World Meditation Day

World Meditation Day is celebrated every year on May 21. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the many physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits of meditation. Will you join me in reflection and meditation?

For today’s practice, you’ll need a quiet place to sit and write. And you’ll need a piece of paper and something to write with. You’ll be making four lists on your paper so be sure to leave room for each of them.

The first list is the physical benefits of meditation. Many people are prescribed meditation by their doctor because it assists with health problems. Dr. Herbert Benson became famous for discovering the relaxation response that occurs in the body when we sit quietly for meditation, even when we’re contemplating something simple like a flower or a sacred word. Heart rate and blood pressure normalize as the nervous system becomes more balanced. What physical benefits do you receive from meditation? Write them down now.

The second list is the emotional benefits of meditation. Many people find that simple meditation techniques can help calm anxiety, fear and anger. They can help us cope with sadness, disappointment and uncertainty. In my own life I have made peace with a lot of fears through my daily meditation practice. What emotional benefits do you receive from meditation? Make a list on your paper.

The third list is the mental benefits of meditation. Most people get stuck in the loop of their thoughts; I am sure you’re familiar with how the mind will go over the same territory again and again. It’s exhausting and it’s not very productive. Another way we get stuck in our minds is by seeing the minutiae but not the big picture. We miss out when we don’t see the big, wide world of possibilities available to us. What mental benefits do you receive from meditation? Make your list now.
The fourth list is the spiritual benefits of meditation. Since the beginning of time people have practiced meditation as a way to become more acquainted with Transcendence, however they have named it or defined it. Some have used religious language and concepts, while others are more nature-oriented or spiritual in their focus. We have an individual life that we are each responsible for, that is true, but we are also part of something or Someone that is expansive, supportive, loving, all-inclusive. What spiritual benefits do you receive from meditation?

And now, with our lists before us, let’s close our eyes gently, sit a little taller in our seat, calm our breathing and focus on our heart space at the center of the chest. Let gratitude arise in your heart for the many benefits of meditation.

As you bring your meditation to a close and return to your day, I encourage you to find a place to post your list of meditation benefits. Look at it often and keep adding to the lists. Take it as more motivation to keep up with your practice.