The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is a practice that allows us to tap into our innermost being, to connect with ourselves on a deeper level, and to find peace and clarity in a world that can often seem chaotic and confusing.
As Alan Watts once said, "Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It's a way of entering into the quiet that is already there – buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day."
So how do we go about finding this inner quiet and tapping into it? Here are a few steps to get you started on your meditation journey:
Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. This can be a dedicated meditation space, or simply a corner of your home where you can sit undisturbed.
Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to settle in to your surroundings. Pay attention to the sensations in your body – the feel of the ground beneath you, the temperature of the air around you, the sounds of the environment.
Begin to focus on your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
As you continue to focus on your breath, you may begin to notice the chatter of your mind start to quiet down. This is natural – the mind is like a muscle, and meditation is a way of training it to be still.
Don't worry if you find it difficult to quiet your mind at first. Meditation is a practice, and it takes time and patience to develop. Just keep bringing your attention back to your breath and try to let go of any judgments or expectations you have about your meditation experience.
Set a timer for your meditation session, if desired. Start with just a few minutes and gradually work your way up to longer periods of time.
Remember, the goal of meditation is not to "achieve" anything or to try to force your mind into a state of quiet. It's simply about allowing yourself to be present in the moment, to tune out the distractions of the outside world, and to connect with your own inner being.
So take a few minutes each day to sit in stillness and allow yourself to be present. Over time, you'll find that meditation becomes a valuable tool for finding calm and clarity in your daily life.
Check out our post on how to meditate to get started.