For a while now, I have been sitting down and shutting up every morning at 6:30 am to meditate with a Zen Buddhist sangha. There is a saying, “As within, so without.” As my inner has become more peaceful and flowing with this steady practice, I have noticed a significant change in my outer world as well. These are just some of the benefits I have noticed:
- My sleep, which has been notoriously poor for the past two decades, has improved dramatically.
- I have a much greater awareness of my inner thoughts and feelings as they arise.
- My ability to pause and respond (rather than react) to my emotions has greatly improved.
- I am much more present and much more apt to realize when I am not.
- I have more periods of gratitude for even the smallest of things (e.g. the leaves turning, my dog cocking her head to one side the way she does, a silly or serious conversation with my children, a hug from my husband, a good laugh with friends, etc.).
- My thinking is more flexible, and I am better able to see things from different perspectives.
- I am better able to set boundaries for myself.
- I am more compassionate and less judgmental of myself and others.
For me, my meditation practice has proven to be a true blessing in so many ways. I highly recommend sitting down and shutting up on a regular basis to see what blessings it may bring to you as well.
Recent Comments