Meditation by Esteban

Meditation by Esteban - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

I strongly believe that a meditation class should be an offered elective or extracurricular activity that can empower students through the use of meditation practices. Students who practice meditation will gain self-esteem, focus, mindfulness, self-regulation, and overcome adversity through positive coping strategies. These classes will teach students a variety of strategies to breathe more efficiently, relieve stress, and raise awareness. As a student, I’ve encountered peers who have expressed stressful situations and not knowing how to deal with it in a healthy manner. Research from neuroscientists show evidence on how meditation positively affects the cognition of the brain and some doctors even use meditation as a healing method for their patients.

I strongly advocate for meditation to be an elective class for the purpose that it can help students acquire positive coping styles when feeling stressed and under pressure in order to achieve their goals through a positive outlook. According to the book series, Progress in the Brain Research, by Tracy Brandmeyer, “Meditation is a self-regulated mental process associated with deep relaxation and increased internalized attention” (Chapter 2, Abstract). In addition, neuroscientist Dr. Joe Dispenza states in the article, Demystifying the Meditation Process, that “Like riding a bike or playing tennis, what I want you to understand is relaxing the body yet staying conscious is just a skill to develop (there’s a reason why we call meditation a practice). When you can completely relax your body and remain conscious, this is the realm where the unknown and the mystical happens”. According to the book series, Progress in the Brain Research, it states that, “Basic sciences research has identified some of the neurological and physiological correlates of meditation practices leading to an improved understanding of the mechanisms by which emotional, cognitive and psychosocial factors can influence well-being and health-related outcomes” (Chapter 1). What's great about meditation is that there are a variety of techniques for individuals to feel grounded. According to Dr. Joe Dispenza, “There are four types of meditations: sitting, standing, walking, and lying down”. The conclusive research supports my idea of the importance of meditation as a class for students to pursue their academics through a regulated mindset.

From personal experience, I can testify that meditation has improved the quality of my thoughts and lifestyle through my journey to cure myself of a chronic illness. The research resonates with me as I was able to overcome depression and anxiety through my health diagnosis. During my diagnosis, I felt stressed, worried, and overwhelmed. I decided to take time to meditate through breathing exercises and yoga that helped me stay uplifted, regulated my emotions and thoughts, and increased my focus and desire to pursue my goals.This passage applies to students and individuals because it addresses how they can develop a positive coping style when encountering adversity. From personal experience, I was able to overcome a health diagnosis that impacted my self-esteem causing me to feel upset, depressed, and distracted.

Based on research and personal experience, I envision the meditation curriculum to consist of the following objectives (or topics): Self- awareness of emotions, thoughts and behavior, brain and nervous system functions, and meditation strategies. Students will explore the four types of meditations: sitting, standing, walking, and laying down. There will also be time for students to journal their progress and any thoughts or affirmations. Students will get the opportunity to dive deeper by being introduced to guest speakers and learn other perspectives of meditation.

In summary, meditation can empower students’ academic journey and throughout their careers and personal lifes. By having a meditation class offered, students will be exposed to the fundamentals and techniques that can support their wellness, thinking process, and self-esteem. Students who use meditation will be able to use challenges as a way to improve themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Meditation made a positive and uplifting impact in my life, and I’mn confident to state that it will benefit my peers as well.

Works Cited
Brandmeyer, Tracy, et al. “Chapter 1 - the Neuroscience of Meditation: Classification, Phenomenology, Correlates, and Mechanisms.” ScienceDirect, Elsevier, 1 Jan. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612318301596?via%3Dihub. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
Deepeshwar, Singh, et al. “Chapter 2 - Evolution from Four Mental States to the Highest State of Consciousness: A Neurophysiological Basis of Meditation as Defined in Yoga Texts.” ScienceDirect, Elsevier, 1 Jan. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079612318301687. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
Dispenza, Joe. “Demystifying the Meditation Process.” Unlimited with Dr Joe Dispenza, 27 May 2016, drjoedispenza.com/blogs/dr-joes-blog/demystifying-the-meditation-process. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.
---. “Meditations.” Unlimited with Dr Joe Dispenza, drjoedispenza.com/collections/meditations. Accessed 15 Jan. 2023.