Why meditate?
Why meditate?
Meditation (which is simply giving full attention to the present moment, observing thoughts as they come and go, and/or bringing attention to the breath) is vital for cultivating inner peace, clarity, discernment and strength during in these turbulent times.
Meditation helps us to distinguish where we are wasting energy. Are we wasting energy on thoughts that cause us suffering or on endless worry about the future? Are we wasting energy creating narrative around what others may or be thinking and feeling about us?
Meditation helps us to quiet our racing minds so that we can connect to the deepest parts of ourselves which is beyond thought. This can also be experienced as a flow state. Flow is experienced when we are focus upon a task so intently that time seems to fly by. We feel satisfied and at peace when in flow.
Meditation isn’t hard. The mind will try to convince you it’s boring, or that there are more important things to do. But what is the price of not taking a few moments each day to quiet your mind?
Sometimes when we begin a meditation practice we feel discouraged due to just how active our minds can be! Just like changing our diet from junk food to healthier options can cause initial discomfort and cravings, bringing attention to the present moment can cause a thought detox. All that is necessary is to allow and observe. Meditation isn’t about having no thoughts but allowing thoughts to occur without identifying with them.
The more we practice cultivating presence and and quieting our mind, the stronger or presence muscle grows. We begin to have a little space between what happens and our response to what happens when interacting with people, thoughts and feelings. Rather than jumping to conclusions or reacting out of fear, we find we are able to listen to those we don’t agree with without such high walls of defensiveness.
Meditation can help us to connect to the truth of who we are. This truth is beyond words or descriptions. It is a beautiful, peaceful and joyful experience that is here waiting for us underneath all the mind noise. To experience this all that is required is for us to be willing to listen.
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Thank you and have a beautiful day,
Jackie