5 Surprising Facts About Meditation

Meditation has become extremely popular over the years, with millions of people worldwide practicing everyday. Rooted in ancient traditions, it involves training the mind to focus and achieve a state of mental clarity and calmness. 

So how much do you know about this beloved calming practice? From mindfulness to yoga, find out surprising facts about meditation to enlighten your day!

Meditation Could be 200,000 Years Old
Meditation is pretty old, and that’s just an understatement. According to Positive Psychology, meditation dates back centuries, and archaeological evidence suggests that it may have originated in India as early as 5000 BCE. But, some experts speculate that it existed much further back than that long before written records existed. It’s possible that prehistoric humans practiced meditation around the campfire, possibly as far back as 200,000 years ago! Could you imagine ancient healers and shamans leading meditation rituals while fire gazing under the clear night sky?

Ancient Cultures From all Over the World Practiced Meditation
When you think of meditation, you probably associate it with cultures like India, China, or Japan. But, the cultures of the Far East weren’t the only ones meditating. Evidence shows meditation practices existed all over the world. The Torah contains descriptions of Jewish meditation. Even European cultures practiced, including the Druids throughout Ireland, Britain, France and Spain as well as the ancient Greeks. The Egyptians of North Africa also practiced, including an ancient form of movement meditation and breathwork called Kemetic yoga.

There Are Many Forms of Meditation
Meditation has been around for thousands of years, so of course it picked up a few styles along the way. From silent stillness in a mountaintop monastery to chanting in a candlelit room, people across the globe have shaped the practice to fit their own cultures, beliefs, and daily lives. Every tradition left its mark. According to Medical News Today points out, some meditation focuses on breath, others on movement, like walking or yoga postures. Some cultures repeat prayer or mantras to achieve a meditative state. Or, you could simply cultivate mindfulness by focusing on present awareness. 

Meditation Can Change the Structure of Your Brain
Technology is starting to prove the positive impacts of regular meditation practice, backed by science. Forbes reported that meditation can actually impact the structure of your brain. Scans show that it enhances grey matter and slows brain aging. It also quiets the brain’s default mode network linked to overthinking and distraction. Even brief training over the course of a few weeks can boost focus, memory, and emotional regulation.

Structural improvements in the brain have also been observed in regions tied to stress, learning, and mood. Kids benefit, too, as meditation improves children’s behavior and academic performance. While it’s not a miracle cure, consistent practice yields real psychological and cognitive rewards, making it a worthwhile daily habit. 

Benefits Mental and Physical Health
Most people turn to meditation as a way to calm their mind and get a better handle on stress. But, did you know it has all kinds of benefits for your physical health, too? According to Healthline, regular practice could support your heart, relieve pain, and improve sleep. Plus, you’ll still get all those healthy benefits, like less stress and better focus. It can even make you a kinder person!