Healing Power of Meditation

Take a deep breath. Expand your belly. Pause. Release slowly, count to five with each exhale. Repeat four to five times. Congratulations. You’ve just taken the first step towards healing. Meditation, to many, is a simple word, yet you could spend a lifetime trying to understand its depths. For centuries, yogis have practiced the art of breath control, or pranayama, to harness the powers of healing.
Similarly, the teachings of Buddha have long advocated breath-meditation as a pathway towards enlightenment.
In this day and age, emerging scientific evidence increasingly gives credence to the healing powers of this ancient practice.
Whether it’s through the gentle observation of breath or the devout practice of prayer, the benefits, spanning mental, physical, and spiritual realms, are undeniable. Yet, for many, meditation remains an elusive exercise.
Lifelong Pursuit of Stillness
Taking the first step in meditation doesn’t have to be daunting—it can start with as little as five minutes when you wake up each morning. If you’re living in a bustling city filled with the hustle and bustle of daily life, breaking into the habit of meditating can seem like a mountain to climb. But starting off is easier than you might think.  
As you feel more comfortable, you can gradually increase the duration of your meditation sessions over time. Remember, consistency is key here, allow the practice to deepen and evolve naturally.
Mental, Physical and Spiritual Benefits
The impact that meditation has on mental health is beyond a shadow of a doubt. This practice helps the mind improve focus and live in the present, decreasing the mental clutter that time and again leads to negative thought processes. Studies have also found that meditating on a regular basis has a vast impact on physical health; it can improve immunity and heart health as well as lower blood pressure.
When it comes to spiritual well-being, meditation lets people get in touch not just with their inner selves but their surrounding environment. The key to spiritual enlightenment is meditation. If we are to seek enlightenment, we must start meditating on a regular basis to achieve the results we desire.  
Fasting for Deeper Meditation
Fasting, especially intermittent fasting, can lead to the induction of a process called autophagy, where the body regenerates new cells and cleanses itself of damaged cells.
This process reduces inflammation, enhances mental clarity and boosts metabolic health. These physiological benefits thereby create an optimal internal environment that refines the meditative experience.
The human body can channel more energy towards mental and spiritual practices when not preoccupied with constant digestion. Intermittent fasting, like the 16/8 method, complements meditation by promoting a clearer mind and a more balanced physical state.
Conscious Eating for Mindful Living
Conscious eating means savouring every meal and being aware of how different foods affect the body. A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins is essential for overall health. Eating thoughtfully not only benefits digestion and energy levels, but it also promotes attention and intentionality in daily activities, which are important to meditation principles. Individuals can avoid the physical and mental fatigue that interferes with a focused and successful meditation practice by avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks.