Discover the Purpose of Meditation: Beyond the Basics

Most people meditate to seek physical, mental, or spiritual peace. Beneath that peace lies an untapped universe. The true purpose of meditation is to slow down, quiet the mind, and discover your truest self.

Meditation is a practice unique to each individual, offering different experiences and results. However, many people meditate to reduce stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and improve relationships.

For over 15 years, I’ve been exploring meditation and spirituality for myself and through my work with others. Below, we’ll go beyond the basics to discuss the purpose of meditating, different meditation techniques, and benefits so you can start showing up for yourself and experience the results you’re looking for.

What is meditation? Beyond the Basics

Think of meditation as a date with yourself to simply breathe and be. It’s a time to slow down and be with yourself – which can ultimately lead to positive changes for your mind and body.

Meditating often involves quietly sitting still and focusing on an anchor like your breath or a mantra. The idea is to slow your thoughts down and experience a sense of calm. However, meditation can be any practice that allows you to focus on the present – whether that’s sitting or lying still, noticing sights and sounds on a nature walk, or moving through your breath during a yoga class.

In my practice and helping others, I believe that meditation isn't concentration, generic affirmations, or a specific set of rituals. It's a self-love affair with the unknown – an experience that allows you to connect with your deepest self and discover who you're truly meant to be.

The Purpose of Meditation (Physical, Mental & Spiritual Benefits)

The purpose of meditation is to experience physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Meditating can help you overcome blocks so you can move closer to living the life meant for you.

Below, we’ll explore the benefits of meditation and how a daily practice can improve your overall well-being. 

Reduce Stress, Anxiety, & Depression

Many studies have found that mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which is why mindful meditation is a practice many mental health professionals recommend.

Mindful meditation is a practice that allows you to slow down your thoughts and focus on the present moment. Over time, this awareness helps change the brain's structure, supporting emotional regulation and stress reduction.

Boost Brain Function

Brain imaging studies confirm that people with a routine mindful meditation practice experience less age-related brain degeneration and better brain function. As a result, you can improve your focused attention, working memory, and long-term memory.

The boost in brain function is due to neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change. The best part? You can experience neuroplasticity at any age. So no matter how old you are, you can practice meditation to boost your brain function.

Get Better Sleep

The purpose of meditation for many people is to get better sleep. Meditating before bed can make a significant difference in helping you fall or stay asleep.

Even a short meditation practice at bedtime can help calm your mind and body, encourage slower breathing, and lower your heart rate – all of which help your body rest and experience deep sleep.

Prevent or Overcome Illness

While the research is still new on how meditation can improve the immune system to prevent or overcome illness, several studies support this possibility. 

One study has discovered that those who practice mindfulness meditation over time can experience lower rates of acute respiratory infections, while another found that meditation can reduce illnesses related to aging and disease. 

We also know that mindfulness meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to improve your overall well-being.

Discover Your Life Purpose

When you go beyond the calm that meditation can offer, you can find an untapped universe. This is one of meditation's most impactful results, as it allows you to embark on a meaningful journey of self-discovery and transformation.

As you dive deeper into your practice, you can meditate with the intention of spending time with yourself to truly discover your life's purpose. Spending time with yourself away from the noise and chaos of daily life allows you to overcome blocks, find inner peace, and reshape your reality.

Improve Relationships

Various studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can lead to better relationship satisfaction due to the ability and willingness to accept a partner’s imperfections. More than 90% of people in a relationship report having tried to change at least one aspect of their partner, which can lead to relationship challenges. Those who adopt a meditation practice can better cope with an imperfect partner – which is crucial for healthy relationships since all people are flawed.

The relationship you build with yourself through meditation can also help you better understand which relationships you best align with, allowing you to focus on the ones that serve you and let go of the ones that don’t.

Acquire Abundance

Do you feel like your life is lacking? You’re stuck and can’t seem to achieve love, freedom, success – something else.

Through meditation, you can acquire abundance. Instead of chasing material things to achieve abundance, meditating allows you to discover and overcome whatever thoughts or actions are holding you back. This clarity can make room for true abundance.

How to Meditate

Many people struggle to meditate because they overthink it, hoping to figure out the perfect method. But here’s the thing – meditation is your practice, and there’s no right or wrong.

Start small by spending a few minutes focusing on the present moment, whether you’re sitting up, lying down, or moving. Let your thoughts come and go without judgment and focus your attention on an anchor, like your breath, a mantra, or a guided meditation.

There are many different meditation techniques with unique purposes. Common practices include:

• Mantra meditation - Repeat a word, phrase, or sound to quiet your mind and create a deeper connection with your inner self

• Mindfulness meditation - Focus on an object, action, or your breath to stay in the present moment, reduce overthinking, and alleviate stress

• Spiritual meditation - Spend time in prayer, silence, or contemplation to connect with a higher power, like God, your higher self, or the Universe

• Visualization meditation - Use your senses to visualize an experience, such as a goal or intention, to ground yourself and get clarity

• Tantra meditation - Use a visualization, mantra, or breathwork to create awareness of energy centers like chakras to deepen intimacy with yourself or others

Get Meditation Support

Meditation can be a powerful practice, especially if you can experience the most impactful purpose of meditation: connecting with your true self for physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

If you’re new to meditation or hope to deepen your practice, I’d love to support you.

Explore meditation and other spiritual resources below:

• The Leela Show Podcast - Discover your highest self as you learn more about meditation and self-discovery

• Cosmic Download - Receive custom guided meditation practices and Dharma based on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals

• Cosmic Circle - Join a community of like-minded people on a spiritual journey and discover yourself with interactive workshops, meditation practices, and Dharma talk

• Advanced Tantra Mastery - Get personalized spiritual mentorship to shed layers, reveal your true self, and create your dream life