The Long and Necessary Path of Meditation
Meditation, contrary to what many people think, is not necessarily synonymous with emptying the mind, but an exercise in presence where attention to the breath is practiced (preferably) but also of every thought that invades the meditative act, which occurs with frequency even after many years of practice. There are different forms of meditation and this one described here is called zazen, the meditative practice of Zen Buddhism, non-religious and compatible with any belief.
Scientific literature has been investigating the possible benefits of meditation for the general population as well as for some specific groups, such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse. Studies suggest that meditative practice can be effective in treating depression. In the cases of generalized anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, the results regarding the efficiency of meditation are still uncertain. In the case of substance abuse, the results suggest limited effectiveness.
