Meditation brings many benefits to our health and well-being. These are very real mental skills that can benefit all areas of your life and improve relationships, work and play. Here are 10 life-changing skills developed through meditation training.
1) The ability to consciously relax.
By breathing deeply and becoming aware of the tension in the body, you can develop the ability to actually release tension and built-up stress in the muscles. Being able to ‘relax at will’ is an incredibly useful tool in the modern age.
2) The ability to be present with others.
The greatest gift we can give to others is our own presence. By learning to be present and not distracted by fleeting thoughts, we can listen well to others, be fully present, and communicate effectively. This improves all our relationships and even helps us learn new things more easily.
3) To remain undisturbed by thoughts.
The ability to let thoughts flow without fighting or believing in them is very empowering and the beginning of gaining control over your own mind. Meditation is not controlling your thoughts, it is the ability to not be controlled by thoughts. Many mental health problems stem from not being able to let go of negative thoughts.
4) Concentration.
When you can concentrate on an object without distraction, you develop attention and concentration and a strong and stable mind. This is the basis of good mental health.
5) Being the witness.
The ability to perceive things without judging or reacting to them. This is the beginning of a peaceful and open mind. Being able to detach from thoughts and feelings gives you the space to let them pass and not become overwhelmed. It is essential in overcoming mental health problems and is the start of using mindfulness as therapy.
6) Self-reflection.
The ability to observe your own inner states of consciousness, thoughts and feelings. This is an important skill to be able to see connections between thoughts and feelings. Introspection also helps to distinguish the difference between a clear mind and a thinking mind and also to be aware of your intentions. With good introspection you can develop your own wisdom and become your own therapist.
7) Mindfulness.
The ability to pay close attention to what you are doing. Within meditation, this skill keeps your mind on the object and is similar to concentration. In your daily life, mindfulness helps you pay attention to the current situation, live more in the moment and enjoy the little things in life.
8) Be normal.
Meditation develops the ability to just be, total mental relaxation, or to be in the present moment without trying to change it or escape from it. This promotes the ability to accept things as they are.
9) Open-mindedness.
Meditation develops the important skill of an open mind. The ability to not judge and look at things without preconceived ideas. This also encourages spontaneity and creativity; learning to see things as if for the first time.
10) Intuition.
The ability to know what is appropriate and to find flow and balance in every situation. Intuition is the ability to know non-verbally that you are clear about a certain direction or choice, without relying on an external authority. This is the beginning of trusting your own wisdom.
Chad Foreman is the founder of The Way of Meditation and has been teaching meditation since 2003, determined to bring authentic meditation practices into the lives of millions of people in the modern world. Chad is a former Buddhist monk who lived in a retreat hut for six years and studied and practiced meditation full-time. He now has over twenty years of experience teaching meditation. Chad likes regularly
Meditation retreats on the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Online meditation coachingprovides three online programs – The 21 Day Meditation Challenge to gradually guide people from the basic principles of mindfulness and relaxation to profound states of consciousness.
Breathwork to help manage stress and go deeper into meditation and
The bliss of inner fire This is a Buddhist tantric method to clear energy blockages and connect with the clear light of bliss. You can also get Chad’s free ebook now Insights on the go.