Benefits of Meditation: Being Present in Your Life

I remember when I used to have to look around for my keys, wallet, and shoes when leaving the house daily. I used to take in the mail daily, put it on a table, move it to the kitchen counter the next day, move it to my desk, and then eventually open it. Then, finally, weeks later, I would pay the bill or reply to the inquiry. The mail was often touched five or six times before an action occurred to complete the process. Calendars were like a bible to me since I never remembered what I was doing when, with whom, or at what time.  There were countless return phone calls and messages cluttering my mind day and night. Clothes were rarely where they belonged; in fact, they were typically anywhere but where they belonged. There were times it was hard to tell the clean from the dirty piles; there was so much. Clutter of mind, home, and life were constant obstacles to being present and focused in my day. I am grateful these things are rarities in my life today!

Today I enjoy efficiency and organization without notes, lists or post-its. I am actually aware of what I have to do today, like most days. I am looking at a mug, my favorite, as I write this. The handmade blue mug that I had my morning cup of Olba’s Tea in is exactly where I put it and will be till I want to use it again. I did not move it five times to keep getting it out of the way of things I wanted or needed. It took no thought or trick to put it there; it is part of the flow of my day.  My clothes are where I want them to be, not because I am obsessive, although that may be true in other aspects of my life. They are hanging and in drawers because it takes less time and effort to place them where I will need them next time than to have to move them several times before they reach their destination. I carry what items I need upstairs before bed at night without burden of wondering if I will have to go back downstairs in five minuets to get what I forgot, the same is true in the morning in reverse. When I go food shopping, I know what’s in the fridge, pantry, and fruit bowl.

When I moved to Providence back in the beginning of October, it was not long before I knew where all my “stuff” was. In fact, my entire move “list” consisted of one piece of scrap paper listing five items to remember. The funny part is that I use notes and lists so infrequently that I actually forgot to check the list to see if I gathered those few items! I noticed it in my pocket when I arrived here, laughing to myself out loud.

I like being on time. Partly, this is a need to respect and honor those with whom I make social, personal, spiritual, or professional appointments. A larger component is that I am present, together, and rarely run around the house like a chicken with its head cut off due to poor time management or organization. I know where my mind, environment, and self are. I am present.

I enjoy the Senegalese Proverb in the image below.

People have turned “being present” into this mystical, fantasy-like thing. For me, it is very practical. It is not solely a benefit to meditation; it is a benefit of meditation. I am aware that being present aids my daily meditation practice, but even if it doesn’t, the applications in my daily life are too many to mention or quantify. Being present has both mystical/spiritual expressions in my life, but we must not forget the simple daily applications and benefits. There are many books and articles about the spiritual benefits, so I will not address them. If you are reading this and are interested, you already know about them.

“One day the wheels start turning and you just can’t stop the machine.”

 Deyanira Villalta

Benefits of Meditation: Clarity

When I think about the benefits of meditation, I think about the lack of chaos in my world. I think about rarely having to “catch up”. I think clearly and focus on mundane matters and those we all want on a deeper level. Clarity is such a gift, if you have ever experienced clarity; you know exactly what I am speaking of. For most of my life, clarity was one of those rare but profound moments when I had a clue about life, my life in general, and me. I still have those experiences, but they are neither rare nor surprising these days. Being present offers us clarity in mind, body, and lifestyle.

Benefits of Meditation: Focus and Memory

Being present cultivates a lifestyle that includes more patience and tolerance, less frustration, or the need to control others and the environment; it is not that we are really able to do so, but we sure do like the illusion of controlling anything or everything. Besides, I love that my library books and videos are returned on time regularly! I appreciate remembering the name, place, and circumstances of meeting somebody when I bump into them out in the world weeks or months later. I am grateful to know new clients or old acquaintances when they call. I immediately align with them regarding our connection and previous arrangements. I am present.

If you are feeling moved toward a life with more presence and less clutter in your mind and world, maybe a daily meditation practice would be valuable to you. If I can help, please contact me with your questions or how I can support your need to be present. I invite you to include the Benefits of Meditation as the next healthy, practical choice in your life.

Other posts you may enjoy:

Doubt

I Am Not A Healer

Blindness – A Spiritual Teaching in Seeing

The Art of Knowing is Knowing What to Ignore

Spiritual Training on Humility – The Janitor Part I

Things Your Couples Counselor Already Knows About Your Relationship

Michael Swerdloff

Providence Holistic Counseling Services