Just as the body benefits by rest, so too does the mind. However, our minds hardly ever get this essential rest. Even as we sleep, our minds remain active. The subconscious relays messages through dream after dream. And while dreaming is also an essential component to wellness, meditation allows us to achieve an unparalleled form of rest, freeing the mind from incessant activity.  Every day we scrub our bodies clean, brush our teeth,  and wash our hair of the inevitable accumulation of dirt and grime. Why not do the same for the mind? It too accumulates 'dirt' in the form of negative thoughts and emotions. Negative thinking patterns and belief systems can weigh us down and cloud our judgement. Meditation is a daily practice designed to sweep the mind clean, increasing clarity, mental focus, and an overall sense of ease.