Why Meditate?

Why meditate? It's hard, isn't it? Meditation is just for yogis, right? Is there any real benefit of meditation? Like many people, I asked these same questions myself. Due to my religious upbringing, I even viewed meditation with suspicion. The Bible does say Jesus meditated, and often, but we were taught this wasn't actually meditation. Well, after experiencing meditation for myself, and learning more, I had to change my mind about this practice. I'd also venture a guess that like most great spiritual teachers, he did meditate in the truest sense of the word.

Why Meditate? Health Benefits of Meditation

A regular meditation practice provides several important mental health benefits.

Did you know that people who meditate everyday are manytimes 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 beyond the meditative experiences. Because meditators tend to be much healthier than the general population, some insurance companies even offer them a discount.

Most types of meditation slow brain wave frequency. This leads to better communication between both sides of the brain. The two hemispheres work together and become synchronized. Neural (nerve cell) structures are created that allow us to experience life more fully when the brain is more synchronized. A person is also much less likely to become depressed or anxious when using both sides of the brain.

People enter meditative states of mind to facilitate their goals and desires. These can be goals related to health and healing, or any other life goals. We can move through brain wave patterns that facilitate what we are trying to achieve. The deeper a person goes into meditation, the more the brain waves slow. Visualizations and affirmations are more effective when we enter a relaxed or meditative state of mind first.

A positive side effect of being innately happier and calmer is that we are less likely to react to a potentially stressful event. The negative effects of chronic stress are behind many common diseases and premature aging.

In his extensive research about human biofields and levels of healing, Dr. Dietrich Klinghart cites different types of meditation as being appropriate healing techniques for different levels of the field.

Why Meditate? Spiritual Benefits of Meditation

Some forms of meditation raise spiritual consciousness or awareness. They help us access the superconscious or universal mind. At this level we can access information from our higher self or the field, and 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 in meditation. 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's very interesting to realize you are observing yourself on the inside. In a practical sense, it becomes much easier observe to yourself when you are not meditating. 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.

When you meditate, you often focus on something. Focusing helps cultivate being in the present moment. Usually our minds take us to the past or possible 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 are in the present moment, we feel 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 on what I'm supposed to be meditating about. 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 methods are enjoyable and beneficial for beginners and advanced meditators. They make meditation easier and naturally help to reduce the chatter.

Why meditate? It provides many physical, mental and spiritual health benefits. It can reduce stress and promotes healing on all levels. When you relax and go with the process, meditation can be quite enjoyable.

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

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