Beneath the buzz and hum of a busy mind lies a place of calm, creative intelligence, a place you can tap into any time you choose if you are willing to sit still and close your eyes for just 10 minutes a day.

More than 600 research studies have now been conducted into meditation, here's a list of 21 benefits they have found :

21 Proven Benefits of Meditation

1. reduced stress

2. calm and peaceful mind

3. increased happiness

4. increased creativity

5. greater powers of concentration

6. reduced need for recreational drugs, cigarettes and alcohol

7. balanced emotions

8. more energy

9. more enthusiasm and appreciation for life in general

10. reduced tension and physical pain

11. enhanced ability to relax

12. improved sleep

13. improved immune function

14. healthy blood pressure

15. improved digestion

16. positive outlook

17. harmonious relationships

18. enhanced sense of connection with others and nature

19. improved self-esteem

20. resilience to anxiety

21. increased mental resources

If Meditation's That Good Why Isn't Everyone Doing It?

When I talk to people about the benefits of meditation, most of them are already aware that meditation can help them reduce stress and anxiety, yet they haven't tried it. Why? Because either they're too busy to learn something new, or they feel confused and they don't know where to begin.

I remember how that feels. Some years ago I wanted to learn to meditate to reduce my anxiety. I would travel to a big London bookstore in my lunch-break and stand in front of the shelves in complete and utter confusion. At the end of each visit I would grab a book because I felt I had to buy something, but reading it on the tube on the way back to my office my heart would sink as I felt the confusion of too many pages of information. I just didn't know where to start.

Meditation is Something you Need to be Shown

If someone where to guide you through a simple meditation practice you would be amazed at how simple it is to get started, and as for time, you can achieve a lot in just 10 minutes. Starting your own meditation practice is as simple as sitting still and quiet for a few minutes while you watch your breath. Try it daily and you will be feeling many of the above benefits by the end of your first week.

I would be honoured to be your guide and to share with you some of the meditation techniques that have helped me.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

The Beautiful Calm Meditation eBook (free) a collection of easy to do meditation techniques

Restful Awareness - a simple ten minute mindfulness meditation. Download and follow along and you'll be meditating in no time, this one download is all you need to get started.

If you want a variety of experiences to play with try Beautiful Calm - a collection of guided meditations for busy people - listen on your ipod, PC, mobile phone, anywhere you can grab 5-10 minutes and enjoy settling into a deeply relaxed and peaceful state.

Listen to a sample:

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Photo "Meditation in White" by Greenmonster

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