fbpx Skip to main content

Why is meditation so important?

Meditation is good for the body,  it calms anxiety and is generally beneficial. This has been scientifically proven. So, there are many reasons why we should all meditate. There is no doubt that it helps us relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. It is useful to deal with the emotional problems of everyday life, when things go wrong, it opens the heart and gives us more alerts. And when the realization arises, so does the wisdom. The wisdom that arises from meditation is very powerful.

Anyone can meditate, no matter what.

woman meditating and practicing yoga

woman meditating and practicing yoga

One must commit to meditating daily, no matter how long. Meditation will not begin until we sit on a cushion or chair. The most important point is to sit comfortably. If you meditate for fifteen or twenty minutes every day, after a while, you will no longer have doubts about its effectiveness.

Meditation consists mainly of achieving a state of relaxation and tranquility in which our body, mind, and spirit are in tune and all concentration and energy are focused on oneself, regardless of any stimulus from the outside world.

Each human being is a world and, in effect, meditation allows us to discover that inner world, as extensive and diverse as the outer world, but at the same time more calm and personal.

One of the main benefits of meditation is the possibility of knowing oneself, or rather, knowing oneself more deeply, accessing sensations, both physical and emotional, that creates a much stronger bond with the inner self, thus obtaining a better emotional intelligence, a balance in character and a greater understanding of the objectives and motivations that move us daily.

We might meditate because we want peace in our life.

All kinds of expectations may arise in your mind.  You may experience peace, but most of the time it will not be so, why? The problem is not the meditator. At first, there may be a sense of calm and peace. But after a while your mind will seem even worse than before. It is important to maintain the continuity of the practice. Regardless of whether your mind seems better or worse than before, you should continue the practice and it will improve. It’s like washing clothes or dishes. If you wash them regularly, it won’t be difficult. But if not, it will be very difficult to clean them.

The reason why our mind seems to get worse after a while of meditating is that emotional problems begin to arise.

It is important to let whatever comes out come out. Try not to judge your thoughts, do not reject or cling to them. If you follow this instruction, meditation becomes very easy. When these emotions arise, stand firmly on the object of mental concentration. If your mind is calm, your concentration may be more relaxed. All meditators experience emotional disturbance and crying when they practice, let it be and then there will be peace.

Breathing attention is the most important form of meditative practice.

Breathing is connected with subtle winds and this is connected with the mind-heart. When your mind is restless, focus on the navel chakra. When your mind is sleepy, focus on your third eye. But don’t forget to follow your breath.  If you keep your concentration on the breath, inside and outside, it will naturally calm down. You will feel cheerful and light. As long as you continue your meditation, that feeling will stabilize. Then a feeling of love and compassion will arise. Internal peace begins there. Why does this happen? All the emotional disturbance has come out then the mind calms down. Over time your mind will clear, like a clear blue sky. It is possible for the mind to be free of thoughts. But even then, you can go further. An impartial love even for our enemies will arise. It is not easy to reach that level, but it is possible to experience that same love for all.

During meditation, although the state is of absolute relaxation, there are many processes that continue to function.

At the psychic level, alpha waves, associated with calm and creativity, are registered in the brain, unlike the beta waves that are normally recorded, in a conscious and alert state. This first produces a reduction of stress, always linked to daily concerns, and at the same time, after having meditated, it offers the possibility of addressing these issues with another perspective, more serene and focused.

On a physical level, a decrease in heart rate, slow and leisurely breathing, and a state of relaxation in the muscles and in the body, in general, are observed, which generates benefits in the functioning of the metabolism and physical performance.

The changes that occur in brain activity during meditation will also allow the thinking or problem-solving processes to be addressed from a new, more creative place, as well as reaching different levels of consciousness that can lead later, through the regular practice of meditation, to positive changes in character or less prone to stress, anger or depression.

Over the years and technological improvements in neurological investigations, better functioning of the brain, as well as an improvement in memory and concentration, are proven benefits of meditation.

In turn, these benefits add to the spiritual and physical tranquility that is obtained when meditating, to the improvement of the quality of life that means freeing yourself from stress and being more focused, and to the experience of knowing oneself deeply.

Together, all this makes meditation a very important and fundamental practice in these times as well as in ancient times.

It is not necessary to be a Buddhist to meditate.

Everyone wants to be happy and they have the right to be happy. Compassion is the desire for others to free themselves from suffering.

Meditation is the best form of prayer. It is the best kind of offering.

It is also the best purification practice. Meditation is the best form of virtuous behavior. It can reach everyone’s heart. Even people and animals that live with a meditator will benefit.

by Tannia V.

Close Menu