There’s many benefits to a daily meditation practice. A quick internet search will provide pages discussing the physical and mental health benefits including stress reduction, anxiety relief, and help controlling high blood pressure. I can’t say if they’re all true as I’m not a doctor. Besides one should probably investigate any claims made on the internet. It’s not known for it’s fact checking.
One of the benefits that I found was becoming aware of the constant noise in my head. A mish-mash of comments, complaints, judgments, evaluations, and opinions. Most of it isn’t terribly helpful. Not only do these pop up during meditation but throughout the day.
One of the techniques that I use is one that I learned through the writings of the Buddhist teacher, Pema Chodron. I became aware of it in one of her early books however memory fails and can’t recall which one. I do know that it’s in her wonderful book, How To Meditate. It’s quite simple. Whenever these intrusive, unwanted thoughts arise, simply say to yourself, “Thinking”. Breathe and let go. If it’s done gently and without reproach, you’ll find yourself back in the moment.
