Contemplative practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are becoming increasingly more popular in many urban communities.
From yoga studios to retreats, many of us are now starting to gravitate toward life practices that focus on the mind, body, and soul.
Once thought of as trendy, new-agish, and even elitist, integrating non-Western and non-pharmaceutical methods into our daily routines has led many of us to have more grounded, relaxed, centered, and healthy lives.
From the 14th century, contemplative practices are rooted in the word contemplation, which means, “reflection, thinking, thought, the act of holding an idea continuously before the mind.”
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Benefits of practicing mindfulness
As you can imagine, the benefits of practicing mindfulness vary, but here are some that might change your life:
Stress Reduction and Lowered Blood Pressure
Breathing is the cornerstone of life. Although it may come intuitively, breathing properly can have a tremendous impact on one’s overall well-being.
Deep, intentional and controlled breaths can help one to not only relax but also focus on the actual breathing process. For this and other reasons, breathing techniques are integral to those who practice yoga and engage in Pilates.
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The more breathing is controlled, the more one relaxes and calms down, thereby leading to greater stress reduction.
An added benefit is that one’s blood pressure might be lowered as the heart does not have to pump as hard to
