Our nervous system is wired for us to be present and attentive to now. When we do this, the currents of life in the body naturally move in ways that are free, upward spiraling, health-producing. The effects of this are greater joy, peace, ease and aliveness. When we are not present, it's just because we are paying attention to the movement of the mind. When we do this, we are mucking up the natural flow of the body. We go on a rollercoaster ride in the mind and the body comes along for the ride. It's stressful. When we become anxious, it's a great signpost that we are on that rollercoaster ride - and should return to being present, centered, and no longer paying attention to our mind. When we are depressed it's because we've habitually paid too much attention to the voice in our head that says "I can't, not now, maybe later, how." That saddens our spirit. Listening to "no" all of the time sucks- it's depressive. So depression is a signpost we need a new habit! Using meditative tools assists us in re-directing our attention - leaving us with an optimally functioning nervous system rather than a malfunctioning one. Awesome- right?