3.5 Sweet Benefits of Meditation
From all the training and meditation I’m doing, I was prompted to write about 3.5 sweet benefits of meditation. Not quite four of them. Okay, maybe there are four or more. How does one choose?
A Journey Within
It’s actually pretty hard to just narrow it down to 3.5 things. But also, meditation – no matter how you approach it – secular or not – invites you on a journey within. Whether a person is atheist or Christian, Buddhist or Sufi, the journey within becomes a spiritual journey. At some point you’ll touch the vast emptiness with the mind and understand that there’s a whole universe out there to explore.
That alone could be the ultimate way meditation influences my spirituality. But to bring it back down a few notches, how has my spiritual life changed?
Experiencing Compassion
I experience more compassion now – but a more even-tempered compassion than years ago when I first started meditating. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for kind, sensitive people. I consider myself to be one of those. Perhaps even highly sensitive.
I understood what it was to be “the underdog” and became a champion of the downtrodden.
My chosen profession? Teaching. I have taught all ages and all sorts of populations of students: those in poverty all the way to those who are wealthy, from public school to private school, ranging from preschool to college. It was a sense of compassion and a sense of wanting to help and serve others that made me become a teacher.
This enthusiasm eventually turned to burnout as I bore the burdens of the emotions and issues of the students in my charge.
Growing Compassion
As I have meditated, my sense of compassion has only grown. It has a more “tempered” feel, now. My sensitivity to the sufferings of the world still very much exist, but I’m feeling a layer of protection from that shock a little more with each passing month and year that I meditate.
[bctt tweet=”As I continue to meditate, my sense of love and compassion keeps growing. It’s bliss. #meditation #love #mindfulness” username=”n2itvnspiritual”]
I had been feeling an increased need to honor my own path and to remove myself from situations that did not serve to elevate me. I’ve even begun working at home more for this very reason: the suffering in the world and the angst I’ve experienced in everyday work situations would often be too much. And well…time and location independence are quite appealing.
Sometimes We’re Called on for the Greater Good
I used to think that by weeding out all the toxicity and toxic relationships in my life, that it would be easier to raise my awareness or vibration. Now I’m beginning to understand that sometimes we are called to be present in a situation that might not serve us personally, but could actually help the greater good.
For example, in teaching meditation, I might find myself in tough situations, such as in a high-poverty school district or working with immigrant populations that are the target of ICE raids.
Though that sounds heartrending and difficult, I’m beginning to understand that always removing myself from, or avoiding, these “suffering type” of situations isn’t the answer. I can protect myself and continue to develop my meditation skills to better-cope with a situation. Then when the event is over, I can still remain present. If I feel an emotion, I can investigate it, accept it, and then detach and let it go.
Serving Others
This still is easier said than done, but the idea of feeling this level of compassion is guiding my choices to serve others. In addition, around two years ago, I decided to become a vegetarian to honor the need to have and hold compassion for the animals who are not treated well in the American agricultural system but provide the world (humans) with food. I just knew that I couldn’t participate in that system any longer.
Becoming the Highest Version of Myself
Another way meditation has benefited my spiritual life is that I am compelled to investigate the ways in which I can become the highest version of myself. I am doing this by seeking out other like-minded people, reading books, music, and information to further guide me on my journey.
Feeling the Love
Still, the word “love” has become a more-frequent part of my vocabulary.
Honestly, I am seeing more love in my life. I recently visited some family in New Mexico. They were asking “why don’t you go to church?” My response was immediate: I didn’t feel like one religion could contain the wisdom and love that is out there. Love has become my religion. Besides, belonging to any group – religious, political, geographical, or whatever – sews division. Or it can.
I am finding out that there are mystics – people who elevate to that pure love consciousness – in every religion, so perhaps my argument is a bit flawed.
Still, though, I am learning to love for love’s sake and this has a direct impact on my spiritual path. It is easier to love those who have wronged me. It is also easier to admit when I’ve been wrong.
Conscious Consumption
Still, I have to include one more observation about meditation. It is also making me aware of what I consume – food, entertainment, the products I buy, and more. I have a need to buy second-hand or from a local business, or businesses that use fair trade practices.
Calming meditation-type music is what soothes my ears. I’ll listen to other music, but not nearly as much – it’s almost cacophonous. (I promise I’m not becoming an old codger!) The daily news is something I find jarring, but I read and listen enough to stay aware of what’s going on in the world, but no more. I am more aware of what I put into my body – physically, mentally and emotionally.
In the few years since I started meditating 30 minutes or longer each day, and especially in the last couple of years as my meditation went up to at least an hour per day, the rest of my life has shifted to be more in alignment with living with intention and mindfulness.
It’s changing how I do everything.
If you’re a meditator, has it changed you? If not, do you have other things that have influenced your spiritual life?
Aw, I am sure meditation has helped with all of this. But then again, you my friend are all of the above and than some! I cannot say that enough in all honesty. So, I wouldn’t expect any less of you. But glad to hear it has helped with you being just an all around better version of yourself. Many hugs and Happy Monday now!!! xoxo <3
Janine – hehe, and you, my friend are above and beyond: in your dedication, in all the fun things you do, in the incredible mama you are, and the support you give to friends. Thank you for always being a light. I can’t thank you enough: your light has inspired me on my journey and I’m so grateful. Thank you, too, for being part of my journey. Keep being the bright light that you are! <3
I love the benefits listed here, Lil Sis…compassion…what an incredible benefit…wouldn’t it be wonderful if about 500 million Americans startted meditating tomorrow? Imagine the monumental changes we would see.
Sigh!
I guess I’ll just work on myself and quit dreaming. Be the change I want to see…that’s my job.
Hugs from the Pacific Northwest!
Big Bro – thank you for your incredibleness. Compassion and meditation go hand in hand and I found myself thinking about just what you said here today: meditation is such an incredible inner journey and it changes you – for the better. Most people just have no idea what they’re missing. It’s fantastic, no? I wish every human knew about this and the benefits. But teachers can help with such things, no? Hehe.
But it’s apparent that you do inner work: the insight and perceptiveness that you display in your writing demonstrate that you are in touch with your inner self. Be the change you wish to see? Yeah me, too. Hehe. Let’s go change the world! Sending you hugs from the east coast. 🙂
I so admire your work Cynthia, and in reading about being sometimes held present for the ‘Greater Good’ It must take discipline on your part to learn to detach and let go as you see the trauma of such situations in Ice raids etc.. Not always easy to do.. But when one begins to understand that certain situations are energy is needed to be present..
I used to think why are certain personality types drawn into my circle.. As I could feel their negative vibes and anger, which being sensitive one would Feel directed at one’self.. As they perhaps envied or resented your presence in some jealous way.. ( having family members like this over the years teaches you ) That maybe it is not We who need their energy, so much as they needing ours..
So this leads onto your next headline perfectly of Serving Others..
It is not all about Self.. But Serving the ‘ Greater Good.
I loved your response to family about why we need no church.. I feel exactly the same.. It is only man who has put limits and so called rewards and punishment for none attendance of a conforming to their beliefs confining it to a building or religion..
LOVE is Eternal in Infinite and holds no judgement or constraints.. And we are at last learning the Love of Self is not selfish but necessary. For if we are incapable of loving self, how can we truly love others.
While each to their own, we need no one domination to feel the Universal force which is LOVE..
So I agree with you whole heartedly about the benefits of Meditation..
And I am pleased to see in some schools benefits are being shown as Meditation is being taught in class..
We are slowly waking up!..
And thank you for sharing all of your insights..
Love and Blessings
Sue <3
Sue – ah, yes. The Greater Good. Sometimes my heart doesn’t want to hear anything about the greater good. Hehe. But I know that when I finish, I’m likely to find myself in a variety of venues teaching meditation – and not all of them will be stress-free. I am learning the art of detachment from my emotions and hopefully when the time comes, I’ll be ready.
I can understand about your incredible energy drawing people to you. I’m experiencing that…but a little differently. I’m suddenly aware (as in just the last few days-aware) of all the spiritual people who have come into my life in the past year, and the people who had stayed by my side over time. I am in awe of the positive, loving energy that surrounds me and I’m incredibly grateful.
As for the church part, I expected my aunt to start lecturing me about the virtues of returning to church. But you know, she surprised me. She “got it.” She looked at me and said, “you know, I can see where you’re coming from. I can see what you’re doing and it’s good.” I was so happy that she understood. She’s one of the only people in my family who really knows what I’m up to right now, too – mostly because I’m not sure others would quite understand. But I have thought about how I’d respond to a question like that, and so was able to say that love is bigger than a house with a steeple, a temple with a tower. It is as you say: eternal in infinity – holding no judgment or constraints. I think more and more people are learning about love of self and loving others. It’s happening – there’s even neuroscience and psychology to back it up (I read “How God Changes the Brain” recently – a really great book about meditation from a neuroscience perspective. As for different schools – exactly! In fact, I marched to the school’s office and declared that I would teach a meditation elective to the middle school kids next year…among other students. lol.
In any case, you earned your rest with all these beautiful comments. And I shall log off and get ready for bed myself. Headed back to the day job tomorrow after enjoying these four days at home. I admit: I’m working on “detachment” when I say that I just want to stay home and meditate and create mandalas! lol Have a wonderful week, dear Sue. Sending you so many hugs and blessings!
Yes, I can so relate to the just wanting to meditate and create.. 🙂 And I am so pleased your Aunt understood.. Sending lots of love and thank you so much for all your other wonderful replies my friend.. I am on a mission today to visit more blogs I have yet to catch up with and post a short story on my main site.. That I hope will resonate with people..
Sending HUGS and Much LOVE.. <3
Sue – ah, it’s been a little while since I’ve been able to return your comment. But, I finished my coursework and I’ll have more time now. YAY! I think one of the first things I’ll do is “just be” for awhile today. 🙂 Meditation and creation. Two of the most blissful things! Sending you lots of love and thank you, always, for your teachings and wisdom. I hope you had a chance to visit all those blogs. All the incredible comments you left here are precious gifts of words!! And you ALWAYS resonate with people. You are what “incredibleness” means to the world!
Bless you Cynthia for saying such a wonderful thing.. I too have been absent a while, just feel the need to chill out, meditate and BE, at the moment so going with the flow of it.. I will explain a little in a post, but I am not feeling blog like at the moment. But need to share, but have no words yet to which to make much sense..
So will just outline my thoughts a little in a post..
I may be absent a while longer as I detach from the internet for a while.. Another Feeling that I am honouring at the moment..
I know I will come back, perhaps sooner than I think.. But I need to do more clearing and energising.. 😀
I am thrilled your course is finished.. I have no doubts all you do will help heal and inspire others to become all they can BE too..
LOVE and Blessings to you dear friend xx <3
Sue – Thank YOU for your kind words. I understand about the “absent” thing. So understand. I’m re-thinking how I do things here and what I need to focus on. I’m going to wait until after my retreat in July to make big changes, but…I really want to bring more outdoor time into my days – instead of spending so much time on the computer. I’m on the computer for the school, on the computer for my blog, and was on the computer for my certification work. It makes me feel…disconnected…on some level. Centering and energizing…ah, yes. This. Thank you for your example in honoring these two things. I also am sending you lots of love, wishes for some well-needed rest, and take your time. Love and blessings! xo
“. . . sometimes we are called to be present in a situation that might not serve us personally, but could actually help the greater good.” What a powerful statement. Recognizing the greater good alone requires elevated awareness. Some who think they’re serving the greater good are actually serving only themselves ~ they haven’t touched the “vast emptiness” that brings clarity of consciousness. I’ve often felt like a placeholder ~ wanting to move on but knowing it wasn’t yet my time, knowing there was more to be done where I sit now. Your meditation journey is so beautiful and enlightening, Cynthia. It’s a blessing to share. Thank you, my sweet friend ❤️
Tina – thank you for your patience in waiting for me to respond. Your comment took my breath away and I’ve re-read it many times since it first came in. The idea of the greater good – that what we do for the world can quite literally fill us up with an incredible sense of well-being and light. I feel like my work as a meditation teacher is going to do that. I understand what you’re saying about people serving themselves. I’ve seen it over and over again and I’m very aware and tentative when it comes to my own way of serving because I don’t ever want to come across that way.
Your thoughts about being a “placeholder” – I love that and know EXACTLY what you mean. In fact, I have never quite been able to put a word to how I’ve felt that last decade or so, but other than working (teaching) I have felt the same. I needed to do this inner work. I needed to be creative. I needed to be a placeholder, biding my time, for when I knew (somehow) that I’d be ready to share with the world again.
Thank you – so much gratitude – for being on this journey with me. I’m incredibly awed that our paths have crossed, sweet Tina. Yours is an energy that is soothing, comforting and wise. Stay well, my friend. I’ll be over to your site soon!
You could never serve only yourself, Cynthia…it’s not in your nature. You come from your heart, and you always will. It is your destiny. Love and light, dear friend ❤️
Tina, hehe. I love to serve others. In my own (if unconventional) way, I love to be of service and have the hardest time asking for anything monetary in return. I so wish the world had a “trade” system in which we trade something for another. I know money is the same idea but somehow there’s so much “bleh” attached to it. I’m like…if I teach you meditation for a year, could we trade for a garden? Hehe. Or could we trade for organic food? Or help in fixing up my house? Hehe. I would LOVE that system. lol. But I cannot BE anyone other than a person of integrity. And the people I call friends demonstrate the same. YOU are a friend, my friend. You have such integrity and it shows. Thank you for the encouragement and love on this journey. I appreciate you. xoxo
It’s your business, Cynthia, and you can employ any system you like. You can even combine the two 🙂 Love and light, my friend. The appreciation is SO mutual ❤️
Tina – hehe. There’s that. And combine the two. Indeed! And sending you big hugs, love, and light!
I have been considering meditation for health reasons (of the physical sort–headaches, chronic pain–that sort) and you make a good argument for it. Thanks for this.
Jacqui – such sweet sentiments! Meditation is so good for well-being and overall health. I think of it kind of like a vitamin: it’s great for daily maintenance and the long-term benefits really add up. I hope you’ve had a wonderful June so far and thank you for coming by to comment. Best of luck with your new book release!
Dear Cynthia,
I love the dual benefits you have described here about meditation.
The ripple effect helps ourselves AND those whose lives we touch … this world needs as much love and compassion as possible for sure.
Beautiful post – beautiful you.
Have a peaceful day.
Love and peace, Maria
Mar – thank you so much for your words, your thoughts and your kindness. Yours is a beautiful soul whose light radiates fortitude and strength. You are a blessing to me and to the world! These ripples that you’re putting out and that I’m putting out into the world’s pond are having effects all over. People can see from the shores that there’s something good going on. Just beautiful. And beautiful like YOU! Sending you hugs and wishes for an incredible week! xoxo