Meditation: Changing the Way You See the World

Meditation is not just good for you. It can also brighten your outlook on life. Two separate scientific studies, one done in Australia and one done in the United States, have shown that certain meditation techniques stimulate the left side of the brain, resulting in decreased anxiety and a happy disposition. nnScience meets ancient wisdom nnFindings from these studies lend scientific credibility to what Buddhist monks have known for years. Meditation can treat physical pain as well as anxiety and depression.nnThe study done by researchers in the United States found that people who meditated had a more active left frontal lobe, which is related to lower anxiety and a more positive emotional state. And aren't lower anxiety and a more positive outlook things everybody could use? nnMeditate with focusnnA good way to achieve therapeutic meditation is through single object focus. In a study done by Professor Jack Pettigrew, a neuroscientist from the University of Queensland, a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks used this technique, also known as one-point meditation. The monks practicing one-point mediation were able to perceive more positive images in visual perception tests than any other group.nnThere are a lot of old-school meditation aids out there, such as incense, chants and chimes that can provide a point of focus. However, none of them really grab your attention and hold it in the face of a hectic modern lifestyle. Good meditation tools will engage as many senses as possible, blocking out distractions and helping you get centered.nnThe right tool for the job nnAs life gets more hectic, people need more than those wave machines or little balls on strings. They need meditation tools that use sight, touch, smell and sound to reach a peaceful state of mind quickly and easily.nnWhen choosing a meditation tool for one-point meditation, consider choosing something that’s made of a natural material, like wood or stone. This will help you feel more connected to the natural world around you. Also, your meditation tool will become an important part of your daily routine. Choose a material, color and shape that appeals to you personally.