health: Meditation offers more than an escape from tension
Photo by Flickr user AlicePopkorn
The online media is rich with information about meditation. Just Google “meditation,” and you’ll have a cache of material to pursue from studies on the benefits to techniques to free guided meditations.
This morning I was going through some of the articles and found myself getting overwhelmed. I thought, “I need to meditate!” Then, I asked myself, “Why do I meditate?” Is it to escape?
In a sense, yes. To escape tension. When we’re overwhelmed by anything, it helps to step back, get an overview or a new perspective.
Why else do I meditate? The reasons came rushing forth, but they all came down to this:
It makes me a happier person.
After years of watching me meditate every morning my husband said, “There must be something to this meditation. Our lives are so much better.”
What he didn’t say, but what I understood, was that I am more relaxed, more spontaneous, less critical. In essence, I’m easier to be with. I have found that I’m easier to be with also. I’m more patient with myself and with my mistakes. My mind is clearer when making all kinds of choices from the personal to the professional. I’m kinder and more generous to others, too.
How does all this come about? If you’re really interested in the “how’s” I suggest you Google “meditation scientific studies.” But then be prepared to want to meditate afterward.
Susan Scott Morales is a meditation teacher, psychotherapist, published poet, novelist, and community contributor to AnnArbor.com and blogger on redroom.com. Tweet her @susanscottmoral, reach her at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or visit her website: susanscottmorales.com or fan page: https://www.facebook.com/susanscottmorales.writer.
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