I don't disagree with meditation as you described it micheal..
But as a student of martial arts, Meditation is primarily about proper chi circulation and breath regulation.
And I believe that you are right in that when the mind is quiet, you can be much more aware and conscious of your place on earth and in the universe.
Chi Kung, meditation, is about building and working with the bodies energy field. Its a system of maintaining and improving health primarily.
But you are correct in that when your meditation has reached the highest stage, your spirit is able to feel or sense the universe. Your Chi unites with the universe chi, and you are able to freely exchange information..
But that takes years upon years, and I haven't reached that stage..
Because meditation energizes your spirit and brain to highly sensitive state, your brain will be open to a much wider band of wavelengths.
You will be able to match wavelengths with other people's minds, and see their thoughts...
Theres so much to meditation, that I couldn't do it justice in 1 post.
Great thread btw.
p.s, theres a Great Book about this, and very detailed, called "The Root of Chinese Chi Kung Training" by Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. (by YMAA publishing)
Its one of the penultimate books regarding this subject.