How strong is the scientifically consensus on the benefits of meditation(mindfulness)?

Sitting and looking at the mind might seem dull. In the beginning it is not that interesting. But, after time one builds knowledge of how the mind works. Like how a graffiti writer stalks out a train yard to get a feel for how and when the security guys move in and out. One develops the ability to foresee the changes in emotion and thought that occur as a result of certain actions. One sees how one reacts. Over and over again. When you se that you are holding on tightly to something that is not beneficial to you you just open the hand and let go. But when you cant see that you might attribute the problem to something else and not get rid of it. With this knowledge of the minds processes one is not only disgusted with how one is carrying one self in life, one starts to change from this place of disgust. A long process. Being aware of the breath is being aware of the mind. Holding the awareness focused what is happening now, not on thoughts of the future or the past, one sees what the mind is doing because one is present and looking. This way one is not carried away by the waves of emotion or anger or fear because one is present and not somewhere else in thought. One can use the techniques one has gained from all the time of quietly observing. The knowledge one gains from knowing, not merely reading or hearing. Experience. Knowledge of ones mind, the functions. It is power. The mind is where every action derives from. The mind is from where one sees the world, the universe, everything. This is information collected not on a piece of paper or ingrained into your being, stacked into your experience. It is a long way with many steps and it is unraveling and frightening at times, but this is all part of how it strengthens you and potentially shapes you into a better person. But I don't know anything. Don't take my word for it. I am only speaking from my insights and how I interpret what's happening to me. It is interesting to move in this world not carrying the past and the future. I don't know how relevant this is to people on this forum as many people want different things out of meditation, like just being calm or more productive at work. Not everybody is aiming to go so deep. Anyways, peace to all, and be safe.

/r/Meditation Thread Parent