Why Meditation Matters

Solitude: When It’s OK to be Alone
October 17, 2019
October is National ADHD Awareness Month: Why It Matters
October 28, 2019
Show all

Why Meditation Matters

Asking “Why Meditation Matters?” is a deceptively simple question. Upon closer inspection, however, an individual may learn that meditation – though not intended to be cumbersome or difficult – actually takes some practice to master.

Meditation comes in many forms: walking meditation, breathing meditation, sitting meditation, standing meditation . . . but most types of meditation share the same goal: To focus an individual’s mind, reduce stress, and strengthen focus. Some other common benefits of meditation include:

• Confidence and self-control
• Inner certainty
• Ability to work and focus
• Relief from insomnia, high blood pressure
• Better personal relationships

Additionally, how a person meditates depends on the goals of the individual and the specific type of meditation that he or she sets for themselves. Some meditation may occur at home, while other meditations may occur in a group or during a class. Surprisingly, too, meditation can be while a person waits.

“Combat the tedium of waiting in line with a short meditation,” writes author Christina Rodenbeck. “Part of just ‘being’ is refraining from judging others. Think about it and you will realize that wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you spend a certain amount of energy assessing your surroundings, whether it involves the people, the sounds, and the objects and smells.”

Another way to put it, according to author Tessa Watt, is: “Instead of ‘reacting’ automatically, we can start to ‘respond’ more mindfully—less destructively, and more skillfully.”

Although an ancient practice, meditation, arguably, remains more relevant than ever. Many people are busy, stressed, and depressed. Although not a panacea, meditation can be helpful in combating the aforementioned problems. Many, many studies have been conducted that explore the physical and mental benefits of meditation.

Another reason why meditation matters is because of its ability to help individuals become more mindful. Although sometimes one may conflate “meditation” and “mindfulness,” they are not exactly the same thing. That said, however, it can be said that meditation is a practice and mindfulness is one of the outcomes.

To conclude, meditation can offer many benefits for those who are wiling to give it a try. A person’s physical and mental health as well as their overall wellbeing, can improve from meditation.

Ohm.


References:
Rodenbeck, C. (2016). Meditation for everyday living. Bounty Books, New York, NY.
Watt, T. (2012). Mindfulness. MJF Books, New York, NY.

Kenny Luck
Kenny Luck
Kenny Luck is an author and educator from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Marywood University in Scranton, PA, Luck holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and graduated with a Master's Degree in Education from the same institution in 2010. He has written for local publications such as The Weekender. His published work includes: Thumbing Through Thoreau (2010), NEPATIZED (2011), and 101 Facts of Love (2014). Luck has worked in public relations and media, and has taught college-level writing courses at several colleges and universities around Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2010, he was voted "Best Author" by Electric City readers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *