In essence, meditation is about being rather than doing. It is about being present in the moment, tuning out of your busy outer world and instead shifting your focus to your own inner world. Meditation involves creating a state in which the body is completely relaxed and the mind remains alert and focused.
Meditation is an ancient form that has been practised for at least the last five thousand years, often as part of spiritual contemplation, and takes on many types and methods. It is linked to many different ways of life and religions, particularly Eastern religions. Western medicine is taking an increasing interest in the tangible benefits that meditation can bring to regular practitioners.
What is the Rainbow approach to meditation and relaxation?
Our approach to meditation is non-religious and highly practical. Our aim is to enable children to use meditation and relaxation tools to make a real difference to their day-to-day life and their education.
Which meditation and relaxation techniques can you experience and learn with us?
We'll provide you with a toolkit of techniques so that you can pick and choose those which are most effective, easy and convenient for you to use, including:
- Breathing exercises
- Moving meditations
- Guided meditations
- 'On the spot' meditations
- Visualisations
- Gentle stretching exercises
What are the benefits of meditation and relaxation?
Meditation and relaxation techniques are associated with a wide range of benefits, including:
Physiological benefits
- Decreases in blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels
- Increases in white blood cell count
- Stimulation to the immune system
- Lowers levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
Psychological benefits
- Improves the ability to deal with stress
- Lightens and improves moods
- Improves attention, concentration and focus
- Increases self-esteem and confidence
- Improves energy levels
- Improves ability to think laterally and creatively
- Establishes a feeling of inner strength and calm
- Encourages deeper sleep and more consistent sleep patterns
As meditation becomes more mainstream, and indeed is recommended by the NHS, it has become associated with positive benefits in relation to specific problems such as, amongst others, hyperactivity, ADHD, anger management, epilepsy, depression, period pain, post viral fatigue syndrome, tinnitus and Meniere's disease.