Locked in your mind are shackles that don’t let you feel free. When you close your eyes, slow your thoughts and feel your inner self the doors are opened. This is one reason why people meditate. But there are others as well. The reasons for which people meditate differ almost as extensively as practices. Meditation may simply serve as means of relaxing from a busy daily routine; as a technique for taming mental discipline; or as a means of gaining insight into the nature of reality, or of communing with God.
Many practitioners recount better concentration, awareness, self-discipline and composure after meditation. Many authorities shun emphasizing the effects of meditation — sometimes out of reticence; sometimes afraid that the anticipation of results might impede with one's meditation.
For theists, the effects of meditation are thought to be a gift of God or from the Holy Spirit/Ghost, and not something that is ‘achieved’ by the person who meditates, just as some say that a person will not convert to Christianity without the influence of the Holy Spirit/Ghost’s presence.
Some traditions acknowledge that many types of experiences and effects are possible, but instruct the meditator to keep in mind the spiritual purpose of the meditation, and not be distracted by lesser concerns. For example, Mahayana Buddhists are urged to meditate for the sake of "full and perfect enlightenment for all sentient beings" (the bodhisattva vow). Some, as in certain sects of Christianity, say that these things are possible, but are only to be supported if they are to the glory of God.
