Meditation is a mind-body practice available to everyone, which consists of focusing attention on thoughts and sensations. It is also an effective ally in the therapeutic field. It is mainly used to attract calm, relaxation and balance. It helps to improve health and well-being.

Meditation: How does it work?

By focusing on our feelings and inner self, meditation allows us to let go. In particular, meditation exercises are conducive to great relaxation and the removal of negative thoughts and stress. Thus, meditating allows one to focus on authentic things and also to develop positive habits for good mental and physical functioning. Thus, it enhances well-being.

Meditation is central to many spiritual and religious customs but can be used outside of these practices.

The principle of meditation is based on the relationship between thoughts, emotions and body sensations.

The types of meditation are varied, but they all have four main points in common:

• A calm and silent place, in which meditation will be possible since distractions will be minimal.
• A comfortable position (sitting, standing or walking).
• Concentration on a specific point which changes according to the style of meditation. The focus can be on speech, visualization of a physical or imaginary object, or on a sensation.
• An open attitude that leaves room for meditation and the “back and forth” of distraction.

Meditation techniques differ from one another. The most common types are vipassana meditation, transcendental meditation, Zen meditation and mindfulness meditation. The latter is the most common in the West. It is a revisited Western version of traditional Buddhist meditation.

Meditation consists of practising visualisation, clearing the mind and training concentration skills.

Meditation: What is it for?

Mediation is a tool to attract inner peace and to relieve body and mind. A meditation session allows you to relax. This practice makes one aware that the mind is subject to an influx of thoughts that can cause stress and negative ideas.

The principle of meditation allows us to get out of the automatisms that we impose on our mind and to refocus it on the essential.

In general, meditation can be used to better cope with daily difficulties, to recharge our batteries and feel better.

More specifically, some meditation techniques are effective for losing weight, managing stress and emotions, making better decisions…

Meditation has been investigated by science and its effects have been demonstrated through scientific studies. Thus, it could slow down the aging of the brain, learn to better manage pain or alleviate the symptoms of depression.

In the Buddhist tradition, the aim of meditation is to alleviate suffering. It is about getting ourselves in a condition to connect with our inner self, while letting go of our need for control.