Saturday, November 5, 2011

The Many Benefits of Meditation

November 6, 2011

Dear Friends,

One of the most common questions I am asked about living life in the divine flow is this one: “What can I do to improve my ability to be in the flow?”

Notice the word, “do,” in that question. These people aren’t necessarily seeking a better understanding of the flow. Rather, they are looking for some kind of specific tool or technique that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently, and to fulfill their heart’s desires effortlessly.

Well, as it turns out, there is something that you can “do” that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.

There is nothing really mystical or magical about meditation. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image. As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.

And how, exactly, does that enhance your ability to be in the flow? Being in the flow is primarily about recognizing and cooperating with divine guidance. And meditation dramatically increases your ability to be in direct contact with the guidance of your inner Divine Spirit.

Your Spirit is the most valuable and reliable source of divine guidance you have. You can always trust your Spirit to know what your next right step should be. And—through what is commonly called your intuition—your Spirit is always attempting to “tell” you what that step is. The trouble is, it is difficult to “hear” that still, small voice of your Spirit when your mind is full of noisy self-talk—that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so the guidance of your Spirit can get through.

But the benefits of meditation don’t stop with enhancing your ability to receive divine guidance. When you meditate on a daily basis, your entire experience of life is dramatically improved. What follows is a short summary of some of the benefits you reap when you maintain conscious contact with your inner Spirit.

1. You are more intuitive. As I already mentioned, when you are in touch with your inner Spirit, you can sense divine direction much more easily. So your next right step becomes much more obvious.

2. You are more responsive. Instead of hastily judging and rashly reacting to something unexpected in life, you calmly respond from the wisdom within. You know what is best to do, when to do it, or if you should do anything at all.

3. You are more present. Your Spirit is always in the now moment. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you are less likely to be lost in thought—that is, reflecting on the past or projecting into the future. That means you are better able to notice the miracles that are happening all around you, right here, right now.

4. You are healthier. Many health issues are either caused by, or aggravated by, stress. And for the most part, stress comes from fearful thoughts. When you are in touch with your all-knowing, indestructible Spirit, fearful thoughts are either greatly diminished or completely removed.

5. You are more creative. True creativity comes from the Divine Creator within. When you are in touch with that Divine Creator, you automatically become more inspired and more insightful.

6. You are more patient. Being in the eternal now, your Spirit never feels bound by time. And being all-knowing, your Spirit sees countless ways for you to move successfully through life. When you are in touch with your Spirit, possibilities seem unlimited, and time stands still. The result is infinite patience.

7. You are more peaceful. As an indestructible, eternal being, your Spirit knows nothing of fear, and it is always at peace. When you are in touch with that eternal, indestructible essence, you, too, will be at peace—no matter what is disturbing others.

8. You are more loving. Your Spirit is love itself—unconditional divine love. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you can’t help but be more compassionate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving.

Here’s to the many benefits of meditation—of going within, getting in touch with the Divine Spirit that resides there, and allowing that divine essence to express itself throughout the day.

Steven

P.S. If you are new to meditation, and would like detailed instructions about how to meditate, here is a webpage that describes the simple technique that I use: www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation.

Share

© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow

www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC

No comments: