“What is the real purpose of meditation?” is the question I addressed recently on a podcast where I was the guest. This was a harder than the question that proceeded it “What is meditation?” Which we covered in just a few minutes.
Here was my answer to the more complicated question. “People think that quieting the mind is the purpose of meditation. While quieting the mind or cessation of thought is a good thing, and what most people think of as the purpose, it is not. Nor is gaining peace of mind, which is a fabulous outcome as well. Even gaining a sense of freedom that comes with meditation, laudable as that may be, is not the purpose.”
I think my answer surprised my podcast partner because he has been meditating for a number of years very traditionally. A way designed to “tame the wild horse” as the mind is sometimes called.
The Real Purpose of Meditation
I shared with him that the real purpose of meditation is making contact with Spirit, with one’s Soul, with The ALL. All practices, all tools, all ideas about meditation are merely steps along the path to being in the Now. Sublimely aware of oneself as one with The ALL (God, if you prefer). Not the words as an idea, though but as an experience.
Thus ensued a lengthy and very satisfying conversation about what Spirit and Soul are and what contact with them is all about.
I concluded with the idea most of our Master Teachers practiced meditation as a key part of their path to enlightenment. They understood and experienced that the highest goal was to achieve direct contact with the Divine Essence that permeates all existence. This was the source of the spiritual teachings that they offered, each in their unique way. Encouraging us to follow the same path for ourselves.
Becoming the Observer
Meditation also puts us in a position of being the observer of the natural, harmonious, elevated unfolding of our lives. Confident that this unfolding will be Spirit-driven. Consistent with the highest form of growth and evolution we are capable of NOW.
Such observation also generates the condition for us to be aware of being in that moment-by-moment state of the Now. Not concerned about the past or the future. Just relaxing in this moment, enjoying just Being. Being a child of the ALL. Loved and supported in the arms of the Infinite. Dependent on no man, no circumstance, no thought or concern generated by the ego/mind.
How?
How to achieve the purpose of meditation? The words I have shared here are mere signposts. Pointing toward the experience that awaits those who commit themselves to the practice of meditation. It is not about memorizing concepts or adhering to dogmas. It’s about embodying the truth of our spiritual nature, of our oneness with the Divine.
To achieve this purpose, the practices must be done, the tools must be used. Until the blessed moment arrives when the purpose is achieved. When Soul contact is made when the awareness of the Omnipresence of the All is experienced.
Here Are Some Ways
- Find a sit-down meditation practice that suits you. My Higher Consciousness Meditation process as described in The Meditation Book is designed to lead you to a relationship with your Higher Consciousness. There are a number of you others can also choose from.
- Incorporate some mindfulness practices like those that are offered in my other book called The Mindfulness Book. I do my sit-down meditation process twice a day, morning and evening. I sprinkle mindfulness processes throughout the day as tune-ups. Triggers to remind me of my intent to wake up and stay awake. It has become a lifestyle for me intended to keep my awareness focused and vibratory rate “up”.
- Do as I did when I first took a deep dive into my meditation practice and had my first experience of illumination. Journal. Learn to sit down for even just a few minutes a day (sometimes many minutes). Become quiet, and allow Spirit to flow through your fingertips and onto the computer screen or notepad. Ask your Soul to take part. Allow it to happen. After a while, you’ll have a breakthrough and realize your Soul is your eternal friend. (Also described in The Meditation Book).
If you choose to embark on such a path, trust the process, for you are not alone. The entire cosmos conspires in your awakening. Supporting you at every turn. Inviting you to step into the fullness of your true self. Embrace the adventure, and know that each breath, each heartbeat, is an opportunity. An opportunity to experience the sacred dance of life in all its boundless beauty and wonder.
You have an entire lifetime to explore this “cosmos”.
And when you are ready:
- Check out my chapter on Higher Consciousness Meditation in The Manifestation Book.
- And how to use the “Higher Consciousness Meditation” process in The Meditation Book to get quiet enough to allow Spirit to move.
Blair is an author, poet, YouTubist, and ordinary mystic. His 5 award-winning book series are available at Amazon Books, and his YouTube videos at Blair Abee Higher Consciousness Channel.