Meditation in Nature

Meditation brings brainwave patterns into an alpha state, which is a level of consciousness that promotes peace, feelings of well being and healing. While we have come to think of meditation as an Eastern practice, meditation may have been practiced by the ancient Celts. The Celtic God of Creation, Cerrunos, is frequently depicted in a cross-legged meditation position. There are also references to meditation in the Bible, and some people believe that Jesus and his disciples practiced meditation. Meditation is a non-denominational practice and can benefit people from all walks of life.

Benefits of Meditation

• > Deep rest-as measured by reduced work load of the heart.
• > Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate-two chemicals associated with stress.
• > Reduction of free radicals.
• > Improved blood pressure.
• > Slows down the aging process.
• > Increased brain wave coherence.
• > Greater creativity.
• > Decreased anxiety.
• > Decreased depression
• > Decreased irritability and moodiness.
• > Improved learning ability and memory.
• > Increased self-actualization.
• > Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
• > Increased happiness.
• > Increased emotional stability.

While these are all amazing benefits in and of themselves, many people who initially learn meditation for its health aspects find that as their practice deepens they are drawn more and more into the realm of the "spiritual."
Catriona is a meditation teacher trained in several meditation techniques. She offers meditation classes out doors in nature and also offers one on one training.