10 Life Changing Skills Developed in Meditation

Meditation brings many benefits to our health and well being. These are very real mental skills that can benefit all areas of your life improving relationships, work and play. Here are 10 life changing skills developed in meditation training.

1) The skill of being able to consciously relax. Using deep breathing and awareness of tension in the body can develop the ability to actually release tension and built up stress in muscles. Being able to ‘relax at will’ is an incredibly useful tool in the modern era.

2) The ability to be present with others. The greatest gift we can give others is our own presence. Learning to be present and not distracted by fleeting thoughts helps us to have the ability to listen to others properly, be fully present and communicate effectively. This improves all our relationships and even helps us to learn ne things easier.

3) Remaining undisturbed by thoughts. The skill of allowing thoughts to pass without either fighting them or believing in them is very empowering and the beginning of gaining control over your own mind. Meditation is not controlling your thoughts it’s the being able to not be controlled by thoughts. So many mental health issues stem from not being able to let go of negative thoughts.

4) Concentration. Being able to focus on an object without being distracted develops attention and concentration and a strong and stable mind. This is the foundation of good mental health.

5) Being the witness. The ability to be able to observe things without judging or reacting to them. This is the beginning of a peaceful and open mind. Being able to detach from thoughts and feelings gives you space to let them pass and not be overwhelmed. It is essential in overcoming mental health issues and is the beginning of using mindfulness as a therapy.

6) Introspection. The ability to observe your own inner states of awareness, thoughts and feelings, This is an important skill to be able to see connections between thoughts and feelings. Introspection also helps to discern the difference between a clear mind and a thinking mind and also to be aware of your intentions. With good introspection you can develop your own wisdom and become your own therapist.

7) Mindfulness. The skill to pay attention carefully to what your doing. Within meditation this skill holds your mind to your object and is similar to concentration. In your daily life mindfulness helps to pay attention to the present situation live more fully in the moment and be able to enjoy the little things in life.

8) Just being. Meditation develops the skill of just being, total mental relaxation, or being in the present moment without trying to change it or escape it. This fosters the ability to accept things the way they are.

9) Open mindedness. Meditation develops the important skill of an open mind. The ability to stay non judgemental and look at things without pre-conceived ideas. This also encourages spontaneity and creativity; learning to see things as if for the first time.

10) Intuition. The skill of knowing what’s appropriate and finding a flow and balance in any situation. Intuition is the skill of non-verbal knowing to be clear of a direction or choice without relying an any external authority. This is the beginning of trusting your own wisdom.

Chad Foreman is the founder of The Way of Meditation, has been teaching meditation since 2003, determined to bring authentic meditation practices into the lives of millions of people in the modern world. Chad is a former Buddhist monk who spent 6 years living in a retreat hut studying and practicing meditation full time and has now has over twenty years’ experience teaching meditation. Chad holds regular Meditation Retreats on the Sunshine Coast Australia, has Online Meditation Coaching, delivers three online programs -  The 21 Day Meditation Challenge to help guide people gradually from the basics of mindfulness and relaxation to profound states of awareness. Breath-work to help manage stress and go deeper into meditation and The Bliss of Inner Fire which is a Buddhist tantric method for purifying energy blocks and contacting the clear light of bliss. You can also now get Chad's free e-book Insights Along the Way.