“Enlightenment is simply this: When I walk, I walk. When I eat, I eat. When I sleep, I sleep.”

— Unknown

Since my last post, I've gathered almost everything I need for a bug-out bag that will help my wife and I survive an emergency. And since my last post, I've also meditated.

What do meditation and survival have to do with each other? More than you might think.

Out of the many reasons to meditate, one of the most important is to help calm your mind. Staying calm in a disaster situation is of the utmost importance in helping you make decisions that will help you stay alive.

Another benefit of regular meditation is that it helps you become more aware of your physical surroundings and mental situation; awareness is a required component of survival.

Though "enlightenment" isn't the same thing as mindfulness, the quote above illustrates how being aware of what you're doing can also help you focus on and appreciate the moment—and the fact that you're alive. After all, what is good is staying alive if you aren't mindful enough to appreciate living?

You might be thinking "So what? Sounds like a bunch of hippy-dippy crap to me." If the above points aren't enough to convince you that you'd benefit by becoming more mindful, maybe this word will: Stress. Meditation and mindfulness can dramatically reduce stress levels. No matter who you are or what you’re going through, you’ll benefit from less stress.

Everyone benefit from meditation. Here are easy ways to start:

Breathe. Breathing is such a basic element of being alive that we often forget it or take it for granted. Start now: Take 10 deep breaths, and each time you inhale, count. 1... 2... 3... and so on. If your mind drifts to anything other than your breathing and counting, start again. Do this a few times a day—at work, in the car, before bed—and you'll already be well on your way to less stress and more mindfulness.
Check out The Meditation Podcast. Episodes don't come out often, but it’s an invaluable resource: After years of reading about meditation and mindfulness—and only meditating a few times—I've found that the simple act of sitting down and listening to this podcast with headphones on and with no disruptions has been hugely beneficial to learning how to be more calm, more aware, and more appreciative of life.
Sign up for The Daily Om. If the word "horoscope" is a red flag, don't worry: This daily emailed horoscope is filled with ways to help you look at your current situation in new ways. Training your mind to consider the moment from a fresh perspective can help any survivalist: If you encounter a disaster scenario, being able to think about the situation beyond your initial assessment can you stay alive and help others.
Read Jon Kabat-Zinn's Wherever You Go, There You Are. A surprisingly easy read, this book was written by one of the Western world's preeminent mindfulness experts. As simple as its lessons are, it might take a lifetime to fully absorb. It’s a book I’ve read and refer to many times.

If you're a prepper, have you tried meditation? If you meditate but don't consider yourself a survivalist, do you think your practice of meditation would help you in an emergency situation? Leave a comment below!