I meditate because I refuse to accept that people are things.
We are all living beings, it doesn’t matter who you are and what you have, you count. You matter just as much as anyone else.
The materialistic values that currently dominate human consciousness are illusions. Meditation keeps me real. Don’t turn inwards, we are all connected.
Things are inanimate objects, people are sentinent beings. I practice compassionate meditation to keep love alive in myself and to share it with those who wish for an end to suffering.
I am a friend to all, I will never abandon my brothers and sisters that need me. That is is one reason why I meditate.
If you wish to share the reasons why you meditate, drop us a line. In less than 100 words, tell us about your motivation to practice.
Scientific understanding of compassion meditation is at an early stage but it is already linked to many benefits.
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In Buddhist traditions, there are dozens of different forms of compassion meditation. One thing they all have in common is their potential to improve our health, happiness and well-being. By regularly engaging in compassion meditation, individuals can experience a range of positive impacts on their quality of life. Here are some of the ways that compassion meditation can help improve quality of life:
Decreased anxiety and depression: Compassion meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by reducing negative self-talk and increasing positive emotions.
Improved emotional regulation: Compassion meditation can help individuals regulate their emotions, reducing reactivity and increasing resilience. This can lead to improved relationships and reduced stress.
Enhanced empathy and social connection: Compassion meditation helps individuals develop a greater understanding and connection to others, leading to more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of community.
Increased happiness and well-being: Compassion meditation has been linked to increased happiness and well-being by reducing negative emotions and promoting positive ones.
Better physical health: Compassion meditation can lead to improved physical health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart health.
Improved cognitive functioning: Compassion meditation has been shown to improve cognitive function, including attention, memory and executive function.
A greater sense of purpose and meaning: Engaging in compassion meditation can help individuals develop a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, leading to increased happiness and fulfilment.
Overall, compassion meditation can play a significant role in improving quality of life. By reducing stress, increasing positive emotions and fostering greater empathy and connection, this practice can improve physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Meditation has been shown to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have found that regular meditation can lower blood pressure, improve heart rate variability, and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it is important to note that meditation should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Individuals with existing heart conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before starting a meditation practice.
Blood Pressure
Meditation may lower blood pressure by reducing stress and tension in the body. When we are under stress, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, which causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Meditation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which has the opposite effect and can help to lower blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the muscles. Additionally, meditation can also help to decrease inflammation and improve endothelial function, which can also help to lower blood pressure. It’s also important to note that meditation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and different types of meditation might have different effects on blood pressure.
Heart Disease
Meditation may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving various cardiovascular risk factors.
Stress reduction: As mentioned earlier, meditation can reduce stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and decreasing levels of cortisol, which can have a positive effect on blood pressure, heart rate and overall cardiovascular health.
Improved endothelial function: Endothelial cells line the interior surface of blood vessels and play an important role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure. Studies have found that meditation can improve endothelial function, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease.
Inflammation reduction: Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease. Meditation has been shown to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease.
Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV): HRV is a measure of how well the heart is able to respond to changes in the body. A low HRV is a risk factor for heart disease. Meditation has been shown to improve HRV, which can help lower heart disease risk.
It’s important to note that while meditation may positively impact these factors, it is not a substitute for other preventative measures such as proper diet, exercise, and conventional medical treatment.
Regulating heart rate
Meditation can regulate heart rate by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the muscles. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it signals the heart to slow down and decrease the heart rate, known as heart rate variability. This can benefit cardiovascular health, as a high heart rate and low heart rate variability are risk factors for heart disease.
Additionally, meditation may also affect the regulation of heart rate by influencing the levels of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in heart rate regulation. For example, studies have shown that regular meditation practice can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can contribute to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, lowering cortisol levels through meditation may help to regulate heart rate.
It’s important to note that how meditation regulates heart rate may vary depending on the type of meditation, the practitioner and the duration of the practice. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a meditation practice, especially if you have a medical condition.
Buddhist meditation refers to the various mental practices associated with the religion and philosophy of Buddhism. These practices were designed to develop mindfulness, concentration, and other mental qualities that lead to enlightenment or understanding of the true nature of reality.
There are many different techniques and traditions within Buddhism that employ meditation, but some common ones include:
Mindfulness meditation: This involves focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. This can be done through practices like following the breath, observing physical sensations, or simply paying attention to one’s surroundings.
Loving-kindness meditation: This involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion towards oneself and others. This can be done by repeating phrases like “may all beings be happy” or through visualisation practices.
Metta Bhavana: This form of loving-kindness meditation originated in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. It involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion towards oneself, then towards loved ones, neutral persons, difficult persons, and ultimately all beings.
Zazen: This is a form of seated meditation practised in the Zen tradition of Buddhism. It involves sitting in a comfortable, upright position and focusing on the breath or a mantra.
Shamatha: This is a form of mindfulness meditation practiced in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism. It involves focusing on the breath or visualisation and cultivating a calm and stable mind.
These are just a few examples of the many types of meditation found within the Buddhist tradition. It is important to note that meditation is just one aspect of the Buddhist path and is often integrated with other practices, such as ethical conduct and the study of the scriptures and commentaries.
I have a list of the practical benefits of meditating; there are over 150 items which I’ve gleaned from scientific papers and the anecdotal experience of other meditators. But in this short blog, I’ve listed three of the most well-known: reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep and improving focus and concentration.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Meditation is a practice that can involve focusing your attention on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and bringing it into the present moment. For example, when you meditate, you can’t think about the past or worry about the future because you are focused on the present. This can help clear your mind and allow you to let go of any negative thoughts or emotions contributing to your stress and anxiety. In addition, meditation can also help to regulate the body’s stress response by activating the relaxation response, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
Improving sleep
There are several ways in which meditation can improve sleep and reduce insomnia. Here are a few:
One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. High stress and anxiety levels can interfere with sleep, so by reducing these feelings, meditation can help improve sleep. In addition, meditation activates the relaxation response, which can help to relax the mind and body. This can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Meditation can also help to increase mindfulness, or the ability to be present in the moment without judgment. This can help to quiet the racing thoughts that often keep people awake at night. Regulates the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle: Meditation can help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.
Improving focus and concentration
Meditation can improve focus and concentration in several ways. By practising regularly, you can learn to focus your attention on a specific object, thought, or activity. This can help to improve your ability to concentrate and focus on tasks. In addition, meditation can help to quiet the “monkey mind,” or the constant stream of thoughts that can make it difficult to focus. By quieting the mind, meditation can make staying focused and avoiding distractions easier. In some cases, meditation can also help to improve your attention span. Attention span is the amount of time you can focus on a task before becoming distracted.
The Buddha was a spiritual teacher who lived in ancient India. His real name was Siddhartha Gautama, and he was the founder of Buddhism. According to tradition, he was born in the 6th century BC in what is now Nepal, and he lived and taught in India for many years. The Buddha’s teachings, known as the Dharma, have had a profound and lasting influence on Buddhist thought and practice, and they continue to be followed by millions of people worldwide.
Different Types of Buddhism
There are many schools of Buddhism, but the most well-known are Theravada and Mahayana.
Theravada Buddhism, also known as “The School of the Elders,” is the older of the two schools and is more conservative in its teachings. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma, and it emphasizes the importance of the monastic community and the need for individuals to work towards their own enlightenment.
Mahayana Buddhism, on the other hand, is more inclusive and emphasizes the idea of a “bodhisattva,” or someone who has achieved enlightenment but delays their own nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment as well. This school is dominant in countries like China, Japan, and Korea, and it is known for its emphasis on compassion and the belief that all beings have the potential to become enlightened.
There are also many other schools of Buddhism, such as Vajrayana Buddhism, which is practised in Tibet and Nepal, and Zen Buddhism, which is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China and is known for its emphasis on meditation and the attainment of enlightenment through personal experience.
Buddhism Today
Buddhism it is one of the major world religions and is practised by millions of people around the globe. Today, Buddhism exists in many different forms and traditions, and there is no one central authority that speaks for all Buddhists. Some people follow the teachings of the Buddha as a way of life and seek to reach enlightenment, while others may see Buddhism as a way to find inner peace and meaning in their lives. Regardless of the specific path that they follow, Buddhists seek to reduce suffering and find lasting happiness by practising mindfulness, compassion, and other spiritual disciplines.
You can put this story into the optimistic or ‘glass half full’ category because although the headline is exciting, the research is at a very preliminary stage.
A group of scientists from Milan found that chemicals responsible for the ‘hoppy’ flavour in some beers appeared to limit the clumping of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer’s. It was a basic lab experiment, but it indicates further research may be profitable. Needless to say, consuming alcohol comes with its own risks, and it is too early to recommend drinking beer to protect brain health. It’s also worth pointing out that these benefits are linked to particular kinds of beer, not beer in general.
Initial reports suggest the ‘hoppy’ chemicals may trigger or enhance autophagy. Autophagy is a process of cell survival and maintenance based on the recycling of cell components such as proteins.
Scientists have been interested in compassion for decades, but only now can we begin to see why it offers such great health benefits.
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Compassion is recognised as a fundamental human trait, a hard-wired cognitive mechanism to ensure the survival of the species. Without compassion, it’s unlikely that our most ancient ancestors could have sustained extended family units. developed them into tribes and, through collaboration, founded proto civilisations. So why is compassion important here? Evolutionary psychologists contend that collaboration underpins human societies. And it naturally follows that concern for the wellbeing of all group members was a smart strategy to sustain cohesion and allowed these groups to survive threats and challenging conditions.
There is one additional factor to introduce to complete this picture, compassion must have inevitably been nondual, supporting self and others. Only compassion extended to the whole group, including you and me, makes any sense. If I weaken myself or another group member, the loss to the group is the same. By protecting and caring for myself and other group members, the chance of individual and collective survival is likely to have been much greater.
Although this is an emerging area of scientific interest, there is ample evidence that humans get great benefits through pro-social activity and caring for others. Compassion, in particular, is seen to benefit both the person sharing compassion as well as its recipient. It seems likely then that the compassionate cognitive structures that served humans so well in the distant past are still present within us. This doesn’t mean that humans have to be compassionate but suggests compassion may be linked to our overall health, happiness and wellbeing.
So if it’s that simple, why aren’t scientists recommending compassionate meditation for everybody? Well, many renowned meditation scientists have been promoting compassion for decades. But science only reflects a relatively modern view of the human condition, and complex human traits such as compassion are still poorly understood. In addition, meditation research over the last twenty-five years has been dominated by the mindfulness revolution. And it is only now, when limitations in mindfulness research are being documented, that new, more complete understandings of meditation are being considered more widely.
If you want more details about compassion meditation in Canterbury, visit this page. If you’d like to join a free online Compassion meditation group, send us a message with ‘Compassion’ in the title.
Interested in Dzogchen readings, engagement and practice?
Dzogchen
A Canterbury Dzogchen practitioner is looking to establish a group for like-minded Dzogchen students, practitioners and aspirants in the East Kent area. If conditions permit, I would like to meet in person or online for readings, discussion, social meetings, Yantra and collective practice.
Trained by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, I am non-sectarian and welcome students of all Dzogchen traditions, new practitioners, and the Dzogchen curious. There is a vast canon of Dzogchen texts in English now, so establishing a reading group and/or book exchange might be a worthwhile project.
In-person or online interactions (or both) are possible, so anyone interested in Dzogchen from outside the East Kent area is welcome to get in touch. In the first instance, email me (Stephen) through this website’s contact form.
If you have never encountered Dzogchen, it is a collection of different schools within the Himalayan Buddhist traditions. It has been described as the ‘Great Perfection’ or ‘Great Completion’. Dzogchen practices are sometimes considered the most ancient and direct stream of wisdom within the Himalayan Buddhist traditions.
If you are looking for the Canterbury secular compassion group, click here.
Meditation for Health 