Treat yourself well - Learn to Meditate and practice with friends -
Everybody (family, work-mates, friends, the world) benefits!!!

What researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered is that, in
long-term practitioners of relaxation methods such as yoga and
meditation, far more ''disease-fighting genes'' were active, compared
to those who practiced no form of relaxation.

In particular, they found genes that protect from disorders such as
pain, infertility, high blood pressure and even rheumatoid arthritis
were switched on. The changes, say the researchers, were induced by
what they call ''the relaxation effect'', a phenomenon that could be
just as powerful as any medical drug but without the side effects.

But just how can relaxation have such wide-ranging and powerful
effects? Research has described the negative effects of stress on the
body. Linked to the release of the stress-hormones adrenalin and
cortisol, stress raises the heart rate and blood pressure, weakens
immunity and lowers fertility.

By contrast, the state of relaxation is linked to higher levels of
feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and to the growth hormone which
repairs cells and tissue. Indeed, studies show that relaxation has
virtually the opposite effect, lowering heart rate, boosting immunity
and enabling the body to thrive.

MORE THAN THAT - MRIs have shown that meditation, which actually
exercises the brain increases the thickness of the cortex in areas
involved in attention and sensory processing, such as the prefrontal
cortex and the right anterior insula. This finding is in line with
studies showing that accomplished musicians, athletes and linguists
all have thickening in relevant areas of the cortex.

MORE THAN THAT - Ecie says, "Meditation produces the benefits of being
present, knowing what's happening and being OK with it. Which results
in having more ability to chose an appropriate action."