Why the best thing you can do for yourself is absolutely nothing.
Redesigning your mind with meditation.
For anyone who knows me, they’ve heard the pitch and it’s usually met with a smirk and an eye-roll. Even though my intentions are purely altruistic, and I have nothing to gain from my evangelism, other than making their lives and the world a better place, my rant is still usually met with borderline derision, which I find pretty amusing.
It’s pretty simple, I say — to change your experience and to change your life all you have to do is practice meditation, which is essentially doing nothing.
Nothing. That sounds easy doesn’t it?
The usual response from the uninitiated goes something like this: “I tried meditating and I can’t do it; my mind is too busy, and it won’t shut up!” Or, “I don’t have time for meditating!” The list goes on — excuses are blocking your path to designing a better life.
Many people turn to mediation when their life experiences get particularly challenging, so with this global pandemic challenging our very existence, now is a better time than any to start, don’t you think? Let’s face it, you probably don’t have much else going on now that you’ve exhausted your Netflix bucket list, so that “I don’t have time” excuse isn’t going to cut it.
If you think mediation is only for Zen gurus and flower children, you should know that mediation is proven by science. In Dr. Matthew Thorpe’s article, “12 Science-based Benefits of Meditation,” Dr. Thorpe cites a number of verifiable studies that provide evidence of the many physical and mental benefits of meditation, from reducing stress and controlling anxiety, to controlling pain and decreasing blood pressure. Countless studies report improvements in subject wellbeing, sharper focus, better memory, increased creativity, more energy, better temperament, and just being overall happier. Sounds horrible, doesn’t it?
Now let’s get back to doing nothing and how to get started on your own journey to inner peace. There are many techniques to start meditating and different tracks work for different folks. Popular apps like Headspace and Waking Up put a meditation coach in your pocket, and there’s a ton of literature, from books, to blogs, to scientific papers, all supporting the science of meditation and mindfulness. There are guided meditations, mantra-based meditations as ancient as the human race, mindfulness meditations, which are particularly popular in today’s world of disconnection — you can even meditate when you’re walking. You can meditate anywhere, anytime, for as little time as a few seconds. Sometimes all it takes is a few deep, slow breaths to eliminate anxiety and sharpen your focus.
You can meditate to complete silence, to the sounds of nature, to Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” or any chill riff of your choice. Or transport yourself to the Himalayas and meditate to the haunting echoes of Tibetan monk chanting and singing bowls. Your options are unlimited. Explore, have fun, and keep trying different things that work for you — what’s important is that you’re taking the time to tune out while turning inward.
The resounding theme across the teachings of meditation is this: try not to go into mediation with goals or determined outcomes. Meditation isn’t a practice with a direct cause and effect relationship. It’s not a series of activities to knock off your “Top 5 Things for a Smarter You” checklist. The benefits may be gradual and subtle, patience is a virtue, and practice makes perfect, so give it some time before you determine it’s not for you — because meditation is for everyone!
Now take a deep long breath — and try doing nothing for a few minutes.
12 Science-Based Benefits of Meditation
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