Thoughts in meditation are as natural as breathing
Meditation is one of those actions that many people tend to have a bit of confusion around. They believe that you have to have your mind become a complete blank slate as you concentrate on something such as noise of some sort of imaginary music. Many people have attempted to block out thoughts and eventually they throw up their arms in frustration. They get stuck on the false idea that thoughts are to be avoided at all costs.
Nothing could be further from the truth, as thoughts will naturally enter and exit your mind as you meditate. Emily Fletcher, meditation aficionado and author of the book “Stress Less, Accomplish More”, says that thoughts will come as naturally as the heart beats (paraphrasing a bit). This is true. Thoughts will come and go, and this doesn’t your proficiency at meditating. It’s not a performance, rather it’s something that should be done with the understanding that thoughts are a natural function of being alive. I’ve been meditating a little over a year, and it’s paid off in a big way, as I’m much calmer in general.
Listed below are five reasons why meditation will be a value-added activity in your life.
Five meditation benefits
Lower Stress Levels
Everyone has stress in their lives, and many people face it on a regular basis. This is something that can lower your quality of life and keep you from showing up as your best self. People can become so used to stress that they have a hard time imagining a life with less stress. Many even believe it’s a good thing. (You might have heard the phrase “good stress” before) I’m of the opinion that you can get any perceived “benefit” without the stress, and enjoy it much more. Meditation is one of the best ways to lower the amount of your stress in a safe, healthy way.
Better sleep
Meditation has been proven to improve the quality of sleep. This provides a sort of double-benefit, you become more relaxed, and you get more restorative sleep.
Better Physical Health
Lower blood pressure levels and a more healthful look are among the physical benefits of a meditation practice. You could also include a more efficient metabolism, and other benefits of having lower stress levels.
Better Mental Health
You will think clearer, handle crises better, and can gain a greater sense of confidence around handling what life can throw at you. You can roll with life’s punches better and operate with a clearer head.
Improved Mood
Lastly, you’ll keep sadness and other negative emotions away, and feel a greater sense of contentment. You’ll experience an inner calm that will greatly enhance your enjoyment of life. This won’t come immediately after you meditate, but stick with it, and it’ll come sooner or later.