When it comes to meditation, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “How do I know if meditation is working?” However, a few general indicators can help you gauge whether or not your practice is bearing fruit.
In this post, we will talk about how you can identify whether your meditation is working.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation has been used for centuries to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. There are many different types of meditation, but the goal of all meditation is to focus and quiet the mind. When the mind is clear and focused, it is easier to find inner peace and calm.
There are many benefits of meditation, including reducing stress, improving sleep, and increasing self-awareness. Meditation can be done anywhere and at any time, making it a convenient way to improve your health and wellbeing.
If you’re new to meditation, it can be helpful to try a guided meditation. Guided meditations often use relaxation techniques and soothing music or sound to help you focus your attention and find a deep state of relaxation. Once you get comfortable with meditation, you can start practicing independently. However, often people struggle to feel any changes and end up doubting if the meditation is working.
Up next, we discuss how to know if meditation is working.
Signs that Show Meditation Is Working
You Are More Aware of Your Body
When you first start meditating, you may not be aware of your body at all. You may be thinking about your to-do list or what you will make for dinner. However, as you meditate, you will become more aware of your body and how it feels.
You may notice that your posture improves, and you sit up straighter. You may also notice that you’re breathing more deeply and slowly. These are all signs that meditation is working and that you are becoming more aware of your body.
If you’re unsure if meditation works for you, try paying attention to your body during your next session. See if you can feel the breath moving in and out of your lungs or the rise and fall of your chest. See if you can feel the tension in your muscles and see if you can release it.
You Feel More Motivated
You know meditation is working when you feel more motivated. This is because meditation helps quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. When your mind is quiet, it is easier to see what is essential and what isn’t. This clarity can help motivate you to take action towards your goals.
In addition, meditation also increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. So not only will you be able to see more clearly what actions to take, but you’ll also feel more inclined actually to do them.
Start meditating today and see how it affects your motivation levels. You may be surprised at just how much more driven you to become.
You Sleep Better
If you’re wondering how to tell if meditation is working, one of the most common indicators is improved sleep. Meditation can help quiet the mind and ease stress and anxiety, which can interfere with restful sleep. You’re likely on the right track if you find that you’re sleeping better after starting a meditation practice.
In addition to better sleep, you may also notice other benefits such as increased clarity and focus, more calm and peace in your day-to-day life, and improved relationships. If you’re meditating regularly and seeing positive changes in yourself and your life, chances are good that meditation is working for you.
You Have a Generally Positive Attitude
Another sign that your practice is bearing fruit is a generally positive attitude. This doesn’t mean you’ll always be smiling or those difficult situations won’t arise. But overall, you’ll find yourself reacting to life’s challenges more gracefully and comprehensively.
You Have More Patience
Another way to tell if meditation is impacting you is that you’ll start noticing small changes in your behavior. For instance, you may be more patient with others or speak kinder words. These might seem like small things, but they indicate a significant shift within you.
Your Usual Mental Patterns Have Broken
If you’re like most people, your mind is always racing. You’re constantly thinking about the past, present, and future. You worry about things that have happened and things that might happen. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
Meditation can help to break this cycle. When you meditate, you focus on the present moment. You let go of all your worries and concerns. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
If you find that your usual mental patterns have broken after starting meditation, it’s a good sign that the practice is working for you. Don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to notice a difference. Just keep practicing, and you’ll eventually see the benefits.
You Look Forward to Meditating
You may not know what to expect when you sit down to meditate. But looking forward to your meditation sessions is a huge sign that your practice is working.
You may find that you can’t wait to start each day and that the time you spend meditating is a highlight of your day. This is a good sign that your practice is starting to pay off.
Our Final Thoughts
Meditation is an incredibly personal practice, and there is no single answer to whether or not it is working. However, if you are left asking: How do I know if meditation is working, the key factors we discussed above should be on your checklist to indicate whether your meditation practice is effective.
