There are many disciplines that help to expand consciousness including Yoga, QiGong, Tai Chi, and of course Meditation. But nothing else has been studied by modern day science more fervently than meditation for changing a person’s life.
Making positive changes without drugs, without side effects, without causing liver problems, and most of all thousands of studies show that meditation really works.

In my 30 years of practicing meditation I have found that my outlook on life has changed completely. In my twenties I was a very depressed man, and I had a poor outlook on life. I was taking anti-depressants medications and that was not something did not want to do for the rest of my life. But a friend who was into meditation told me that his practice of meditation changed his whole life, so I decided to give meditation a try. And low and behold 30 years later I am teaching meditation because I know how profound and powerful meditation can be.

New States of Consciousness Achieved - As we meditate with daily persistence sooner or later we have dramatic expansions of consciousness. Thus we become more than the subtotal of all the parts in a very special way. We connect to something greater, something more expansive, something powerful and thus we have those great “awe ha” moments that come into our life. This is what all the great gurus and saints talked about, a state of awareness that goes beyond the 5 senses to a place of collective understanding about everything. Not only that, but during meditation our brain becomes bigger… studies show that the cortical thickness of our brain becomes thicker with meditation. Which is just the opposite of what happens to people who don’t meditate, the cortical thickness becomes thinner with age, and this leads to cognitive decline. So meditation is vital for superior cognitive function as we grow older.

The Art of Surrender - In the western world we are so used to pushing our way through life that surrendering seems a bit foreign and the opposite of what should be doing. But what we don’t have in western society is a way of letting go, and a way of creating inner awareness, and thus we are always wound up very tight.

Meditation is the art of surrender, the art of letting go, and allowing peace to filter into our mind and body. And meditation is very easy, there could be anything easier than just focusing on our breath, and when a thought comes in acknowledging that thought, and then going back to concentration on breathing in and out. It just takes practice, practice, and more practice.

Always Happy - And as we meditate for longer periods of time a sense of happiness takes over our life and pervades every thought, every action, and every step along our path. Happiness is a side effect to meditation, which has been used to treat children with ADHD, and adults with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and all kinds of mental disorders. And even now the army is using meditation to treat soldiers coming back from foreign wars with PTSD.

Greater Life Satisfaction - Also meditation allows a person to enjoy life to it’s fullest. There are less ups and downs in life with meditation, and a person lives in the present moment enjoying every second they are alive. After meditating for a period of time people start to see that all joy is found inside, not outside. Thus they delve into their heart and understand themselves with meditation. And anger and other upsetting emotions seem to dissipate after awhile. And even the simplest of joys brightens the heart for those who practice meditation. And it’s easy to spot someone who meditates on a daily basis, because they smile all the time and have a great sense of peace about them.

More Creativity - Also those who meditate have been shown in studies to have more creativity than those who do not meditate. Thus meditation is a must in the modern world where creativity is the key to being successful.

Thus in general meditation is a blessings. And with more people becoming depressed all the time, and antidepressant meditations being prescribed children, young adults, and even older people, perhaps it’s time to take a look at meditation instead of medication.

We have the answer to expanding consciousness and living a happy life, and all we have to do is make meditation a daily part of our life.

And most of all meditation is very simple.

But don’t take my word for it, do your own research and find out exactly what I’m talking about.

Many Blessings to Everyone

Dr. Paul Haider

Author's Bio: 

Feel Free to Share this Article - Dr. Paul Haider - Spiritual Teacher and Master Herbalist for over 25 years, You can find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, Shambala Spiritual Transformation Institute, Wordpress Blog “Relax Into Success” and at  www.paulhaider.com feel free to contact him any time.

Here is a short video bio - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6Eg-xlX3U