Meditation offers us the opportunity to better know ourselves on a human level, and on a grander scale.  With a quiet mind we begin to direct our own lives, exploring what has meaning and what doesn't.  Part of that journey of self-exploration has us examining how we exist in the Universe, and our spiritual essence.  Religion itself is a topic not readily discussed in casual conversations; spirituality even less.  Many people think they are the same, but as you will find out today, that's not the case

For the past few days I have been talking about how the ego can be responsible for creating unrest in the world.  Whether you prescribe to a Western view of the ego or the Eastern view, there are some ways that an might actually serve you on this physical plane.  Today I talk about how an ego benefits you and the those around you.

Today I thought I would take a break from the deep talk about ego to talk about something equally important, creating a meditation habit.  I talked about it way, way back in episode 274, I think it was, but since then I have found the ultimate steps to creating a meditation practice.

When you hear the word ego you automatically think that everyone knows what you are talking about.  As you will learn today, that is a big misperception.  On today's show you will learn how the differences in understanding the ego can lead to unity or division

eliminating or limiting ego will serve you and the world. It's so important a topic that I am starting a new week long series about meditation and the ego. If you want to live calmer, then you will want to tune in.

When we live singly, thinking we are the most important, we act in ways that creates a lack of harmony with the world. Today I talk about how ego creates unrest, and how the power of meditation can rid us of ego's destructive ways

The world is experiencing peace at this moment, despite what the news would have you believe.  What's even more hopeful is the understanding that the more people who develop a meditation habit, the kinder the world will become.  It's not wishful thinking; it's science.  today i talk about how meditation increases compassion and empathy.

Many see the world as on the brink of destruction, but nothing is further from the truth. We are inching our way towards world peace, and the greatest tool for achieving that goal is meditation. All this week I will be discussing how meditation will create lasting peace. Today begins the discussion with a belief that many feel is incorrect. Come judge for yourself.

Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. I have asked him to join me on ZEN commuter to talk about his personal journey to spirituality.

Some new meditators hear of the many different styles of meditation and become overwhelmed.  Other new practitioners are nervous about strict practices such as Zazen.  However, despite the fact that there are no styles better than others, many green meditators find guided meditations to be the most beneficial.  Here's why.