CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR 28 DAY MEDITATION CHALLENGE, STARTS SEPT 22nd!
“When we’re in tune with our inner wealth – the qualities of compassion, contentment, patience, and so on – it’s endless, it’s timeless. Those are qualities that we’re all born with. Everybody. The whole process of meditation is all about trying to dig into this inner wealth, to access it.” – Trinley Thaye Dorje
Based on my work with clients, benefits of meditation include:
- A self-awareness and awareness of the environment around you
- A calmer, more grounded executive presence
- Improved ability to regulate emotions, navigate difficult situations, and manage conflict
- Gains in creativity and innovative thinking
- Deeper active listening skills (being more present and patient)
- More compassionate towards others and less critical of one’s self
- Improved concentration and clarity of focus
- Enhanced perspective (the ability to see different sides and points of view)
- Stronger, richer, and more fulfilling relationships
What Is Meditation? Meditation is the practice of setting aside quiet time to calm our mind and relax our whole body by focusing on our breath and/or an intention. During meditation, we learn to let our thoughts flow, without analyzing them, obsessing over them, or striving to hold onto them.
What is Mindfulness? While the term “mindfulness” has become somewhat trendy, meditating is an ancient ritual dating back 5,000 years. Ancient people used meditation as a form of spiritual practice that enabled them to connect to their divine energy. In today’s world where things move at the speed of light, connecting to your own energy can be as simple as sitting still in a quiet place for five minutes and focusing on your breath. In fact, numerous research studies have shown that a regular meditation practice will lead to a positive impact on the body.
The Mind-Body Connection Routine stressors in the workplace – an abrasive email, a contentious conversation, a high-stakes meeting – feel as real and as threatening to us today as a potential attack from a saber tooth tiger did thousands of years ago. Whether it’s a tiger or an angry colleague, we have basically the same physiological response – that is, we get triggered, stressed, and go into a “fight or flight mode.”
To better understand how meditation positively affects your physiology and helps manage your triggers, consider these scientific findings:
Brain – The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure in the brain, is responsible for handling our emotions. When we become triggered, we experience an “amygdala hijack.” Blood literally leaves our brain and moves towards our limbs, so we can either fight or flee. This also negatively impacts our memory and cognitive function.
A regular meditation practice will improve your mental clarity and reduce the intensity and recovery time of stressful emotional triggers.
Heart – When we become triggered, the stress hormone cortisol is released, making us more susceptible to heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.
A regular meditation practice will help you manage stress and its harmful effects by reducing cortisol levels in the bloodstream. This leads to slowing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure, helping you control your breathing and remain calm.
Immune System – A strong immune system is critical to maintaining overall health. Antibodies, which fight bacteria and viruses, are critical to a strong immune system.
Meditation has been shown to boost activity in the areas of the brain that command the body’s immune system, making it work more effectively. Studies have also shown that meditation boosts antibodies in the blood.
Give Meditation a Chance! Consider signing up for a 28 day meditation challenge that starts September 22 by clicking here or see Amazon for my recent book Show Up as Your Best Self: Mindful Leaders, Meditation, & More!
