Summary
What is meditation, and how is it different from just sitting around or yoga/prayer/etc?
Meditation seems simple, and for some it is.
Most meditation practices involve sitting, closing your eyes, and being aware of your breath, body, and thoughts ... without judging them.
Meditation is different than just sitting around, because there is an intention of being still, mindful, aware, and nonjudgmental. It's different than yoga, which is a movement practice typically centered on awareness of the body, and less so thoughts. Prayer is tied to the idea of a higher power, whereas meditation typically is not.
What are other names for Meditation?
Note that Meditation is also known as:
- MBSR
- mindfulness-meditation
- sitting-practice
Meditation should not be confused with:
- prayer
- self-reflection
Examine Database: Meditation
Research FeedRead all studies
In this meta-analysis of 61 clinical trials in 3,440 participants with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all forms of meditation were beneficial for reducing PTSD symptoms.
Examine Database References
- Anxiety Symptoms - Henderson VP, Clemow L, Massion AO, Hurley TG, Druker S, Hébert JRThe effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in early-stage breast cancer patients: a randomized trialBreast Cancer Res Treat.(2012 Jan)
- Fatigue Symptoms - Park BJ, Choi Y, Lee JS, Ahn YC, Lee EJ, Son CGEffectiveness of meditation for fatigue management: Insight from a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.Gen Hosp Psychiatry.(2024 Aug 11)
- Heart Attack Risk - Garnier-Crussard A, Gonneaud J, Felisatti F, Palix C, Ferrand Devouge E, Chocat A, Rauchs G, de la Sayette V, Vivien D, Demnitz-King H, Lutz A, Chételat G, Poisnel G, Medit-Ageing Research GroupEffect of an 18-month meditation training on cardiovascular risk in older adults: a secondary analysis of the Age-Well randomized controlled trial.BMC Geriatr.(2024 Nov 16)