When I first learned about meditating many years ago, I was a fidgety 20-something, who was impatient, inattentive, and immature. I remember the torturous moments of shavasana, laying on the ground in yoga with my mind rushing with a million thoughts. Why did I have to be here, stuck “meditating” when there were so many other things I had to do.
Like many people, I just didn’t get meditation. I didn’t think it was important and I didn’t see the use of it.
But over the years (and it took me a while) I began to notice myself relishing those moments of silence. I found myself anxiously awaiting shavasana, even when I was only half way through my yoga session.
Many people think that in order to truly meditate, you must completely silence your mind. This is untrue as many monks, who have been meditating much longer than you or I, may spend an entire lifetime trying to still all the thoughts in their minds.
Perhaps that is not entirely the point. The silence, though a true gift, is only half the battle. The true battle is to listen to yourself. That inner voice inside that has so much to say.
Take it from someone who has struggled with meditation over the years. When I just told all the other thoughts to shut up, I realized there was a much quieter voice inside that has just been waiting to be heard. The voice has been guiding me lately, showing me which way to turn. And to think, I wouldn’t have even found this voice if I hadn’t learned to just shut up and listen through meditation.
Here are 21 reasons to meditate…
1. To find stillness in the chaos.
2. To learn how to channel your energy.
3. It will improve your mood.
4. To access your third eye chakra, your eye of intuition.
5. For better sleep.
6. It can even relax your dog/cat/pet fish.
7. To discover what you truly want in life.
8. Finding peace and tranquility.
9. Because its better than any therapist.
10. To spend some quality time with yourself.
11. It brings you closer to God.
12. For complete relaxation.
13. Because stress kills.
14. Nothing is on TV anyway.
15. For a few minutes a day to just escape.
16. Because the world is too fast.
17. To learn more about yourself.
18. To start and maintain better relationships.
19. To understand happiness comes from within.
20. To envision your goals and know they are achievable.
21. Because if Oprah and Deepak Chopra are doing it, you know it’s gotta be good!
About the Author
Suki Eleuterio is a blogger, spiritualist, yoga enthusiast and poet living in South Florida. She is the founder of Found My Light, and the creative mind behind Sookton’s Space. She enjoys writing and discussing spirituality, holistic health, and vegetarianism. Growing up in Kenya with parents from different religious and cultural backgrounds, Suki has spent time finding her own path. You can follow her musings on Twitter and Instagram.
Picture copyright @ michaelswiet
