finite nature of our existence. However, it makes sense to take a second look at the power of meditation to add to our life spans and give us a very real and realizable longevity using simple meditation techniques that we can do in the comfort of our own homes.
Well respected scientists from every health related discipline have researched the power of meditation to influence general health, to provide natural ways to ward off disease and even the effects of aging which can result in a greater longevity. This doesn’t mean that we can achieve eternal life or eternal youth by meditating. But it does mean that the natural enemies of longevity such as disease and stress can be fought off through the daily exercise of meditation.
These independent medical studies have confirmed the claims of advocates of meditation that the practice is a reliable, inexpensive and safe way to balance the psychological, the mental, the physical and even the spiritual nature of our beings. And that balance is what leads to a longer life and an increased longevity expectation. The outcome is that it is not uncommon for your doctor to encourage a discipline of meditation to be used in conjunction with diet, plenty of rest and even medication where appropriate to promote health and longevity in their patients.
Probably the most well known meditation discipline that has been associated with better health and longevity is Yoga. The combination of the physical disciplines of controlling the breathing with the mental and spiritual discipline of quieting the thoughts and focusing on the breathing or a mantra is well known to have positive effects short term. But what long time meditation practitioners have noticed is that engaging in these practices routinely over time leads to long-term health benefits, which means less illness and even reduced incidence of age related problems that are often associated with lower longevity levels.
A lifestyle of meditation provides benefits outside of the moments when you are in the active execution of your reflective exercises. Before long, the increased mental and emotional focus will evidence itself in your ability to focus at work or in the conduct of your day. Because the meditation devotee develops his or her ability to calm the mind and spirit, routine stresses and that "emotional roller coaster" that seems to dominate life simply do not have the power they once had.
Medical science has long understood that our ability to control stress and negative emotional reactions to difficulties has a lot to do with the immune system and the ability of the body to ward off illness and internal health problems. So equipping you with the natural defenses that meditation makes possible naturally results in less stress, which can lead to a greater longevity expectation.
The positive health effects of meditation that can contribute to longevity and a better quality of life include…
-A measurable reduction in anxiety because of the lower blood lactate in the system.
-Meditation often increases serotonin levels in the body, which can have a direct affect on the occurrence of insomnia, headaches and depression.
-Great vitality and energy to handle life's daily demands. A healthier outlook on life which equips one to deal with the daily problems that come up with great calm and humor.
-Healthier blood pressure readings.
-Reduced stress on the hearth lowering the incidence of heart disease.
These positive effects of meditation and many more are all capable of increasing the longevity of those who meditate regularly. This means that not only can you expect immediate and noticeable short-term benefits of meditation, you can also look forward to greater longevity and a longer life and is richer and more meaningful as well.
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