Meditation can even improve relationships, says expert

Meditation is a practice that can practically transform our life. We often think of meditation as something that Yogis, sages, monks would normally practice. And while that is indeed true, meditation can be practiced by anyone. The benefits of meditation are innumerable. It improves physical well-being by treating certain lifestyle diseases and stress-induced illnesses, and alleviating symptoms of such diseases. It also improves emotional and mental health. This inadvertently, positively impacts our relationships. We can reap benefits of meditation provided we practice it correctly.

What is meditation?

Meditation is about making the mind still. It is about making the mind quiet, silent. It is about being in contemplation. The mind is a monkey that jumps from thought to thought. The mind can produce a thought practically every second that is about 50 thoughts a minute, which adds up to 50,000 thoughts per day. We need to bring down the Mental Thought Rate (MTR), from 50 thoughts a minute to one thought per minute. This quietens the mind. It de-clutters it.

To do this, we have to observe the mind. Every time the mind wanders, we have to bring it back. We have to watch the mind, catch it and latch it. Even if a thought comes, we must watch that thought, just like we watch fish swim in the ocean.

How does meditation impact our relationships?

1. Meditation regulates our mood.

We become calm and peaceful. We do not react to situations or circumstances, which inevitably makes our relationships better. Small irritants no longer bother us. We are able to control our anger. It makes us emotionally stable.

2. Meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Not only are we calmer, but also happier. A happy person has a different perspective on life. Meditation fosters positive emotions because the mind has been tamed. Positive emotions, a positive attitude is instrumental in making any relationship successful. Our relationships become amicable, genial, less strained.

3. Meditation helps us connect with others easily

Because we become calmer and happier, we become more approachable and more acceptable. After all, no one wants to be with an irritable or a moody person! Positive people, cheerful people, on the other hand, attract people as they spread their positivity wherever they go.

Many diseases are aggravated because of stress and worries. Meditation helps address those issues. With improved health, the dynamics of our interpersonal relationships are also impacted.

Also Read: Here’s your beginner’s guide to meditation

4. Self-awareness

Meditation is about mindfulness. It is being in a state of consciousness, which indicates increased or heightened awareness – spiritual and personal. We become aware of our self, of our habits. We are able to objectively view our failings. If we tend to be touchy, for instance, or quick to become angry, we realize it. We are able to acknowledge our shortcomings and we try to change that. This, in turn, changes the way we interact with others.

Not only does meditation help us become more aware of ourselves but also of others. Therefore, we become more accepting. We have more empathy. We become kinder to people. We are more compassionate.

Benefits of meditation for your approach to life

Because meditation changes us for the better, it strengthens our relationships as well. The changes in us become visible in our behaviour, our approach to life and relationships. Meditation, ultimately, leads us into the state of consciousness which helps us realize who we are. It connects us with out true self. We start living with detached attachment. We realize that all these relationships are transient. At the same time, we experience a sense of oneness with the world, the universe, with people. We experience a sense of universal brotherhood, inter-connection.