As you become a consistent meditator, you may notice subtle shifts in how you lead your life.

You might choose to spend more time with pets or your garden. You may relate to your family members in new and improved ways. You could even notice that you spend less time soothing yourself artificially with TV or junk food. (Disclaimer: I hope I don’t sound like I think I’m perfect–TV is a powerful lure. I’m a Jeopardy junkie and my guilty pleasure is the reality show, So You Think You Can Dance.) Other results of meditating that you might enjoy include:

• Slow your heart rate
• Relax your muscles
• Clear your mind
• Sleep better
• Gain more patience
• Be more peaceful, less angry

• Become more in tune with others
• Be happier, more aware of fleeting moments of joy
• Grow a greater ability to focus on projects
• Gain a broader perspective on events in your life
• Feel more connected to the earth as well as to other people
• Experience unity with all beings, actual oneness

• Have personal insights and “aha” moments
• Solve problems of all sorts (see the lotus meditation in particular)
• Focus more on what is really important to you
• Improve many health issues by reducing your stress level
• Lessen depression and improve your mood
• Get a spiritual high

There are many more benefits of meditation, but these ought to motivate you to at least try meditating for awhile.

As you may have concluded from reading this list, nearly every area of your life might benefit from regular meditation. Next to last–but not least on the list–would be better sex. An improved ability to focus on one sensation, one person, one moment in time, is bound to yield more intensity and sensitivity. Try it—you’ll like it! (And for experienced meditators, there are all sorts of meditations you can do together. Tantric sex, for example, is well worth the pursuit.) Simply holding each other’s gaze silently throughout the entire interaction can be a powerful way to meditate together.

But wait—there’s more!

After meditating for awhile—probably a few months anyway—you may gain new clarity about your life’s purpose. Activities and goals you used to think were essential may no longer feel meaningful, and new pursuits may arise. This is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—the sureness that you are following the path that is right for you.

That knowing and the confidence it brings unleash a flood of energy and passion that makes any new goal seem attainable. If you’re suffering in a job you know is wrong for you, or feel any vague lack of fulfillment in your life, a regular meditation practice can reveal to you a more productive and satisfying path to take.

I urge you to share your experiences

Please let us hear your meditation experiences by commenting on this blog. I’ll answer any questions I can if you add them to your comments. (There’s a comment box at the end of every regular post on this blog.)

Click here if you’re ready to try some of my specially created meditations.

Click on any of the following links for more information:

How To Meditate in 5 Easy Steps
Setting the Mood to Meditate
Expanding Your Current Meditation Practice
Why I Meditate and How It Affects Me