So, you've tried meditation once before, or have been doing it for most of your life. Or, you've never tried it at all. Anywhere and any time in this spectrum is okay.
I am sure we have all heard, you must meditate daily to achieve a good or successful life. I've definitely heard that in the circles I run with.
Let's start here. What is meditation?
Is it sitting down for 10 minutes and breathing, no, is it 20 minutes and you have to be sitting cross-legged (sukhasana) the whole time?
I've come across and delved into many different practices from lucid dreaming/astral projection, to just sitting and taking 3 deep elongated breaths to activate more of my parasympathetic nervous system, which is the driver of "Rest and digest" rather than fight or flight.
Does that make sense?
From my time in researching, practicing, and having a natural interest in:
I want to sum up the best practices I have come across for myself and that I would recommend to try whether you've been doing it for years, or have never tried.
Before I jump right into it, some of the effects on a base-physiological level are reducing adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) which are very inflammatory on our bodies which speeds up aging and pain long term, and increases dopamine and serotonin, which are our bliss chemicals of feeling good. Don't you want to feel good AND be healthy??
It also helps us be more present to the things we have around us, family, experiences, hobbies, friends, work.
In my life, meditation practice has changed me to be a way happier, healthier version of myself. I wouldn't be the same, or who I am without it.
What I currently do is:
I "meditate" before bed, when I count 3 things that I am thankful for, or that I enjoyed during the day. When I write these down, it always has the greatest effect, and I notice that my sleep quality improves substantially no matter what.
I'll meditate before eating my food, which is usually 30-60 seconds, my eyes don't even have to be closed, even though most times I do, and I am just present with what is happening around me, who is there, what I hear, smell, and see. I personally like to give thanks for the food from the earth, which provided it.
Finally, I actually do involve myself in what would be considered traditional meditation, where I do have my eyes closed, find a still place, and even have my palms up for my added effect. I accept whatever comes, and I just breathe, and focus on what I am feeling. This one is definitely something I look forward to, and I ALWAYS feel better after. Complete and radical change of how I feel.
This then leads me to what I referenced above, which is enjoy more out of the spice of life, eat better, be more present with people I love, and enhance my zest of life.
On top of the huge benefits of even turning off and reducing gene expression of genes that can represent morbidity to cancers, diabetes, and other inflammation/cell damage progenitors of disease, I turn on the genes that lead to better stress management, longevity, and a healthier lifespan.
That is what I want.
There are so many different ways to get involved in a meditation practice, I just named a few that I consistently have been doing for years everyday. There are times when just listening to what is going on, and what your heart feels can be a meditation. Sitting in the sun and breathing (what I am doing now). All of these can extremely improve the quality of your health and life.
If you want to learn more on stacking these practices with a solid foundation of great food and physical activity for a boost in life, strength, and longevity for your life. Click the apply button above and say "meditation" in the chat box, or read more of my blog posts!
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