WHY MEDITATE?
– Written by a university student
“After practicing meditation off and on for two years, I decided to commit myself to a daily schedule. Simply sitting in silence, watching my breath for 15-20 minutes per day is all that I do. I’ll light a candle and sit facing a small shrine I made in my dorm room, full of meaningful pictures, quotes, and stones I’ve collected from travel. When my mind inevitably entertains wild thoughts, I try to bring my attention back to my breath. Directed attention back to the breath is like a bicep curl, except the muscle is the brain. Scientific study after scientific study have shown the ability humans possess to re-shape the way we think, perceive, and feel due to neuroplasticity. The more the mind thinks depressed and angry thoughts, the quicker the brain defaults into those neuronal pathways. For example, meditation can fundamentally rewire the circuitry to favor positive and beneficial thoughts rather than rumination over one’s inadequacies. With this knowledge, it was hard for me to justify going to the gym but not going to my shrine. What has kept my practice alive has been the small but powerful results which follow me long after my 15 minute timer dings. See for yourself!”
More tips and insights from fellow students:
PRACTICAL ADVICE ON STARTING A MEDITATION PRACTICE