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Did you know a one-week meditation retreat can help you lose 1.5 kg and shrink your waistline by 2.7 cm1? This fact shows how meditation can change your body. It makes us wonder about the big changes these retreats can bring.
Meditation is a powerful tool for changing yourself. It offers many benefits, like reducing stress and improving focus. Millions of people are now trying it to find peace and get better at life.
Retreats take these benefits further. They give you a chance to really get into meditation. After a 5-day retreat, people feel more spiritual and grateful. They also treat themselves better, and these feelings last long after the retreat1.
There are different kinds of retreats for different needs. Silent retreats help you focus inward. Mindfulness retreats teach you to live in the moment2. Each type offers a special way to grow and find yourself.
Getting ready for a retreat means getting your body and mind ready. Doing some yoga and fitness can prepare your body. Keeping an open mind gets you ready for the meditation’s challenges and rewards2. Being open is key to a great retreat experience.
As you start with meditation, you’ll see its effects go beyond the retreat. It can make your everyday life better. It can make you more motivated to exercise and improve your overall health. Meditation’s power is waiting for you to explore and feel it for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- One-week meditation retreats can lead to significant physical health improvements
- Meditation retreats offer lasting benefits in spirituality, gratitude, and self-compassion
- Various types of retreats cater to different meditation styles and preferences
- Proper preparation enhances the retreat experience
- Regular meditation practice can boost exercise motivation and overall well-being
- Retreat experiences amplify the transformative power of meditation
Understanding Meditation: A Gateway to Inner Peace
Meditation has become more popular thanks to apps like Calm and Headspace. It’s not just for stress or sleep. It’s a way to better health, happiness, and productivity3. This ancient practice helps you explore your inner self and find lasting peace.
Defining meditation and its origins
Meditation is all about focusing your attention. It started in ancient spiritual traditions but now anyone can do it. Today, it’s seen as a way to train your mind, build deeper connections, and understand how everything is connected3.
The science behind meditation’s effects on the brain
Studies show meditation can reduce negative thoughts and emotions and build positive habits3. This is similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps change thought patterns. By meditating, you’re changing your brain for better emotional balance and stability.
Different types of meditation practices
There are many kinds of meditation, each with its own benefits. Mindfulness focuses on being in the moment. Vipassana is a silent retreat where you watch your breath and body without reacting4. Mantra meditations use phrases to keep your mind focused. Trying different styles can help you find what works best for you.
“Meditation is not just for individuals in distress but also for those seeking to make their lives more meaningful or extraordinary.”
Whether you’re new to meditation or have been doing it for a while, it offers powerful tools for change, healing, and peace. Spending time meditating is a way to improve your mental health and grow personally.
The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is great for your body and mind. It can lower stress and boost mental health5. It helps with anxiety, making symptoms less over time5.
Your brain changes for the better with meditation. Long-time meditators have more grey matter in key areas, helping with decisions and focus6. Even short meditation programs can change your brain’s old patterns6.
Meditation does more than just help your mind. It can lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, which may lower your risk of certain health issues5. It also helps with chronic pain and improves your outlook6.
It can also make you sleep better. It quiets your mind, helping with insomnia5. Plus, it boosts self-awareness and helps control impulses, making relationships better5.
Benefit | Impact |
---|---|
Stress Reduction | Lowers cortisol levels |
Anxiety Management | Decreases symptoms over time |
Brain Health | Increases grey matter volume |
Pain Management | Improves pain tolerance |
Sleep Quality | Reduces insomnia and rumination |
Meditation is versatile and can help with many health issues. It’s useful in treating substance abuse and social anxiety6. Schools using meditation see better focus, coping skills, and stress handling in students6.
Adding meditation to your daily life is more than just relaxing. It’s a journey to better health, affecting your body and mind fully.
Meditation Benefits, Personal Transformation, Retreat Experiences
Meditation retreats are a special way to change yourself. They give you a place to think deeply and grow. Here, you can let go of old feelings and find peace. Spiritual retreats can change your life, helping you step away from stress and find yourself again.
Catalyzing Personal Growth
Meditation sparks personal growth. It lowers stress hormones, cuts down on anxiety, and strengthens your immune system7. With regular practice, you become more aware of yourself and your feelings. This can lead to better relationships and more energy in your life.
Transformative Retreat Experiences
Meditation retreats are deeply transformative. They include guided sessions, mindfulness, yoga, and workshops on finding peace and understanding yourself8. These retreats can last from a weekend to several weeks, giving you time to dive deep into your practice7.
Retreat places are key to wellness by encouraging deep thought and mindfulness8. They’re set in beautiful places like mountains, forests, or beaches, making your experience better7. You can stay in dorms or luxury rooms, depending on what you like and can afford7.
Long-term Effects on Lifestyle and Perspective
After a meditation retreat, you come back changed. You’ll think better, feel more spiritual, grateful, and kind to yourself. These changes can give you a new purpose in life and help you deal with stress, like the housing crisis.
“Meditation retreats offer a chance to explore and enhance spirituality for many participants, leading to personal growth, new insights into goals and dreams, and a renewed sense of purpose.”7
Retreat Benefits | Short-term Effects | Long-term Effects |
---|---|---|
Stress Reduction | Lowered cortisol levels | Improved stress management |
Mental Clarity | Enhanced focus | Better decision-making |
Emotional Balance | Reduced anxiety | Increased emotional resilience |
Physical Health | Improved sleep quality | Boosted immune system |
Getting Started: Essential Tips for Beginner Meditators
Starting to meditate can change your life for the better. Studies show that just 20-30 minutes of meditation each day can rebuild brain areas in eight weeks. This leads to a better life and personal growth9.
Start with short 5-minute sessions and slowly add more time. Choose a quiet, comfy spot to sit, like the floor or a chair. Focus on your breath, counting each breath in and out. This simple method trains your mind and lowers stress1011.
Being consistent is crucial. It takes about 66 days for meditation to become a habit, so keep at it. As you meditate more, you’ll build new brain networks. This makes meditation a key part of your life11.
For extra help, try meditation apps like Headspace or Insight Timer. These apps offer guided sessions, timers, and features you can customize to improve your practice1011.
Meditation is about growing qualities like focus and kindness. Don’t stress if your mind wanders; just watch those thoughts go by. Over time, you’ll feel less anxious, have a stronger immune system, and be happier1011.
By spending just 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, you can see big changes in your brain and life. Start this journey of self-discovery and look forward to the many benefits meditation brings11.
The Role of Breath in Meditation and Mindfulness
Breath is key in meditation and mindfulness. It helps keep your focus and calm your mind. Learning about the link between breath and mind can bring many benefits and even help with exercise motivation.
Understanding the breath-mind connection
The link between breath and mind comes from our body’s workings. Focusing on your breath turns on the parasympathetic nervous system. This leads to a calm response, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing12. This link is the foundation for many meditation techniques.
Techniques for breath-focused meditation
Here are some top breath-focused meditation methods:
- Counting breaths: Count each inhale and exhale up to ten, then start over.
- Observing breath sensations: Pay attention to the feeling of air moving in and out of your nostrils.
- Alternate nostril breathing: Breathe in through one nostril and out through the other, alternating sides.
These methods can lessen stress and sharpen focus. Studies indicate that mindfulness meditation can make brain areas linked to stress recovery work better13.
Integrating breathwork into daily life
You can add breathwork to your everyday life:
- Take mindful breaths during simple tasks like washing dishes or walking.
- Use breath as a tool to stay centered during stressful times.
- Practice intentional breathing for a few minutes before bed to help you sleep better.
Adding these habits can boost your overall health and help with personal growth. Breathing exercises can ease muscle tension and lower your heart rate. This leads to a calm feeling by increasing oxygen to your brain and body14.
Breath Technique | Benefits | Ideal Time to Practice |
---|---|---|
Counting Breaths | Improves focus, reduces anxiety | Morning or before important tasks |
Observing Breath Sensations | Enhances mindfulness, reduces stress | Throughout the day |
Alternate Nostril Breathing | Balances energy, promotes relaxation | Evening or during breaks |
Being consistent is key to getting the most from meditation. Begin with short sessions and slowly increase the time as you get more comfortable with it.
Exploring Different Meditation Styles: Finding Your Fit
Meditation comes in many styles to match your goals and likes. Knowing these styles can help you pick the right one for your journey. This way, you can get the most out of meditation for personal growth.
There are three main types of meditation: passive, guided, and active15. Each type has its own benefits and ways to help you find peace and discover yourself.
Vipassana meditation focuses on watching yourself and understanding life through deep thought. HeartMath meditation works on making your heart and mind work together. Guided meditations create special spaces and help talk to spiritual guides15.
If you like something more lively, try music-based meditations like Kirtan or gong baths. These can make your meditation time better and help you grow personally15.
Meditation Style | Focus | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Vipassana | Self-observation | Enhanced self-awareness |
HeartMath | Heart coherence | Emotional balance |
Guided | Visualization | Stress reduction |
Music-based | Sound healing | Relaxation and focus |
When picking a meditation retreat, think about the place, teacher, and tradition. These things can change how you feel and how happy you are with the retreat16.
Finding the right meditation style is a journey for you alone. Try different kinds and be kind to yourself as you find what suits you best. By trying out various styles, you’ll get the most from meditation and change deeply16.
The Power of Consistency: Building a Daily Meditation Habit
Starting a regular meditation practice can change your life. Just 5 minutes a day can grow into a 30-minute habit in 90 days17. This journey offers many benefits and teaches you about sticking to things and growing personally.
Setting Realistic Goals for Your Practice
Start with goals you can reach. A 10-minute daily session is easy and effective for many18. As you get better, you might want to meditate more. But remember, being consistent is key at first.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
Starting out, you might feel restless, doubt yourself, or get distracted17. To beat these issues:
- Create a special place for meditation
- Choose a regular time to meditate
- Try guided meditations or apps like Headspace or Oak
- Keep a journal of your meditation
These tips can help you stay focused, even when you don’t feel like it.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Milestones
As you keep meditating, you’ll see changes. By weeks 5-8, you might sleep better, handle emotions better, and know yourself better17. Keep track of these changes to stay excited. Think about joining a meditation group or trying new ways to meditate.
Some people find a 100-day challenge helps a lot and leads to growth18. Whether you’re using meditation for stress or personal growth, remember each session moves you closer to peace and understanding yourself.
“Meditation is not about becoming a different person, a new person, or even a better person. It’s about training in awareness and getting a healthy sense of perspective.” – Andy Puddicombe
While you’re building your meditation habit, you might see how it connects to other parts of your life. For example, it could inspire you to be more active online or make you value living simply. The main thing is to keep going and be patient with your progress.
Meditation and Stress Reduction: A Natural Approach
Meditation is a great way to fight stress every day. It helps you focus on the now, which can make your body relax. This leads to less stress hormones and fewer physical signs of stress19.
Doing meditation often helps you handle your feelings better and bounce back from stress. It can also lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD1920.
Adding nature to your meditation can make it even more effective. Just 10 minutes outside can lower stress in your body and mind19. This method fits well with strategies for dealing with tough times, like the housing crisis.
“Nature itself is the best physician.” – Hippocrates
Here are some benefits of meditating in nature:
- Enhanced sensory awareness
- Improved cognitive function
- Better emotional well-being
- Increased focus and concentration
People tend to keep up with nature-based meditation better than indoor types. Being consistent is important for lasting changes and brain flexibility20.
For quick stress relief, try short meditation breaks during the day. This can help in tough situations, like work stress or dealing with the housing crisis.
Meditation Type | Benefits | Best for |
---|---|---|
Mindfulness | Reduces anxiety, improves focus | Daily stress management |
Loving-kindness | Cultivates positive emotions | Emotional healing |
Nature meditation | Enhances relaxation, boosts creativity | Overcoming burnout |
Meditation retreats can be powerful for personal growth and change. They let you meet others who think like you and build strong support networks. This is really helpful when you’re facing big challenges21.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence Through Meditation
Meditation is more than finding peace; it’s a key for personal growth. It helps you understand your feelings better. This skill is vital for doing well in life and work22.
Developing Self-Awareness and Empathy
By meditating often, you get better at knowing yourself and your feelings. This helps you understand others too, making you more empathetic. Studies show it makes you more aware of your emotions, which is good for your health2322.
Managing Emotions More Effectively
Meditation helps you control your feelings better. Top achievers are good at this, with 90% showing they can22. Through it, you learn to stay calm when things get tough, a quality leaders often have.
Improving Relationships Through Mindfulness
Mindfulness makes you better at seeing how others feel. This leads to stronger relationships. It also helps you make better choices in life22.
Emotional Intelligence Component | Impact of Meditation |
---|---|
Self-Awareness | Increases recognition of emotions and patterns |
Emotional Regulation | Promotes balance and stress reduction |
Empathy | Enhances understanding of others’ emotions |
Relationship Management | Improves interpersonal connections |
As you start meditating, you’re not just finding peace. You’re building skills to handle life’s ups and downs. This practice is part of growing personally and can even help in digital activism by making you more emotionally smart.
The Connection Between Meditation and Improved Sleep
Do you find yourself lying awake at night? You’re not the only one. A 2019 survey found that 62% of people worldwide didn’t sleep well, with just 10% feeling extremely rested24. But, meditation could be the answer to your sleep problems.
Research shows that mindfulness meditation can make sleep better. In one study, older adults with sleep issues slept more soundly and felt less tired during the day after meditating25. This shows meditation’s benefits go beyond just relaxing you.
A study compared exercise and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on sleep. Both helped improve sleep quality. The exercise group saw big sleep score improvements, while MBSR made small but noticeable changes26. This proves that both physical activity and meditation can help you sleep better.
For those looking for affordable ways to sleep better, meditation is a great choice. It doesn’t require expensive gadgets or pills. You can meditate anywhere, anytime, fitting it into your busy life.
Struggling to stay motivated to exercise? Remember, both exercise and meditation can improve your sleep. Pick what feels right for you or try both for the best results. A study of 413 adults at a 4-day meditation retreat showed big sleep quality and duration gains, especially for those over 3624.
Adding meditation to your daily life does more than just help you sleep. It’s a step towards better health and happiness. Dreamy nights are ahead!
Intervention | Sleep Quality Improvement | Other Benefits |
---|---|---|
Exercise | Significant (-0.98 points) | Improved perceived sleep quality |
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Marginal (-0.53 points) | Reduced daily disturbances |
Hollow and Empty Meditation | Significant | Long-term effects (up to 40 days) |
Meditation Retreats: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Meditation retreats offer deep experiences that can grow your practice and spark personal growth. These programs vary, meeting different needs and goals.
Types of Meditation Retreats
You’ll find many retreat options, from weekend getaways to month-long programs. Silent retreats, mindfulness retreats, and themed retreats focusing on specific practices are common. Studies show these experiences can make you happier and reduce stress27.
Packing Essentials
When packing for your retreat, bring comfy clothes, a meditation cushion, and any personal items allowed. Many retreats offer vegan or gluten-free meals and follow a set schedule. Be ready for a change in your routine28.
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Set clear goals for your retreat and be open to new things. Prepare for emotional breakthroughs and the challenge of a digital detox. Many retreats encourage silence and minimal talking, which can be tough but rewarding28.
Meditation retreats are powerful for personal change. They include daily activities like non-guided meditation, talks, and gentle yoga. Experienced instructors lead these activities28. These experiences can improve self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and change your outlook27.
Understanding what to expect and how to prepare helps you get the most out of your retreat. It can lead to personal growth and help you make changes in your life and community.
Integrating Meditation into Your Work Life for Better Productivity
Adding meditation to your work life can change how productive and happy you are at your job. Many companies now offer mindfulness programs at work to help you feel less stressed, think more creatively, and work more efficiently29. Starting your day with meditation sets a positive mood, making you more focused and full of energy29.
Regular meditation makes you better at concentrating and thinking clearly, which helps you work well under pressure30. It also helps you come up with new ideas and creative solutions, as it boosts creative thinking30.
Meditation also makes you more emotionally smart, which helps you communicate better and work well with others. This makes the workplace more collaborative30. It also lowers stress and anxiety, making the workplace calmer30.
Practical Tips for Workplace Meditation
- Try deep breathing exercises during short breaks
- Practice mindful walking during lunch
- Use meditation apps for guided sessions
- Create a quiet space for brief meditations
Companies that offer guided meditation sessions led by certified instructors see big benefits for employees new to meditation30. These sessions give the right guidance and support to help you start a regular meditation habit.
Meditation Benefits | Work Impact |
---|---|
Stress Reduction | Improved Focus |
Enhanced Creativity | Better Problem-Solving |
Emotional Regulation | Improved Teamwork |
Increased Mindfulness | Greater Job Satisfaction |
By adding meditation to your work life, you can feel less stressed, think more creatively, and solve problems better29. This practice is good for you and helps make your workplace more positive and productive.
The Spiritual Dimension of Meditation Practices
Meditation is more than just relaxing. It’s a path to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Regular practice helps deepen your connection to the world.
Meditation’s Role in Spiritual Traditions
In many cultures, meditation is key to spiritual life. It helps people find inner peace and understand themselves better. Meditation retreats offer a chance to dive deeper into these traditions.
Cultivating Interconnectedness
Meditation can make you feel deeply connected to everyone. This feeling leads to more empathy and kindness. Studies show that meditators react more strongly to sounds of suffering, showing empathy31.
Balancing Spiritual and Secular Practice
You don’t have to believe in a specific faith to enjoy meditation’s spiritual benefits. Mindfulness meditation is secular but still helps with spiritual growth. It lowers anxiety, depression, and stress32.
Meditation is great for personal growth, racial equity, or developing strategies. It connects you to your inner wisdom and broadens your view of the world.
“Meditation is not evasion; it is a serene encounter with reality.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Adding meditation to your daily life brings spiritual and practical rewards. It’s a journey of self-discovery that improves your well-being and connects you to the world.
Technology and Meditation: Apps and Tools for Modern Practitioners
In today’s digital age, meditation is easier to access than ever. Millions worldwide now practice mindfulness meditation. They use apps to improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase productivity33. Mobile apps have changed how we meditate, making it simple for beginners and experts to keep up with their practice.
Apps like Headspace offer guided meditations and help track progress. One user found meditating for just 10 minutes a day with Headspace was powerful34. These apps are stepping stones to deeper practices. Some users move on to intensive experiences like meditation retreats that last weeks.
Research on meditation has led to new tech tools. Scientists use advanced methods like neuroimaging to study meditation’s effects on the brain33. This blend of old and new is creating new ways to treat mental health. It could offer new solutions for depression and anxiety.
While tech has made meditation easier, it’s important to mix digital tools with face-to-face sessions. By using apps and attending in-person classes and retreats, you can develop a balanced meditation practice. This approach combines the ease of technology with the richness of traditional methods.
FAQ
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