I woke up feeling blah. I’m a little anxious and frustrated. I haven’t felt this feeling in over two weeks.

Wait, let me take a praise break for that! It’s been a long time since I’ve spent a week feeling great!

But today…..

I know the reason for these feelings. I didn’t really meditate this morning.

Now that school is out, three of my lovely college age siblings are back home. So there are six of us, in addition to my mother in a two bedroom apartment. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lot of fun! We dance, we sing, we debate, we laugh, we have fun! But at times it can get overwhelming. It’s hard to find my quiet time or alone time. In addition, the apartment becomes so cluttered.

This morning I began my meditation with inspirational songs but I couldn’t concentrate because someone was either calling my name or opening my room door.

Aagh!

As I was continually being interrupted, I realized the importance of meditation in my life. I’ve observed that the times that I am most anxious are the times when I don’t meditate.

Meditation brings me peace, calm and a quiet mind. In the morning, it is almost like a refreshing shower that gets me going.

To meditate means to think deeply or to focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. It has many other definitions including; to reflect, to ponder, to think, and to contemplate.

So when I meditate, I use the time to reflect on the good of God, I think deeply about my life, my family and my friends. I contemplate my future and I do this for both spiritual and relaxation purposes.

I recommend taking the practice to meditate. The suggested time is 20 minutes a day. One does not need to be religious to meditate. Even atheists meditate. Again meditating is focusing your attention to something in silence.
According to the Art of Living Website, mediation provides the following health and mind benefits:
• Meditation prevents stress from getting into the system
• Meditation releases accumulated stress that is in the system
Both of these happen simultaneously, leaving one refreshed and joyful.

Physical Benefits of Meditation
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
• Decreases any tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems
• Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
• Improves the immune system
• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

Mental Benefits of Meditation
Meditation brings the brainwave pattern into an Alpha state that promotes healing. The mind becomes fresh, delicate and beautiful. With regular practice of meditation:

• Anxiety decreases
• Emotional stability improves
• Creativity increases
• Happiness increases
• Gain clarity and peace of mind
• Problems become smaller
• Meditation sharpens the mind by gaining focus and expands through relaxation
• Meditation makes you aware – that your inner attitude determines your happiness.

With all this in mind, I really need to find time to meditate no matter what my current circumstance. I suggest that you do too!