There are many kinds of meditation practices, but perhaps it’s worth asking, “What exactly is the point?”

Mindfulness in Action

Meditation practice helps cultivate mindfulness as a way of being. It develops the ability to focus the mind into the present moment without judging our experience. When we practice meditation on a regular basis, it enhances our ability to concentrate (focus on an object for sustained periods of time) and develop greater awareness (observe our thoughts, feelings, and emotions without being caught up with them).

Do We Believe All Our Thoughts?

By learning to watch thoughts come and go, we eventually gain deeper insight into thinking altogether (such as its transience) and into specific relationships among thoughts, emotions, sensations, urges and desires. It helps us take thoughts less personally and not automatically believe them, learning to watch the mind’s never-ending chatter and return our attention to the rhythmic sensations of breathing.

We Can Learn to Let Go

Over time, we can observe our thoughts arise and fade away – without getting caught up in them. Meditation offers insight into these habitual patterns of thinking and related reactions, and cultivates the conditions for us to show up in life with greater ease and clarity, rather than getting caught up in impulses and “emotional hijacking” that are problematic. As a result, we can live more skillfully, and deal more gracefully with the ups and downs that life inevitably throws our way.