1. A beginner’s guide to meditation. (2020, April 22). Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858.

Background: This article describes how meditation is a simple and fast way to reduce stress. The author discusses what meditation is, the benefits of meditation, and also looks at the mental illnesses that meditation can be helpful to. The article also provides information on the different types of meditation. 

How I used it: In the feedback I received for my rebuttal argument, I was told to describe the different types of meditation. I used this article to describe some of the different types of meditation and how mindfulness meditation is different from Vipassana meditation. 

2. Cuncic, A. (2020, December 10). The benefits of meditation for generalized anxiety disorder. Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-meditation-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder-4143127

Background: This article is very similar to the first. It gives general knowledge on what meditation is and how it can be used to treat anxiety amongst many other mental illnesses such as depression. However, it was different from my first source because it actually discussed mindfulness meditation specifically. This article also includes specific tips of how to go about mindfulness meditation. 

How I used it: This article was very useful to me because I used to help describe what exactly mindfulness meditation is and how it differs from other types of meditation techniques. I wanted to emphasize the use of mindfulness meditation compared to Vipassana, especially in my rebuttal argument. 

3. Casabianca, S. (2021, June 23). Meditation for anxiety symptoms: Does it work? Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/meditation-for-anxiety

Background: This article focuses on meditation, what it is, and how it can be used to treat anxiety. It also provides some information on the history of meditation, and some statistics and studies to prove that meditation has helped people with anxiety. In this article, it states that mindfulness meditation is the best type of meditation for a person who suffers from anxiety to try. 

How I used it: I used this article to help back up my claim that meditation can be used to combat anxiety. This article was also very useful because it discusses mindfulness meditation specifically. 

4. Anxiety disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders

Background: This article discusses anxiety disorders. It discusses all different types of anxiety disorders, as well as the signs and symptoms of this disorder. This article also includes information about possible treatments for anxiety, including a variety of options such as meditation, antidepressants, and support groups. 

How I used it: This article was very useful because in order to explain how meditation can help anxiety, I first had to explain what anxiety is and why it is so important to find something that can treat it. Using the information from this website helped to show how difficult it can be to live with an anxiety disorder, the outcomes of leaving anxiety untreated, and why meditation is such an important tool in life. 

5. Chow, S. (2021, March 18). Meditation history. Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx

Background: This article discusses the history of meditation. It talks about how and where it originated, and how it has changed over time to this day.  This article goes through the ancient origins of meditation, and how it spread to other cultures. 

How I used it: This article was useful to my research paper because it provided me with background information on meditation. I feel like it was important to include where it came from because without that knowledge, I feel that the reader would have trouble trusting my claims. 

6. Anxiety medication: List, types, and side effects. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323666

Background: This article discusses anxiety medication. It describes what selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and more.  It also includes all the side effects of each medication. 

How I used it: I used this article to explain the negative side effects of anxiety medication. In my paper, I felt it was important to expose the bad sides of medication in order to show that sometimes, it is not needed because meditation can actually be just as effective. 

7. Lu, D. (2019, May 14). A quarter of people who meditate experience negative mental states. Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2202323-a-quarter-of-people-who-meditate-experience-negative-mental-states/

Background: This article talks about people who have reported negative emotions from their meditation experiences. It reveals that some people who participated in vipassana meditation experienced negative emotions. 

How I used it: This is the article I disagreed with for my rebuttal argument. The article states how people experience negative emotions after participating in Vipassana meditation. In my paper, I decided to use that to show how it is important to know that there are many different types of meditation, and one should not just jump right into vipassana. 

8. What people get wrong about meditation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.headspace.com/articles/what-people-get-wrong-about-meditation

Background: This article discusses the myths and misconceptions people generally have about mediation. It makes clear that meditation is not for a “certain type of person” and can be done by anyone, that mediation does not have to be religious at all, that it is not “serious”, and does not require planning.  

How I used it: This article was helpful to me because in my rebuttal I talk about how so many people have misconceptions about meditation. I used a quote from the author who was basically saying the same thing. I used that quote to reinforce the belief that meditation can look different for anyone. 

9. Welch, A., Rapaport, L., Chai, C., Millard, E., Upham, B., Weinstock, C., . . . Vogt, C. (n.d.). A guide to 7 different types of meditation. Retrieved December 04, 2021, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/meditation/types/

Background: This article discusses 7 different types of meditation and how each of them is done. 

How I used it: I used to this to describe guided meditation, transcendental meditation, and mindfulness meditation. I used quotes from this article to show how these 3 types of meditation are much more gentle, and easier to do than ones such as Vipassana.