Meditation, which benefits?

Many say they practice meditation or at least claim to do so, but what’s often less clear is how they meditate, who taught them it and how well do they do it. 

This suggests there could be as may ways of doing it as they are different individuals. There are no firm and factual scientific conclusion either as to what the real benefits of meditation are. 

Just out of conventional wisdom, hearsay, and based on some vague conclusions, the following benefit seem to emerge :

1. Stress reduction, better relaxation response and reduced production of cortisol. 

2. Improved mental well-being, reduced anxiety and depression, increased self-awareness, and improved mood. 

3. Cognitive benefits, like improved attention, concentration, and working memory. 

4. Physical health benefits like reduced blood pressure, enhanced immune functions, and better sleep. 

5. Brain changes, both structural and functional changes in areas like attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. 

As a person who regularly meditate, I hope this is all true and until it’s proven without the shadow of a doubt, I’ll be inclined to believe it, but that’s right, you’ve read it correctly: “just inclined!”