I
’m sure you’ve heard it before; mediation is so good for your mind, body and soul.
But, you’ve tried it and found it’s not for you?
I am here to ask you to think again.
There’s SO much science that verifies how it improves our brain, nervous system and overall health and wellness. Medical experts are using it to treat chronic pain, illness, anxiety, and much more.
Experts agree that the practice of meditation began many thousands of years ago, before the birth of modern civilization. Some archaeological findings suggest that hunter-gatherers were practitioners of some forms of meditation, and their knowledge was passed down orally from one generation to the next.
I can personally tell you how much it has changed my life and numerous other women I’ve worked with. Since, I’ve cultivated a daily meditation practice, my VERY active mind that can most times steer towards the negative feels more calm and generally positive.
But, this didn’t happen overnight. My first meditation experience happened when I was a swimmer in high school. My coach taught us PMA (positive medical attitude) and how to meditate so we could visualize our race. To this day I feel so much gratitude for this coach.
Through the years I tried different classes, workshops and read books and trained in mindfulness. Then, when I studied for my 200 hour yoga certification — my meditation elevated to a whole new level. We meditated 20 minutes each day and journaled about our experience in this “Vipasana” (silent) meditation. It felt long, challenging and sometimes physically AND mentally hard for me!
Then, a switch went off in my brain — I reframed my thinking and I started to lean into the meditation instead of resist it. I began thinking — “this is great — I don’t have to do anything for 20 minutes” rather than “how can I do this…I have so much to do…”
Today I CRAVE this meditation and because of it I live more mindfully. Does my mind wander when I am talking with my 13 or 15 year old for example, yes sometimes! But, I am able to catch this “monkey” brain” and bring it back to the here and now. This alone makes such a BIG difference in my life– it’s a transforming way to live.
After working with so many women I can tell you that if you want to lose weight, reduce your anxiety, exercise more and eat better — meditation must be a part of this. Without a mediation practice that trains our brains to be more mindful and compassionate we cannot make the necessary thought and behavior changes to transform to a healthier life.
There are so MANY ways to start meditating today. Do you want to learn more? Do you have stories to share about your practice of quieting your mind? I’d love to hear from you– please email me here and share.
Xo,
Christine
P. S. My next “meditate” email series will be all about how you can meditate daily — even with a very busy schedule and life.