When beginning a meditation practice, it’s important to develop an understanding of the meditation process. Meditation is an awareness and presence of the mind that involves transcending the distractions of the mind and entering into a state of total awareness and bliss in the present moment.
At any moment, the human mind is preoccupied with any number of thoughts – the bills, what to make for dinner, issues with the kids – the list is endless. In fact, this constant stream of thought, often accompanied by worry, is taking a toll on the health of many people in the form of extreme stress and unhappiness.
Meditation affords a valuable method for shutting out this never ending stream of thought and experience blissful awareness in the present moment without the distractions. It allows you to disconnect from the outside world and focus inward.
At first, this state of consciousness will be fleeting. The mind will wander and you will need to re-focus on the breath or a mantra to bring you back to awareness. As you continue to practice, the distractions will become fewer and more time will be spent in quiet awareness.
In the beginning, nearly as soon as you finish with meditation, the mind will begin to wander once again. After practicing for some time, you will find the awareness and stillness follows you throughout the day. This is known as a state of daily consciousness and is an important goal and huge benefit of meditation.
When you are able to take the benefits of meditation and enjoy greater consciousness in your daily life, you will find you are spending more time in the moment and enjoying the present, rather than worrying about the future or becoming easily distracted, worried and frustrated. It truly benefits all areas of your life when you approach situations in a state of calm awareness.