The Side Effects of Meditation

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
– Buddha

Just as most things in life have side effects, it is also true with meditation. These are the side effects I have observed after having had a consistent daily meditation practice for nearly two years:

Clearer thinking
More compassion: for self and others
More creativity
A greater sense of connection with self and others
Improved intuition
More self-confidence
More self-worth
A greater sense of calmness (less anxiety, worry, anger and depression: without medication)
Stress-relief (decompression when moving through the difficulties of life)
Stress-control (when the shit-hits-the-fan unexpectedly, I find I am more readily equipped to handle the situations without freaking out: completely or partially)
A greater capacity of love for self and others
More vivid and memorable dreams
A greater sense of understanding
Less fatigue & more energy with a decreased need for stimulants
An increased ease of learning new things
An increased tolerance for things that before would annoy the crap out of me
Less “monkey mind,” bouncing, racing, fear-based thoughts
A greater awareness of what helps me & hurts me
A decreased need for sleep
A greater capacity for happiness
A greater sense of inner-peace
Improved vision and ability to see the truth
A decreased need to be pushy or rush things
A greater understanding of life and life’s purpose
Less guilt, shame
An increased connection and confidence when emotions move through me
Increased gratitude
A stronger connection to the Creator
A greater sense of balance: better daily life choices
Weight loss as a side effect of side effects: better choices, less need for comfort foods and beverages (Whiskey-lover, right here)

As a health care practitioner, I felt it my duty to warn you of some of the side effects of Meditation. This list is not comprehensive, it includes everything I could think of in twenty minutes. I’m sure that by this evening, I’ll be “kicking myself” for missing something.

I will say that at first it may not feel that you are doing much when you sit down for the first few times to clear your mind of clutter. Just as water drops can change stone, daily meditation can help you to alter your mind.

So what’s stopping you?

Namaste.

Photo Courtesy of Stuart Miles at Freedigitalphotos.net

Published by Tiffany

Writing out my thoughts has helped me to gain a new perspective of myself. In sharing these writings, it is my hope to help others to better understand themselves. It is my belief that with each of us who chooses this path of greater understanding of thy self, that it inspires others to do the same. This building momentum is the force that drives me to share, for in my vulnerability, I find my strength. I believe that you can also find yours there. ~~~In reading some of my posts, you will see that growth is not always pretty. It is in breaking apart and coming undone that a seed sprouts and breaks free of its own captivity. It is also out of mud that the lotus blossoms. ~~~Please join me in seeing the beauty of growth within the deconstruction of our limiting beliefs. ~~T.C. View more posts