A Loving Kindness Meditation

A Loving Kindness Meditation – Guided Meditation with Karen

“Forever young – I want to be, forever young!”

The words from the song by Young Group resonate with most of us because let’s face it – we all want to stay young for as long as possible!

Well good news – you can put down the green smoothies and step away from the colonic irrigation because there’s another way.

The University of North Carolina have found that the regular practice of Loving Kindness Meditation slows down the biological ageing process! Yes, you read that right!

So how does it work?

Well, it works at the biological level of our DNA in that it slows down the shortening of our Telomeres – it’s the special bit at the end of each strand of our DNA that, when it shortens, it ages us.

Why Else Should We Meditate?

Reducing ageing isn’t just a great reason, we should all consider taking a little time out for ourselves. There is research far and wide to support meditating, but let’s take a closer look at some of our favourites…

It Can Reduces Stress

Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons people try meditation. One study including over 3,500 adults showed that it lived up to its reputation for stress reduction by indicating moderate reductions of multiple negative dimensions of psychological stress.

Anxiety Control

Less stress translates to less anxiety.

In one eight-week study of mindfulness meditation, it showed participants reduced their anxiety greatly. It also reduced symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as phobias, social anxiety, paranoid thoughts, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and panic attacks.

Improving Your Emotional Health

Meditation can lead to an overall improved self-image and more positive outlook on life.

We found two studies focused on mindfulness meditation that indicated decreased depression in over 4,600 adults!

Enhances Your Attention Span

Do you find your mind wandering off a lot?

Well, meditation is like weight lifting for your brain. It helps increase the strength and endurance of your attention. One particular study looked at the effects of an eight-week mindfulness course and found it greatly improved participants’ overall ability to reorient and maintain their attention.

Helps Generate Kindness to Yourself and Others

Some types of mindfulness meditation may particularly increase positive feelings and actions toward yourself and others.

One meditation study demonstrated how most participatns overall increased their compassion toward themselves and others within their social communities.

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Our Principal Psychologist Karen Stevens is a big supporter of meditation and has put together a calming and simple guided meditation session.

It won’t much time out of your day; just a few minutes for yourself to find calm, peace and a little loving YOU time!