Have you ever felt like a ship tossed about in a stormy sea, buffeted by waves of stress and anxiety? If you’re nodding your head, allow me to introduce you to the calming harbor that is meditation.
Meditation. The word alone conjures images of Tibetan monks or ancient yogis sitting in serene silence atop misty mountains. But what if I told you that this powerful tool isn’t just for the sages of old but also for the busy modern-day individual seeking tranquility amid chaos?
At its core, meditation is the art of focusing your attention, clearing away the jumble of thoughts and anxieties that often crowd our minds. Here’s how to get started:
- Find a quiet place. This could be your bedroom, garden, or even a park bench during off-peak hours.
- Sit comfortably. You don’t need to twist yourself into pretzel-like yoga poses – just sit with your back straight.
- Close your eyes and breathe naturally. Don’t try to control it; simply observe each inhale and exhale.
- Focus on your breath or repeat a mantra (a word or phrase). When your mind wanders (and it will), gently bring it back without judgement.
It sounds simple because it is!
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – meditation has profound effects.
Consider this: A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that meditation helped treat anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder. Another research from Harvard Medical School showed that practicing mindfulness can physically reshape our brain to improve memory, sense of self, empathy, and stress levels.
Meditation isn’t just for stress relief though; it enhances focus too. Just as a magnifying glass focuses rays of sunlight into one point, meditation trains your mind to concentrate on one thing at a time – an invaluable skill in our distraction-laden world.
And the best part? You can start with just five minutes a day.
That’s less time than you spend scrolling through social media or waiting for your morning coffee!
So, here’s my challenge to you: try meditating for just five minutes each day this week. Notice how it impacts your mood, focus, and stress levels.
Remember, meditation is like a muscle; the more you train it, the stronger it gets. So be patient with yourself and stick with it – even when it feels challenging.
To your peace,
Corey House, Guest Blogger
P.S: A little pro tip – pair meditation with regular exercise for an even greater boost in mental wellbeing!
P.P.S: This 7-second brain trick helps enact Theta brainwaves & opens the door to abundance in your life. If this sounds interesting, then click the link to watch and learn more.