Meditation helps with the training of our minds; and it brings about transformation on both a physical & spiritual level. You can find many Medical/Scientific Studies which have proven that meditation does wonders for our physical & mental health. But, meditation helps us spiritually too, because it teaches us how to still our thoughts, and quiet mental chatter, so that we can enter into silence.
Why is silence important?
Because silence allows us to “KNOW THYSELF”. Through silence we come to the knowledge of what’s going on in our inner world. We come to see what’s really going on within our hearts & minds, because meditation in a practice which teaches us how to look within.
The great psychotherapist, Carl Jung once said:
“The person who looks outside, dream. The person who looks inside, awakens.”
And in the inner silence we awaken to our True Essence; Self; our Buddha Nature; or what some other philosophies call our Soul. And therefore, meditation has a profound impact on our spiritual development because when we come to know our Self/Soul, we come to know God.
We read in the Biblical Book of Kings, that when God appeared before the prophet Elijah, He could not be found in the wind, an earthquake, or a fire; but instead God was found in a “still small voice” or “a gentle whisper” (1Kings 19:11-12).
And the truth is, that God is always speaking and calling out to us. But if things are too loud and chaotic around us, then the voice of God will be drowned out from our hearing. It is only when we are still and silent that we may truly hear & know God.
“Be still; and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Now, there are numerous types of meditation techniques and I’m not going to tell you that one type of meditation is better than any other. Everyone should practice and follow whatever they feel most comfortable with and gives them the best results. But, some of the more common types that you can look into are:
- Transcendental Meditation: This is a specific form of mediation in which the mind is concentrated & focused upon a mantra (sound, syllable or word) that is constantly repeated to bring about a transformation or a change in consciousness.
- Buddhist/Hindu Meditation: There is a great diversity within Buddhist & Hindu communities regarding meditation techniques; but one of the most commonly practiced is that in which our attention is focused on the inhalation and exhalation of the breath. Some very popular types of Buddhist meditation are Vipassana, Zazen (Zen Meditation), Mindfulness, etc…
- Guided Meditation: This is a technique in which you may listen to a pre-recorded CD or have a group leader guide you along during your meditation session.
- Visualization Meditation: In this approach you may envision yourself going on a journey, or meeting and speaking with a spiritual master, religious founder, or holy person. Used in many types of Shamanistic techniques or journeys.
- Focused Meditation: Here we focus our mind or our attention on a picture of spiritual significance or even on an object such as a candle flame.
- Contemplative Prayer: begins with “centering prayer,” a meditative practice where the practitioner focuses on a word/scripture verse and repeats that word/verse over and over. The purpose is to clear one’s mind of outside concerns so that God’s voice may be more easily heard. After the centering prayer, the practitioner is to sit still, listen for direct guidance from God, and feel His presence.
Now, whichever style you choose, the important requirement for all, is to have a quiet and comfortable place to practice. And remember meditation is not zoning out. It’s sitting with alertness & attention. Aware of what’s happening in the moment.
Some people like to add incense or low music to their meditation time, but this is totally at your own discretion. For many people the aromas & smell of incense can help them to relax more easily. The whole idea is to just make this time as peaceful, enjoyable, and comfortable as you can.
Many people often think that meditation is something difficult, but it isn’t! The hardest part is just getting ourselves to practice it EVERYDAY. But, all it takes to be a good meditator is — practice, practice, practice.
Also, many people go into the practice with preconceived notions about what they are supposed to be 
experiencing; and when nothing seems to be happening they get frustrated & give up. Therefore, I encourage you not to start your meditation expecting anything at all. Just sit down, practice, and let things be. Allow the moment to be just as it is without expectations or judgments. Be aware of any thoughts, feelings, sensations that arise, but do not fight them. View them from the perspective of an observer and just let them go by.
You see every second our minds are filtering millions of bits of information, so all kinds of thoughts go racing through our heads. These thoughts affect our moods, health, etc…, because we react to them. We have not been properly taught how to be unattached from these thoughts which arise within us. Once we learn how to be unattached to what comes our way, we have more peace & serenity in our lives.
Therefore, find a meditation style that works for you and stick with it. Learn how to become a master of your mind. It does take determination and dedication. And a good teacher can certainly help guide you in the practice. But, ultimately, everything rests upon your own shoulders. To get the benefits you must do the work.
May your days always be filled with love, happiness, & peace,
Anthony
