It is usualy not easy to find silence around us. All the noise that surrounds us, such as from mobile phones, traffic, radio, TV or people talking in between can tire us out. It happens at the expense of our own energy when we can´t turn it off and let our brain rest.

 

Science shows that silence is important

Current scientific studies have shown that silence is hugely important for our brain's function and our health. A moment of silence every day can give your brain the chance to develop more cells in the Hippo campus*. It is precisely the part of the brain that has to do with learning, emotions and memory. Silence means that we more easier can process experiences, become more creative and that we get a deeper connection with our inner self. Resting in the silence means that we allow our brain to produce clearer thoughts and feelings and then we have an easier time perceiving our inner voice. In the silence, one can get in touch with unhealed wounds and begin to heal them. On the other hand, if you ignore the inner voice, there is a risk that you will eventually become ill.

 

Meditation can help you find silence

For some people, a daily silence in a moment of meditation is enough, while others feel that they need to go away for a weekend and have the opportunity to reduce the pressure on the brain and let worries go away. Regardless of how you choose to remove yourself from the noise, the researchers believe that the reward comes in the form of feeling better after a period of silence. Today, the Eastern way of relaxing in the form of meditation has become increasingly popular.

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How does it affect us?

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"Meditation affects us physically and mentally, creates conditions for improving the ability to concentrate, increases self-confidence and improves creativity"

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Meditation is often presented in the West as a method of relaxation. Certain physiological changes can occur during meditation and these can be recorded with modern equipment. The scientific observations state changes that are directly opposite to a stress response such as:​

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• decreased respiratory and pulse rate

• reduced oxygen consumption

• decreased metabolic rate

• lowering or stabilizing blood pressure

• reduced skin conductivity

• In the different forms of meditation, specific calm and even brainwave patterns arise that are otherwise rare in the waking state

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How does meditation work?

1. Focus on something

Meditation is a general concept that involves methods of physical and mental relaxation combined with concentration on some object or phenomenon. It can be a word you say silently - a so-called mantra, or observing your own breathing. Or focus on your own body, body part or energy center in the body's so-called Dan Tian. It can also be concentration on colors, shapes, sounds, prayer or a guided meditation.

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2. Your position

Meditation is often practiced in a sitting position, but it is also possible to lie down relaxed with closed or half-open eyes. In the world of qigong, meditation also occurs during movements. The purpose of the technique is to quiet one's mind.

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This creates the conditions for an inner calm that contributes to developing an ability to handle both thoughts and emotions more easily. This in turn should, among other things, increase general well-being, reduce stress.  

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Conscious presence or mindfulness is originally a Buddhist concept.

The term is said to have originated in the work that the Buddha's followers did in developing meritorious character traits, particularly focusing on disposition and right thinking. Today, mindfulness is used in Western psychotherapy called third wave CBT as a treatment method.  Mindful presence means practicing being intentionally aware of what is happening in the present moment. In addition, one tries not to value and judge what one experiences in the present, but only to observe and describe one's experience.

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"Mindfulness is an awareness that arises when we pay attention intentionally, in the present, and non-judgmentally to things as they are."

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Honest characteristics are:

1. Having a generous heart

2. To express oneself with kind speech 

3. To live a life of helpfulness and compassion that enriches and develops humanity

4. Listen inwardly to the voice that needs no words.

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*The hippocampus is part of the limbic system in the brain, and consists of gray matter. The hippocampus extends from the amygdala via the fornix to then contact the mamillary bodies.