Meditation is a method of acquiring access to our inner wisdom, achieving clarity, and developing compassion, with the possibility of resolving inner challenges during the process. (Wisdom includes being present in the moment, and the way to wisdom is to understand ourselves as human beings.)
In meditation, individuals learn to focus their attention and quiet their minds. This usually involves becoming mindful of thoughts, feelings, and sensations while observing them in a nonjudgmental manner. The practice of meditation can change how we relate to the flow of our emotions and thoughts. As our minds become tranquil, many aspects of our lives become clear.
Our attitude during meditation is important because it reflects the way we deal with our minds, emotions, thoughts, and changing moods. The most beneficial attitudes for meditation are acceptance, gratitude, and openness to the wisdom we may receive during the process.
Fortney (2017) posits that a regular meditation practice can promote physical ease and mental stability, which provide a foundation for health and wellness. Meditation directly influences one’s ability to meet the challenges resulting from stress, burnout, and illness for both the patient and the practitioner. When practiced in a disciplined manner, meditation provides many health, physiological, and psychological benefits (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCIH], 2018).
Today, meditative practices are used in a variety of healthcare settings, and individuals practice meditation for reasons that vary almost as much as the different types of practices.