The Value of Meditation, Part 2

September 16, 2007

Dear Friends,

Last week I wrote about meditation, and how it helps you live life in the divine flow by opening up tiny gaps between your thoughts. It is through those gaps—as small as they may be—that you are able to sense divine direction, and recognize your next right step.

But that’s not the only value of meditation. There is another benefit that I would like to share with you, as well: A daily practice of meditation helps you respond to situations rather than react to them.

Do you know the difference between responding and reacting?

Reactions are automatic and robotic. They are instantaneous thoughts and actions that are triggered by personal programming and conditioning. These thoughts and actions are not divinely derived, but are, for the most part, ego-based and fear-driven. And they are usually accompanied by feelings of tension and anxiety.

A response, on the other hand, is based on the wisdom of your spirit. It is not self-serving, but is always in the best interests of all involved . . . and that includes you. Even when time is of the essence, and a decision must be made quickly or an action must be taken immediately, when you are coming from spirit you will still experience an underlying sense of peace.

A regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—is helpful because it enables you to stay more connected to your spirit throughout the day. And because of that, you are better equipped to appropriately and effectively respond to situations, rather than rashly react to them.

This can be true even when you are in immediate physical danger, and you need to protect yourself. For example, on a recent road trip to Las Vegas, I suddenly noticed that a tire had flown off of an approaching truck, and the tire was now in my lane and hurtling straight at me! Instead of hastily reacting to the situation, I found myself actually taking the time to more accurately assess which way I should steer my car in order to avoid a collision . . . which—contrary to my first impression—turned out to be to the left. The entire incident only spanned a few seconds, but when you are open to the calming influence of your spirit, that is more than enough time to make a more thoughtful choice.

If you want to experience life as an effortless flow of major and minor miracles—instead of an arduous, endless struggle—remember that, to a great degree, it is a matter of personal responsibility. That is, it’s a matter of your response ability.

Commit to a daily practice of meditation and you will find your ability to respond greatly enhanced, and your tendency to react greatly reduced. And that’s a good thing. That’s a God thing.

Steven

© 2007 by Steven Lane Taylor