Meditation Q?

Meditation, to me, is like getting more exercise, or eating less chocolate--something you do (or think you should do) because you think you really ought to, but not something even remotely pleasant on its own. So, you know, I generally don't. Haven't really done it since I finished that requirement for ADF's Dedicant Program. Haven't missed it. I gave it a try last night but it had been a looong time.

But you know, I've realized that I'm not really sure what you're supposed to get out of it, not really. It seems like folks tend to see it a sort of cures-all, that anything from stress to ulcers to hangnails, try meditation. Well, maybe it is, I don't know. But now I'm curious.

What, exactly, do you folks with the discipline to meditate find that you get out of it? What are the benefits?