Could Meditation be better than Sleep?

When all else fails…Meditate

by Megan Faulkner 

I’m sure we have all had those nights before an important event, lying awake sleepless, thinking of things to do, to then check off in the morning.  During one such evening recently, where reading provided no respite, I came back to the basic principles of meditation I had learnt. 

I focused on the simple act of breathing slowly…in, and…out,  and after a few rounds found myself feeling sleepy, my consciousness shifted and because I was lying down I fell asleep.

This led me to ponder the question – ‘Can meditating be better than sleep?’ I have heard that some Buddhist Monks can go without sleep for days by practicing extended periods of meditation, with the result being a clearer and more efficient and effective mind.

The difference is that sleep is a state where the conscious mind is no longer active, the body rests and the senses no longer respond to external stimuli. The brain remains active but in a subconscious state. Read the rest of this entry »

Need some Calm in your Life?

Hi Gorgeous Things Fans,

My name is Megan, and I am really excited about joining Lesley-Ann and the Gorgeous Things Team.  I am a proud little Aussie, Occupational Therapist, student, wife, yoga devotee, healthy living junkie (with the odd glass of Sauv Blanc for good measure),  and hopefully in the not too distant future, mother. I have recently moved to California, and whilst soaking up the sunshine and studying for my Masters in Occupational Therapy, I look forward to spreading the word about the fabulous products and lifestyle education Gorgeous Things supports.  I also look forward sharing some of my experiences from the other side of the pond.

I have decided to start off with something I believe strongly in, though am not always the best at committing to…A Regular Meditation Practice.  When practiced consistently, the benefits definitely do exist.  Whether it is establishing a personal practice independently or through group sitting, it can be simpler than you think.  The hardest part is starting and discovering what works best for you, and that can also be the ‘fun’ part.

Whenever life gets busy it seems to be harder to maintain a practice even though it is the time we need it the most. 

The benefits of meditation can include:

• Improved sleep, and possibly need for less sleep
• Improved concentration
• More general peace in daily life and a more positive outlook
• A calmer way of dealing with challenging and stressful situations. Problem solving becomes easier
• Meditation enables a higher state of alertness and consciousness

The last can often be the most surprising for us, when you first see yourself NOT explode at the sign of trouble. Phew what a relief! Read the rest of this entry »