Why you should be trying modern meditation

Feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed and rundown is commonplace in our 21^st century lives, but that doesn’t mean we should accept it – here’s why you should be trying modern meditation. Sitting cross-legged is optional.

Meditation is often associated with the hippy movement of the 1960s; peace and flower power, crossed-legged Buddhists chanting mantras or yogis wearing prayer beads. Finding its way past the stereotypes and into mainstream, meditation has become an integral part of our busy modern lives. Those who meditate can receive significant benefits not only for the mind but also the body, such as lower blood pressure, peace of mind and energy increase.

Take me higher

Techniques are designed to promote relaxation and build internal energy; the goal is to focus and quiet your mind, eventually reaching a higher level of awareness and inner calm. So it might come as a surprise that you can actually meditate anywhere and at any time, allowing yourself to access a sense of tranquility and peace no matter what’s going on around you.

Asking beginners to put aside just 10 minutes a day, Andy Puddicombe has created the setting for just this. As co-founder of the smartphone app Headspace, he has married technology with one of the world’s oldest disciplines. The aim of the app is ‘to demystify meditation and make it accessible, relevant and beneficial for as many people as possible’, says Andy

Following daily guided sessions that cover everything from the basics to an in-depth practice, the meditation techniques are very simple, visual and clear: ‘I felt that many people would benefit from mindfulness if they were introduced to it in a way that was simple, fun and effective,’ says Andy.

 Mind over matter

Explaining why he thinks meditation is so important, Andy says, ‘In an increasingly fast-paced world, where most of us are on digital overload, it is so important we all know how to find a place of calm in the mind. What can be more important than the very thing we depend upon for a fulfilling and enjoyable life – not to mention happy and harmonious relationships?

‘Imagine how different the world would feel if we all felt calmer, clearer, less tired, less stressed, more empathetic and more compassionate. It would be a happier, healthier, kinder place for sure.

‘With the current pace of life and increasing demands – not least of which, the increasing digital chatter – there is no question that the mind is experiencing a new and potentially harmful degree of pressure. Most people assume that this stress is simply part of life, but it really doesn’t have to be that way. Meditation shows us how to live more skillfully.’

Mind, body and soul

On a physical level, meditation can also lower blood pressure, increase energy levels and improve the immune system. The mental benefits include lower anxiety, emotional stability and a boost in happiness, making you feel a lot calmer within, thus decreasing levels of stress. To get the best out of these benefits, regular meditation practice is necessary. It takes only a few minutes every day, but once it’s set into the daily routine, meditation can become the best part of your day.

And being too busy is no excuse: the Headspace app has an ‘on the go’ series that guides you through a meditation session while you are walking or running – a welcome change to an intense, loud fitness playlist!

With tried and tested, scientifically proven techniques to help people focus more, sleep better, stress less and live a happier, healthier life, Headspace has a mission ‘to improve health and happiness’. With no chanting, no sitting cross-legged, no incense and definitely no gurus, Headspace brings meditation into the 21^st century.

• Find out more about the app and the subscription packages at www.headspace.com.