Meditation experiences vary, but commonly include altered states of awareness and consciousness, reduced arousal, increased relaxation, altered brain wave activity, and mystical experiences. Different types of meditation, techniques, and personal beliefs can affect experiences. Concentration meditation can lower awareness and increase relaxation, while mindfulness meditation can increase awareness and help individuals accept difficult situations. Meditation can induce dreamlike states and provide positive results, leading to inner peace and restful wakefulness.
The different types of common meditation experiences include altered states of awareness and consciousness, including but not limited to reduced arousal, increased relaxation and well-being, altered brain wave activity, autonomous functioning, and mystical experiences. While these common experiences can be broadly categorized, people interested in meditation should be aware that no two people’s experiences of meditation are alike. Experiences during meditation depend on several factors, including the types of meditation performed, individual meditation techniques, individual states of awareness and consciousness, and personal beliefs and values.
Concentration meditation, such as Zen, yoga, and Sufism, can lower levels of conscious awareness to help meditators achieve positive balanced states through focused breathing and concentration exercises, muscle and self-control, release of energy, mantra chanting and spirituality practice. Such meditation experiences can reduce electrodermal activity and change brain wave activity, thereby reducing arousal levels and increasing relaxation. These experiences commonly reduce breathing, lower heart rate, decrease muscle tension, and improve posture. They also increase concentration and change ways of thinking, as well as having other effects.
Mindfulness meditation can increase levels of awareness to help people become calm and accept difficult situations. This heightened focus can help desensitize individuals so they don’t become overwhelmed by unpleasant circumstances. Mindfulness meditation teaches people to deal with discomfort through higher consciousness and to apply this mindful awareness to their everyday situations. It often results in a positive, non-judgmental state of being, allowing those who practice it to experience restful wakefulness.
For some individuals, meditation can induce dreamlike states, often resulting in ineffable, unusual, and transient meditation experiences. These altered states of awareness and consciousness might appear passive or real, providing people with spiritual attainments and revelations along with an authoritative alternative source of faith. Others may become so relaxed and engaged in this form of conscious awakening that they feel like they are in a trance.
People wondering what to expect from meditation should be satisfied to know that the results are generally positive. Meditation can provide individuals with broad and clear perspectives and teach them to live in the present and enjoy their impermanence. Although meditation experiences are different for everyone, meditating almost always leads to altered states of consciousness. So meditation commonly helps people learn the inner workings of their mind and to recognize their apprehensions and desires. By learning to accept difficult situations, individuals commonly achieve peace, leading them to a personal and restful wakefulness.
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