i have been meditating now for over 20 years now and when I do meditate every day for enough hours to have some concentrated meditations, I find it

the most noticeably helpful. When i went on a two week retreat, some of it in silence and with about 4-5

hours of meditation mostly a loving-kindness meditation as opposed to the mindfulness of breathing, it was as

if i had doubled the dosage of my medication and no dysytonia at all. I haven't been able to replicate that

experience since except for short periods of time. But i am also not meditating that length of time. But apart

from the reduction of physical symptoms, I find myself turning towards my experiences (the unpleasant

ones) rather than avoiding them. When I really experience them , I am better able to have a more positive

state of mind. I am also able now to better live in the moment, so that i am only suffering when I am actually

suffering. I don't compound it by brooding over it or worrying. I know i can't change a lot of my external

environment, my own body's aging and disease, and other people but i can change my state of mind with

vigilance and effort. i have not personally been able to decrease severe pain with meditation although i

know others who are able to do so..When in severe pain, I can not fight it, keep myself from panicking, and

relate to my meaning in life.. But do still find the pain sometimes almost unbearable
.
Because of meditation i am not depressed even though i experience depressing moments. .I am, for the

most part, positive and don't waste time with negative states of mind to the best of my ability. i stop the

story line. I would recommend a consistent meditation practice whether it be sitting or in movement like tai

chi or yoga for a healthier, happier life and for the development of wisdom and compassion.

Well said May I add , Keep your sense of humour too.

I do a yoga class a few times a week and find it helpful.

Psychology Today
20 Scientific Reasons to Start Meditating Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/feeling-it...

Washington Post
Harvard neuroscientist: Meditation not only reduces stress, here’s how it changes your brain
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-li...

Forbes
7 Ways Meditation Can Actually Change The Brain
http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2015/0...

On the other side
Scientific American
Is Meditation Overrated?
The scientific evidence is scant for many of the practice's widely touted benefits
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-me...
Johns Hopkins University researchers carefully reviewed published clinical trials and found that although meditation seems to provide modest relief for anxiety, depression and pain, more high-quality work is needed before the effect of meditation on other ailments can be judged.

Thanks Zanne. Can never lose that sense of humor!!