Why should you meditate?

If I told you, that with a commitment of just 15 minutes per day, you could improve the quality of your life, would you be interested?

As a naturally skeptic human, I was probably as suspicious as you might be right now. How is it possible that such a small investment of time, simply practicing meditation, could improve a person's life so dramatically?

The first step toward belief for me was learning that both science and history consistently confirm the benefits of meditation, including the positive changes it can make to your physical and mental health. The earliest documented records of meditation date back to 1500 BCE. The fact that the practice of meditation has endured for thousands of years led me to consider that the highly touted benefits of the practice are real.

But, I needed scientific data too... so I sourced medical and scientific journals that also confirmed positive changes in the brains of meditators and the direct correlation to a more peaceful state of mind.

The emotional benefits of meditation can include:

• Gaining new perspective on stressful situations

• Building skills to manage your stress

• Increasing self-awareness

• Focusing on the present

• Reducing negative emotions

• Increasing imagination and creativity

• Increasing patience and tolerance

The physical benefits are impressive as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of conditions such as:

• Anxiety

• Asthma

• Cancer

• Chronic pain

• Depression

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Sleep problems

• Tension headaches

Let me be your guide as you explore the concepts of meditation and mindfulness here. I will offer simple, basic explanations along with easy steps you can follow to tap into your own awareness and move closer to peace and contentment.