"What is Meditation?" A Closer Look...

From HuffingtonPost.com comes this intriguing article by Natasha Dern that delves deeply into the very question: "What is meditation"?
Here's an excerpt from the article:

"Meditation is the art of listening to the universe. It is about cultivating and increasing our capacity to be receptive. When we are receptive, we are better able to hear the wisdom of the universe and the wisdom of the soul. During moments of meditation, the aim is to calm the mind in order to hear the whispers of the soul. This soft voice is what we are trying to connect with and access. Once we tune in, it has the power to transfigure our reality. It contains the wisdom to solve our problems, to empower us and lead us on the right path.

Meditation over time teaches us to sit still and listen, to become aware and control our rampant thoughts, to embrace silence and become comfortable with it, open up our minds to receive guidance, inspiration and fulfillment.



However, it should not to be regarded as the only way to grow spiritually but as one of the instruments of the path. Meditation is a powerful tool that we can use to develop ourselves, refine ourselves, and ultimately learn the truth about ourselves. It is simply a tool for spiritual growth and its value is this: If you look into your heart and mind deep enough and long enough to break down the walls of earthly conditioning, you are then able to discover truth and peace. If meditation is practiced only for the physical benefits that it offers or the illusions of enlightenment without awakening the spiritual nature then the transformation of mind, body and soul is not possible. Because meditation carries consciousness down to a deeper level, which allows you to touch your own center and hence transforms you completely. Reaching this level of consciousness grants you access to knowledge of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual realms."

Read the rest of this wonderful article here.