Peace of mind, or inner peace, is one of the main reasons people give when asked why they meditate. And truly, the peace that comes through meditation is deep and profound.
Meditation can be seen as a path to spiritual enlightenment but along the way, it creates such a wonderful state of inner peace that it literally changes you from inside out. How does this inner peace come about?
Focusing on the moment takes away stress. During meditation when we enter the slower brainwave frequencies, sense of time and space disappear.
There is only the moment. The moment is all there is. At these lower frequencies, the rational, logical, time oriented left brain hemisphere becomes far less active; this is also the reason it is easy to stop the inner chatter during deep meditation!
Language is a left brain hemisphere activity, and meditation engages the right brain hemisphere which is unlimited, unbound by time and logic, and wildly creative and intuitive. In that moment, if you intensify feelings of gratitude and happiness, all negativity immediately dissolves. It becomes impossible to worry about the future or remain stuck in the past. True peace of mind lies in the present moment.
Deep relaxation affects the mind as well as the body (including the brain). When deeply relaxed, the brain releases serotonin, oxytocin and other “feel-good” hormones; at the same time, production of stress hormones is halted.
Experienced meditators may feel the body first as a marvelous system that functions perfectly without our conscious attention; and as they go deeper into a slower brainwave frequency, physical sensations cease. Awareness of a physical body ceases. Knowing that there is more to “us” than our physical bodies brings peace.
Meditation teaches you self-control. Mental, emotional and physical control combine to give you a sense that you can handle whatever life throws at you. You are no longer subject to your moods or thoughts because you learn to observe and release them; and you are no longer subject to impulsive physical habits.
Self-control breeds self-confidence and self-love, both of which create a sense of inner peace.
Your inner peace radiates outward. People are naturally drawn to someone who is calm, centered and peaceful. All of your relationships will benefit from your inner peace. Your perspective on the world will change as you become more peaceful; stress will no longer dominate - happiness will.
Peace in the world will never happen until people are at peace within themselves. A daily meditation practice will give you the self-control, clarity of mind, relaxation and stress relief necessary for inner peace.
Peaceful moments will become a peaceful way of being.
