KoreyS
Bluelighter
I want people to talk about how meditation has positively impacted their situation as well as speculate as to why such a simple activity of just stopping your endless flow of selfish thoughts for only a few minutes can greatly improve your mental state.
There are actual neurological changes that occur with long-term daily zazen practice. Most notably, an increase in seretonin production, an increase in spatial awarenes and concentration.
I started practicing and reading texts on Zen Buddhism approximately five years ago, and although there have been many areas of abstinence from meditation since then, I am currently more submersed in my zazen practice than I ever have been.
I can't really imagine going a day without zazen, although I try to sit twice a day.
Earlier stages can work well to temporarily clear the mind or cause moderate relaxation.
Right now I don't experience any anxiety or depression. For the past year I have been having problems with an overactive thyroid, am 22 and have had constant high blood pressure, chest pains, palpitations and tachardia. In the last couple weeks as I gradually gain more experience I have managed to conquer this and abaondon the use of my prescription beta blockers.. My diastolic BP was always normal, my systollic could fluctuate between 160 and as high as 200.
It never bothers me anymore and is settled around 130 now. I never have hyperthyroidism falre-ups, never have panic attacks, never have social anxiety and am more mindful than I've ever been. My mind is constantly focused and aware of only the present.
But like your boy Shunryu Suzuki suggests, you have to always maintain a beginner's mind, and with that said, I have a lot of progress to make. I am just now beginning t incorporate other techniques, getting into Taoism and shit.