It’s like a buzz word. But WHAT is it really? Why would you want to meditate?
A decade ago meditation to me felt like a prison in which I HAD to produce some kind of amazing thought, reaction, or peace and solitude in my mind. The idea of sitting and doing nothing except trying not to think about something had me looking for the exit sign.
Since that time I have become appreciative and even a proponent of meditation.
Do you meditate? What holds you back? Time? Interest? Let’s discuss some of the benefits.
If you already meditate how many of these reasons hold true for you?
Five Reasons to Meditate…
1) Meditation brings us to the realization that we are all connected. We are part of a universal energy in which we play a part. Our energy affects the whole. What I think, what I say, and what I do really does matter.
2) Meditation fosters mindfulness. It brings us into the present moment and creates a basis for us to respond rather than react to our circumstances. Kabat-Zinn said, “While it won’t get your work done for you, it will profoundly change your orientation, so that your doing comes out of your being, and the choices you make come from a deeper knowing of yourself. That approach can have a profound effect on the quality of our work in the world and how we face the stresses in our personal and professional lives.”
3) Meditation reduces self-destructive thought patterns. In as little as 30 seconds a day we can learn to let go of poisonous self-depreciating thoughts like revenge, anger, jealousy, greed or hate; and instead foster nourishing life giving thoughts of hope, love, understanding, and kindness. In other words we can learn to “let it go” and focus on actions that are life enhancing.
4) According to Kabat-Zinn, meditation helps to “cultivate a capacity to see what is here to be seen, hear what is here to be heard, and feel what is here to be felt.” Imagine the world being more vibrant and delightful to your soul!
5) Meditation has proven to be a helpful treatment in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, chronic pain, sleep disorders, headaches, depression, and high blood pressure. Studies reported in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke and other studies conducted through the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society (CFM) at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center are just a few that support these claims.
Why do you meditate? Where, when and how? I’d like to hear from you.