Students can meditate to ease stress

By: Christine Bradley

Posted: 12/3/09

If you're beginning to feel the stress of finals pile high, you are not alone. Most students will be busy cramming day and night next week, but one student organization is offering a peaceful and relaxing break from all the stress.

The Student Meditation Group plans to host a meditation study break at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in the UC Desoto Room.

"Personally, I find that meditation helps me calm down when I'm stressed out. It makes me feel healthier and refreshed," said organization President Nathan Keasler, junior, print journalism. "While meditating, I'm really just taking time out of any day and allowing myself to enjoy life."

He said the primary method of meditation the group does is called Calm Abiding meditation. With this method, participants settle their minds for about five minutes and then continue into a basic, unforced awareness of the breath. He said participants will likely be bombarded with thoughts at first, but said it becomes easier with practice.

Keasler said that meditation is all about awareness and that having a calm, clear mind may relieve the stress and/or anxiety associated with finals.

"Meditation won't necessarily increase your grade, but it may help your test taking," Keasler said.

Keasler has been meditating for more than a year, anywhere from 20-45 minutes several times a week. The study break next week is set to last from 20-30 minutes, and the group will offer cushions, mats, benches and chairs to participants.

Meditation is not limited to any particular religious or spiritual belief.

"Though Buddhists are the ones that are primarily known for meditation, I've started noticing Christian meditation groups," Keasler said. "I have a firm belief that anyone can enjoy the healthy benefits of meditation."