Meditation can be a simple way of relaxing and stilling our mind to create the quiet space we are looking for. But when we sit and meditate we realize there is no silence in this space we have created. Our mind ups the volume of our chatter and can easily distract us away from our meditation. If it is so difficult to turn down the chatter of our mind, then why do it? Stilling the mind and silencing the "chatter" can allow you to reasonably find solutions to problems by focusing the mind without interference. It can also help you find a sense of peace within yourself, sometimes by simply enjoying the silence and escaping the pressures of everyday life, like that of a little holiday.

Studies have shown that people who meditate and quiet the mind have lower stress levels, calmer mental states, increased creativity and awareness, and when following proper breathing techniques, are less prone to stress-related conditions like heart attacks and nervous disorders. Meditation has also been used successfully in overcoming addictions. Research has shown that people who practice relaxation and meditation have the following characteristics: they have faster reaction time; their parasympathetic nervous and immune systems are enhanced by reducing the fight/flight syndrome; they have lower stress levels and fewer stress-related medical symptoms; they score higher on creativity tests as opposed to people who do not practice meditation (in general); they have better motor functions, better memory, and lower blood pressure; and medical tests show that they are an average of ten years younger biologically than their chronological age. People who regularly meditate have a considerable advantage over those who do not meditate.

When people meditate their thoughts can become wilder than when they are in a non-meditative state. Although is may seem to be the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish this seemingly increased chatter has made you aware of how noisy your mind actually is. When meditating if you have things enter your mind, allow them to passively flow by and return to your meditation. Simply allow them to exist and attempt not to dwell on them or focus on why these things keep entering your mind. By being passive towards them you remove their power and they will eventually fade away.

Think of your mind as an ocean, which has waves. The ocean is not disturbed by the waves and the waves are the very nature of the ocean. Therefore, the ocean and the waves are one. From this idea, thoughts and emotions are an expression of the mind and therefore are created and dissolved by the mind. If you allow thoughts and emotions to simply flow, without giving them energy they will resettle into the mind. Therefore, rising thoughts and emotions can enhance your mental control and meditative study.

Take a break from your busy life, do a meditation or a no mind vacations in the shower, while making dinner or schedule some time just for you. You are worth it!