What is Meditation?

May 12, 2023

Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and concentrate in order to achieve a state of mental clarity and calmness. It is often used as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance well-being, and promote a sense of inner peace and contentment.

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, and there are many different types of meditation, each with its own techniques, practices, and goals. Some common forms of meditation include mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, and visualization meditation.


In general, meditation involves sitting or lying down in a quiet place, focusing on a specific object or sensation (such as the breath or a word or phrase), and allowing the mind to become more still and focused. Through regular practice, meditation can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being and inner peace.

Why Meditate? What are the benefits?

Meditation has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health. Some of the key benefits of a regular meditation practice include:

  1. Reduced stress and anxiety
  2. Regular meditation practice can help to improve cognitive function, including focus, attention, and memory.
  3. Improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
  4. Increased feelings of well-being.
  5. Improve emotional regulation
  6. Reduced symptoms of depression

Specifically, when looking at an athletic life, the stress reliving aspects of meditation help to enhance athletic recovery. The ability to regulate your emotions helps you to stay calm in high pressure situations & maintain your ability to perform. 

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment and observing your thoughts and sensations without judgment. This can help you to stay calm, focused, and aware during intense situations, and can also help them recover from injuries or setbacks.

Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can improve a number of psychological and physiological factors related to sports performance. For example:
  • Mindfulness meditation can improve attention and concentration, which are essential for athletes to maintain focus during training and competition.
  • Mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety and stress, which can help athletes stay calm and composed under pressure.
  • Mindfulness meditation can improve recovery and reduce the risk of injury by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
  • Mindfulness meditation can improve overall well-being, which can have a positive impact on motivation and engagement

There are a number of mindfulness meditation practices that are specifically designed for athletes, such as visualization, breathing exercises, and body scans. These practices can help athletes stay present and focused during training and competition, and can also help them cope with the physical and emotional demands of their sport.

Overall, mindfulness meditation is a valuable tool for athletes who are looking to improve their sports performance and enhance their overall well-being.

Here's a basic mindfulness meditation script that you can use anytime:
  1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed.
  2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing your body to relax and release any tension.
  3. Begin to focus your attention on your breath, noticing the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body.
  4. As thoughts, feelings, or sensations arise, simply notice them without judgment or attachment, and gently return your focus to your breath.
  5. If you find yourself getting distracted or lost in thought, gently bring your attention back to your breath, without judging yourself for the distraction.
  6. Continue to focus on your breath, observing each inhale and exhale, for a few minutes or as long as you like.
  7. When you're ready, take a few deep breaths and gradually open your eyes, taking a moment to notice any changes in your body or mind.
Remember, the goal of mindfulness meditation is not to eliminate thoughts or feelings, but to observe them without judgment and return your attention to the present moment. With regular practice, you can develop a greater sense of calm, focus, and well-being.