Is Mindfulness Meditation good for you?

As amazing as some of the claimed benefits of meditation might seem, there is a growing body of work that suggests mindfulness meditation is indeed good for you.

Putting aside the inevitable caveats and variables, the evidence of hundreds of studies is that meditation is good for you – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

And the surprising thing is that many of the positive benefits are felt after only a few weeks of mindfulness meditation practice.

In episode 47 of The Changeability Podcast we talk about what these benefits of meditation are. Listen above or on iTunes, Stitcher or Tunein (and subscribe so you get every episode automatically.)

You can find references to the academic studies they’re based on, in the books listed in the resources section below. (Also good further reading on the subject.)

But it’s not just about academic studies and therapists. What we’re talking about is also based on the evidence and experience of people like us.

We asked the Changeability Facebook group if those who meditated experienced any benefits.

You can hear their answers in the podcast episode.

Listen to hear the full version, but here’s a summary for you.

"The goal of meditation isn't to control your thoughts, it's to stop letting them control you"

The benefits of meditation include:

“Meditation taught me to let go of those worrying thoughts and concentrate on what's happening in the present.” Melissa

“It definitely helps my concentration. I'm not as distracted when I meditate and I can focus on tasks more quickly and for longer duration.” Craig

“I meditate mainly to slow my often at times busy or ruminating mind.” Ange

“The more we know our thoughts, the better we get to know ourselves.” Craig

“A break from reality for me.” Rich

“I love meditating - makes me calmer, more grounded, less wound up about things in general, gives me distance, makes me nicer to be around I think!” Jan

“Grounding (emotionally, spiritually, psychologically), quieter mind, greater ability to step in between events and reactions.” Vicky

“Having a way to do a quick check of the body and find the stressed or off balance points is really useful.” Keith

“Learning to meditate saved me from going under during a very stressful period in my life, money worries, job worries, too much on my plate.” Janet

Now that really is something!

It’s great to hear about medical and other benefits of meditation, but what most of us are after is everyday happiness and resilience, experiencing more joy in our lives getting the most out of life.

This is what mindfulness can deliver if we make the small effort to practise it.

If you want to try mindfulness meditation for yourself and start experiencing the benefits there’s 3 ways we can help you.

Thanks to Ange, Craig, Vicky, Rich, Janet, Keith and Melissa, from the Changeability Facebook Group for your insights and quotes.