This post was originally printed in the Reno Gazette-Journal’s “Faith Forum” titled “Can we find God through meditation?”
Meditation is a spiritual technique to turn one’s consciousness inward on ‘that’ which is the source of all consciousness. This inward focus strengthens one’s ability to know their true nature, the “atman”, the being or soul. When in meditation we turn our attention away from the outer world, inward on our ‘true’ Self, we become more and more connected with the essential quality of existence that lives within us, the “Sat”, the eternal Truth. In this state one experiences greater and greater silence and stillness. In time this shifts how we experience ourselves and our lives. We are more able to let go of things that use to sweep us away. We step out of the life of karma and bondage into oneness and freedom. Then even in our outer lives, we can bring aliveness, clarity and vigor, handling the demands and responsibilities of the day to day with greater wisdom, detachment and peace.
I have been meditating without knowing it since I remember. This was about the age of about 8. This may be true for most of us, especially those drawn to the spiritual path. As a child, did you ever have times when you found yourself staring at one point in space or nature and going into sort of a trance? Did people say that you were “daydreaming” and annoyingly snap their fingers in front of you, thus pulling you out of your “beautiful space”?.
I have found multiple advantages to the practice of meditation. Connecting to “What” I am, my True Being, has always been a very helpful practice and a delight for me. I am happier and more peaceful by engaging in this ancient practice. Dr. Mercola and many other forward thinking M.D.s are now even recommending this practice for improved health with many benefits such as lower blood pressure. The obvious solution to nagging problems often pops up during my meditations. Lately I found out some research that surprised me: Meditation has even been shown to positively affect the brain with increased neurons and increased adaptability to heal from brain injury. These remarkable discoveries continue to motivate me on my path. Lelalith