Meditation is not an instant cure-all.
You need to meditate regularly for several weeks at least before you begin to appreciate its benefits.
The effect on your life is so subtle that at first you may not feel any different.
In fact, the people around you may notice the change before you do, telling you that you have become less stressed, stronger emotionally, more understanding - generally a nicer person to know.
But the most effective and important transofmration is something you will sense in your heart. You will have found a great treasure which is worth more than any of these things. You will have discovered your spirit - your deepest being.
This inner knowing is a great source of strength. It gives you the self-esteem to be true to yourself in the way you live your life. You find the courage to express yourself and speak your own truth not with negative arrogance, but with firmness, conviction, compassion and understanding.
Far from being a selfish activity, as is sometimes thought, meditation is perhaps the most valuable service you can perform for others.
Every person who meditates lights a candle to help others find their way, and all these little candles, shone by meditators every where, may help to bring much-needed healing to the world.