Beyond the Mystical - The Worldly Benefits of Meditation

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"Smelling a freshly baked cookie, looking at art, listening to music. You’re rewarded for being alive and in the moment."

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BJ Miller

Although I find the recognition of the true nature of mind to be the most exciting and mysterious aspect of meditation, the goal of the practice is about more than that. It's fundamentally about becoming a better person. It involves treating myself, others, and the planet with greater care and compassion. Meditation teacher Adyashanti eloquently captures this essence, stating, "Awakening is not proven by awakening experiences but by the way we move and function in life. That's the real deal." Reflecting on the tangible benefits of my meditation practice, there are several key changes in my life that I have also observed in other practitioners.

My own Transformation

Early in my practice, I noticed a significant shift: a newfound equanimity and a decrease in reactive behaviors. Before meditation, I, like most of us, was in some sort of reactive trance, impulsively responding to the behavior of other people and other external situations based on conditioned habits. Meditation introduced a pivotal pause, allowing me to choose my reactions more wisely, whether to minor inconveniences like a delayed train or profound life events such as the loss of loved ones. This ability to respond rather than react marks a profound transformation in how I engage with the world around me, attributed to the activation and thickening of the prefrontal cortex through regular meditation practice, as neuroscience reveals.

Cultivating Compassion and Connection

Another notable benefit has been the development of compassion towards myself and others. Meditation has softened my self-criticism and opened my heart more to the suffering of those around me, fostering a readiness to help. This growth in compassion has particularly enriched my relationships with those closest to me, strengthening our connection through heightened awareness and understanding. Although I am still challenged and fail at this practice many times each day, this has been especially important in my new role as a father. Responding to the next of my daughter's tantrums with compassion and care rather than anger makes all the difference in our relationship.

Preferred Indifference

Gradually, meditation has also led me to a less materialistic outlook. Both profound and ordinary moments have shown me that true satisfaction comes not from possessions, but from experiencing life in all its fullness, which can be done at any time and in any circumstance. Spending time in nature, practicing yoga and meditation, or enjoying moments with loved ones are just a few examples of situations in which we can invite connection with ourselves and the world around us. I still have a preference for certain material goods in my life, but I do not let them dictate my happiness. So this realization doesn't imply a strict ascetic lifestyle; rather, it aligns with what the Stoics refer to as "preferred indifference", in which fulfillment becomes less and less dependent on the fleeting and often uncontrollable nature of external circumstances, and instead results from a more reliable inner state of being as the foundation for life.

Embracing Imperfection

It's important to acknowledge that the journey of mindfulness is not straightforward. Doubts have crept in, especially when I find myself reacting in ways that are contrary to my ideal of a mindful practitioner. However, we all live our lives as flawed human beings in a world that may present us with challenges we are not yet equipped to handle. it is precisely in these challenging moments that the true value of continuous practice is revealed. These hurdles are not setbacks but opportunities for growth, reminding us of our common humanity and the complex world we navigate.

A Blueprint for a Fulfilling Life

In conclusion, meditation is about more than just blissful moments of spiritual awakening; it is a profound practice for becoming the people we truly want to be. Through increased equanimity, compassion, and a shift towards simplicity, meditation fosters a deeper engagement with the world. Despite the ups and downs, the journey is incredibly important in these times, offering a blueprint for a more fulfilling and conscious way of living.

there is peace in your mind you will find peace with everybody.