MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years to help people find focus, clarity, wellness, and peace. Although meditation is an old practice, it is being used for new purposes. Modern empirical research has shown that meditation, thoughtfully used, can be a highly effective practice in treating a variety of symptoms caused by many different mental health disorders. This is because meditation is inherently healing, both mentally and physically.
Mindful meditation encourages the development of new neural pathways that replace old, destructive thought patterns with new, healthy ones. At the same time, the physical body relaxes, releasing tension and restoring a sense of balance and peace. At Solara Mental Health, we incorporate meditation into our comprehensive treatment program to help veterans develop mental, emotional, and physical balance and peace.
Health Benefits
Meditation has many health benefits, which include:
- Decreased anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
- Higher serotonin production
- Improved cognitive abilities
- Stronger emotional stability and mind-body connection
- Greater emotional control
- Increased self-awareness, both physically and psychologically
Different Types of Meditation Practices
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. There are many different types of meditation, each with its own unique benefits. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular types of meditation practices.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of mindfulness practice that allows you to focus your attention on the present moment without judgment. This type of meditation can be practiced in any setting, whether you are sitting in silence or walking down the street. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase self-awareness and compassion.
Guided Meditation
Guided meditation is a type of meditation that involves following along with a recorded voice or guided visualization. This type of meditation is a great way to ease into a meditative state if you are new to meditation, as it can be difficult to quiet your mind at first. Guided meditations can be focused on anything from relaxation to manifestation.
Transcendental Meditation
Transcendental meditation is a type of mantra-based meditation that involves repeating a mantra or word over and over again. This type of meditation originates from the Vedic tradition and is said to be one of the most effective ways to meditation calm the mind and promote inner peace. Transcendental meditation has been shown to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Chakra Meditation
Chakra meditation is a type of energy healing meditation that involves focusing on each of the seven chakras in turn. This type of mediation is said to help balance the energies in your body and promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Chakra meditations can be performed with or without music, but many people find that listening to soothing music helps them focus on their breath and the chakras more easily.
Walking Meditation
Walking meditation is a type of mindfulness practice that entails paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations while you walk mindfully at a slow pace. Walking meditations can be done indoors or outdoors, and many people find them to be a refreshing way to get some exercise while also clearing their minds and promoting relaxation.
Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is a type of compassion-based meditation that involves sending positive thoughts and feelings toward yourself and others. This type of mediation is said to help increase feelings of self-love, compassion, empathy, and connection. Loving-kindness meditations can be performed for as little as 5 minutes or as long as 20 minutes, depending on how much time you have available.
Meditation at Solara Mental Health
At our mental health treatment center, our regularly scheduled meditation groups are purposely small, designed to give each veteran the attention and support that they need. Our experienced clinicians guide veterans through both breathing and visualization exercises that ground veterans in the present, promoting an increased awareness of physical sensations, thoughts, and feelings.
Through this awareness, veterans develop a greater understanding of the world around them, increase their ability to cope with stressors and painful emotions, and ultimately gain an overall sense of inner balance and peace. These are all skills that are vital to promote both immediate and long-term healing and wellness.
For more information about meditation, or about other treatments offered at Solara Mental Health, please contact us.
Solara’s Meditation for Veterans
The practice of mindful meditation leads to the development of new neural pathways that promote the development of healthy thought patterns in place of old, destructive ones. Solara Mental Health in San Diego is focused on giving veterans a supportive and safe environment for their recovery. Our mental health treatment facility recognizes that each veteran will have their own personal needs, and we will customize their treatment plan to help with their specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Solara Mental Health is VA-contracted, which gives us the unique opportunity to help veterans with their mental health needs. As long as authorization is approved, we provide housing, transportation, and accommodations.
