Meditation is a practice aimed at strengthening concentration and stilling the mind. Interestingly, no one counters me with, “Why would I want to stop my mind?” We seem intuitively to understand this ancient wellness practice provides many benefits. In fact, one blogger identifies 100 Benefits to Meditation. Although I cannot statistically prove most of these 100 claims, my personal experience with meditation has been life altering. As a means of disciplining myself, 15 years ago I gathered a group of like-minded people together for a weekly meditation and sharing session. In my first year “on the meditation mat,” I discovered my lower back completely free of tension and pain. Also, the constant inner angst I carried within me subsided during meditation. As the years passed and meditation developed into a daily practice, this inner anxiousness took longer to return until eventually it, too, disappeared.
In addition to physical and emotional healing, meditation brings me increased self-awareness, confidence and self-love. In the words of my sister, “Helen, you are a happier and kinder person as a result.” Finally, my increased ability to concentrate and be mindful allows me to be conscious to the present moment. This present moment awareness provides me with glimpses of what is around the corner in terms of opportunity, possibility and creativity. My productivity and innovative thinking are heightened considerably by meditation. I often resolve problems, experience breakthroughs and create new products or services during this time. My first book of poetry, The Mosaic I Am, emerged as a combination of meditation and awareness writing.
If you are seeking to know yourself and Life, to live your passion in the world and to contribute from a place of purpose and grace, then develop your own ‘best friend and Way Show-er’ through a meditation practice.
What benefits do you seek from meditation?
