{"id":4319,"date":"2020-10-05T19:20:45","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T19:20:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/?p=4319"},"modified":"2021-09-19T15:35:32","modified_gmt":"2021-09-19T15:35:32","slug":"meditation-benefits-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomsoup.com\/meditation-benefits-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Meditation Benefits Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How long before meditation works?

It’s a common question.

Many people, upon beginning contemplative practice, question the meditation benefits timeline.

My synopsis here will be based on my own experience and your mileage may vary massively.

Having said that, let’s take a look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long before meditation works?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In short, the benefits of meditation<\/a> can often be experienced within 8 weeks.

But it really depends on your aims. 

Perhaps the ultimate paradox of meditation is that it teaches us that desire is the root of suffering<\/a> and of the dangers of seeking specific outcomes.

It’s a practice, therefore, that should be engaged in for its own sake, rather than the reward at the end of a spiritual journey.

In reality, rather than seeking enlightenment, many people initially begin meditating because they just want some form of respite. This was true for me, at least.

So when we consider the meditation benefits timeline, it will be in regard to common complaints like overthinking, anxiety and stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many of us seek out meditation in response to chronic emotional issues which have been present for years. 

Most of these psychological triggers begin in childhood and continue firing throughout our adult lives. 

I personally sought out meditation as a salve for overthinking and indecision<\/a>, which I’ve experienced for as long as I can remember.

For this reason, it’s worth pointing out that meditation isn’t always a quick fix. 

Just like when you’re weak or overweight and join the gym, it’s sensible not to expect immediate results. The same is true of our meditative exercise.

Just as one or two physical strength sessions won’t magically make you Arnie, a couple of mindfulness<\/a> sessions won’t transform you into you the Dalai Lama. 

Although you can experience changes relatively quickly, especially with techniques like direct path meditation which can yield immediate insights, you shouldn’t expect to hit any arbitrary deadlines. 

When I started the practice, it wasn’t because I thought I’d reverse a lifetime of emotional patterns in one or two sessions. 

Rather, I’d done my due diligence on the technique, including the science supporting the practice, and was prepared to invest in training my mind over the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patience problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

And herein lies the main problem that people face. 

Meditation can feel like a completely foreign exercise when we first start.

Often we follow what seem like counterintuitively simple instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n