Relaxation to Liberation

I assume that you have been advised to meditate before, is that correct? I highly recommend it as well. But I am unsure of the specific reasons why you should do so. This is because I am not aware of any specific issue you are experiencing. Maybe you are dealing with health issues and looking for a way to ease physical pain. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety and seeking a way to find relaxation. Or maybe you are searching for clarity, inner peace and to help you navigate life's challenges.

Whatever your reasons, mindfulness meditation has been proven to be an incredibly effective tool for improving physical and mental health, fostering clarity, calmness, and even relationships. But these are surface-level benefits. So, how can a meditation practice even more benefits?

The reality is that life is unpredictable and often throws us curve balls that we don't expect. You could be taking good care of your health, only to receive bad news from your doctor. You might find relief from stress after completing a big project, only to come home and discover broken relationships or losing the loved one. And even if you're an incredibly smart and productive employee, you might be surprised to find that a promotion doesn't come your way.

So, how do we deal with these difficult situations and uncertainties? This is where mindfulness meditation truly shines. Even it's not a magic solution that can help us get what we want, meditation can help us cultivate calmness, stillness, and wisdom. By developing these qualities, we are better able to gain a clear perspective on our lives. Meditation is about acceptance, about being with what is in the present moment rather than resisting or denying reality. We can reduce our suffering and find greater peace of mind.

By practicing meditation properly and consistency along with living a moral life, we can develop greater concentration and clarity which can lead to mental purity. At the same time, mindfulness practice turns our attention to the present moment with non-judgmental awareness, allowing us to observe our physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions, without getting caught up in them. When we practice mindfulness and meditation repeatedly until we can see physical and mental phenomena clearly and without any effort, it becomes automatic mindfulness. This refers to the state of being mindful without consciously trying to be mindful, as the mind has been trained to be naturally aware and present in the moment.

With full consciousness and a still mind, we are able to experience all phenomena clearly and objectively, and we are less likely to be influenced by biases or distorted perceptions. This leads to the realization of the true characteristics of nature, which are impermanence, dissatisfaction, and egolessness.

When we truly understand the nature of reality - inner wisdom - we can let go of our attachment to the fleeting pleasures of life and the illusion of a permanent self that only leads to suffering and dissatisfaction. The power of meditation unlocks the inner potential to achieve liberation from the root cause of suffering. This is the highest goal of meditation, which is called Nirvana.

If you are looking to cultivate a regular meditation practice, know that it takes time and commitment. But the rewards are truly priceless. By taking action today and committing to your practice, you can begin to experience the many benefits of meditation for yourself. Whether you are seeking relaxation, good health, calmness, or even liberation, meditation can help you get there. Let your meditation journey begin.

Author: Pranee R Originally from Thailand, Pranee has been working at the Meditation Center of Chicago since 2010. As a long-term meditator and as one who has walked along many peace seekers for many years, she confirms that living in peace is possible if we truly believe and live it.