Why Meditate?

Due to my religious upbringing, I even viewed meditation with suspicion. Even though the Bible says that Jesus meditated, we were taught this wasn't the same thing. Well, after experiencing this practice for myself, and learning more, I'm happy to say I had a change of mind.

Meditation for Health

Meditation benefits health in several important ways, mentally and physically.

People who meditate daily are many times happier than those who don't. They are better at problem-solving and have sharper minds. They develop a sense of stillness and calm awareness that extends into daily life. Because meditators tend to be much healthier than the general population, some insurance companies even reduce their premiums.

Most types of meditation slow brain wave frequency. The two hemispheres of the brain work together and become synchronized. This creates neural (nerve cell) structures that allow us to experience life more fully. You are much less likely to become depressed or anxious when using both sides of the brain.

People meditate to facilitate their goals and desires. The deeper a person goes, the more the brain waves slow. Visualizations and affirmations are more effective when practiced from a relaxed or meditative state of mind.

According to the extensive research of Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, Meditation benefits healing at levels of the human biofields.

And because meditation helps reduce stress and induce calm, you help avoid the many physical health issues caused by stress.

Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

Some practices raise spiritual consciousness or awareness. They help us access the superconscious or universal mind. At this level information from your higher self and the field is accessible. You experience a sense of oneness and peace with all that is.

The satori experience is common and highly desirable to those who meditate deeply. It is a sudden realization that there is no separate you. Up down, inside outside, good evil are all in relationship to another and are imposed on reality. These concepts help us orient in this reality.

By scanning the brains of advanced meditators, researchers have been able to see which parts of the brain are affected. The front of the brain, which is involved in concentration and attention, is quite active. On the other hand, there is less than normal activity in the parietal lobe. This gives us our sense of orientation in space and time.

When sensory and cognitive input is blocked during meditation, we lose the sense of space and time. Then we can see and experience our interconnectedness with others. We experience the oneness of all.

Cultivating the Witness or Observer state of mind is another benefit of meditation. You realize you are not your thoughts and emotions and they are not you. You become the observer of yourself thinking and doing. This is actually a relaxing and enjoyable state of mind.

It also becomes more natural to observe yourself at other times. You are more aware of yourself. Sometimes, it's like I'm watching myself as if I'm another person. You can be much more objective about yourself and your actions, even in the moment, when the observer shows up.

Meditation benefits you because it brings you into the present moment. Usually our minds take us to the past or future daydreams. The present is really all there is, so we want to cultivate the practice of presence, or as Eckhardt Tolle calls it, The Power of Now. When we focus on something - an image or sound- we are in the present moment. This creates an increased sense of inner peace and calm. We are able to think about things with more clarity.

When you meditate you are present. Oh no, you say. My mind is everywhere but where I want it. Monkey mind is the bane of meditators, especially beginners. It seems the more you try to quiet your mind, the more it chatters. Don't let this very common issue discourage or stop you.

Mindful meditation benefits beginners and advanced meditators. It's easy, enjoyable, and naturally helps reduce monkey mind chatter.

Why meditate? Whether you practice meditation for health, personal development or spiritual growth, you will reap rewards in each area. It helps you relax, heal, center and focus. When you just go with the process and release expectations and shoulds, meditating is quite enjoyable.

Learn more about the benefits of meditation and explore a large collection of techniques at the Meditation Techniques Guide.

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