The Stabilizing Power of Meditation

No matter how serious our commitment to personal development is, we will never be immune from challenges and adverse situations. As we go through life, things will continually throw us off course. We will be confronted with circumstances that will make us re-evaulate our faith in universal truths such as benevolence, kindness, and love.

Herein lies a benefit of meditation. When we have a consistent sitting practice, we are able to view life's events as part of a bigger plan. I'll provide a reference to Shakespeare here. The Bard famously wrote, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players." My interpretation of this is "you're doing your part, others are doing their part, and together the world is a beautiful place for everyone." As saccharine as this may sound, I believe that meditation encourages us to slow down, which gives us an opportunity to recognize the beauty of the world around us.

Beauty Through Pain & Suffering

When a difficult situations arises, we have two choices: We can become consumed by the pain for days, weeks, months, years, and even an entire lifetime. Or we can work through the pain, identify the role it plays in our current lives, recognize that it's actually there to help us, and then embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

Once we overcome one hurdle, there will inevitably be another ready to take its place. Challenges are a fundamental part of living; they help us grow and become stronger. What meditation does is to provide us inner stability and flexibility despite what life throws at us.

I've faced many adverse situations in my life, and as I look back on each one, I am thankful for them. No matter what comes my way, I know from personal experience that I can take care of myself. My practice of stillness, silence, and being fully present with the present moment has provided purpose and meaning in my life. Meditation reminds me of the beauty and wonder of my existence.

Meditation Prepares Us for Life's Challenges

I'm certain that all of us who are firm believers in personal growth would agree that remaining calm, despite difficulties that surround us, is a virtuous trait. Meditation is the most powerful tool to get you through adverse situations. If you meditate twice a day, you'll find yourself recognizing that the challenges you're facing are, in fact, life lessons.

The more we identify with the saying, "Every person and circumstance is our teacher," the better we approach difficult situations with calm and understanding. We develop a genuine feeling that "all is well," even if "all doesn't really feel well right now." We engage with life's challenges with equanimity and peace, knowing that in the end everything will work out for the best.

Right Here, Right Now

No matter what's taking place in the present moment, there's always something beautiful to witness. Meditation teaches us that when we focus on the now, we lose the fear of what could be and the concern over what has been. We see that there isn't anything we can't handle, one breath at a time. Rather than wish for the present moment to be different from what we're currently experiencing, we ask ourselves, "What do I need to do, right here, right now, to get over this present hurdle?" We then approach each situation with calm.

Regularly meditation, once in the morning and once before we go to sleep, is an essential part of overcoming any hurdle--regardless of how high it may seem. When life challenges us, as it will until we take our last breath, meditation replenishes us, so that we can approach each new day whole and empowered.