While there are many reasons to practice meditation, one of the main reasons that I have found to practice meditation is to be less distracted and more present, to be more aware of what is going on within my mind and to be more aware of those around me.

With an increased awareness of what goes on in my environment, there’s also the potential to become more aware of what is happening to those around me and to attend to those who need my help or assistance. This “compassionate impulse” is a benefit that is not always found in discussions on meditation.

At its heart, a primary reason to practice meditation is to become more of who we inherently are; compassionate, present and aware. The state of non-distraction (having both presence and awareness), which we gradually achieve as we progress in our meditation practice, brings us a mind that is aware of our moment-to-moment life, that in turn brings about a natural state of compassion, recognizing others as being equally as distracted and in need of awareness within their mind.

The short and to the point purpose of this post is that when we sit down to meditate, and especially if we don’t sit down to meditate because our job is too stressful, the house is too cluttered, or because we’re too tired, it behooves us to reflect on the fact that meditation can actually help us to be and to become more compassionate, not only with others but with ourselves.

When we say “meditation” and we discuss it as a way to become less distracted, what we may forget is that when we are less distracted, there’s more “space” within our attention and mind to do all of the things that we believe are preventing us from meditating, as well as to provide better attention and service to those around us.

So, here’s the tiny reminder for today; remember to practice for your: kids, spouse, partner, parents, peers, boss, employees, those who you meet on the street, those who you avoid on the street, your dog, your cat, or your pet-rock! Meditate for the benefit of others and even forget about yourself; it may make the whole process a lot easier…who knows?!

For ideas on how to meditate in everyday life, to make it easier to integrate your meditation practice into all you do, check out this link. Also, there have previous posts on this blog about the scientific research into meditation and compassion, as well as the benefits that meditation can have on our ability to work with our minds.

And, if you need more substance to this discussion, please see the related links below. And if you’re really bummed because I posted a short, less-meaty post, drop me a line and give me a piece of your mind.

This site has tons of tools for learning how to meditate and be compassionate.

I encourage you to look through the HUNDREDS of articles that I’ve written and especially check out my weekly meditation tips and other useful meditation materials provided for your health and well being. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss anything with me, have any questions or need clarification regarding anything that I’ve written about.

Other Great Meditation Resources and Information:

For More Information on How to Meditate

Please view the Related Stuff below for help getting started in your meditation practice! Also don’t forget to download my free e-book, Can Meditation Change the Way that You View Your World? and download the free e-book, How to Work with the Four Distractions to Meditation and get started learning how to deal with some of the major obstacles in meditation.