Meditation on 60 Minutes
Another day, another meditator in the news. We can't get enough of these stories. Did you catch 60 Minutes on Sunday? Anderson Cooper gave meditation a try. Find the episode HERE.
Mindfulness is a practice of becoming aware of your surroundings, your physical sensations and your thoughts.
As Jon Kabat-Zinn says in the show, mindfulness is awareness and being present. He says that meditation is a "mental workout." Don't feel ashamed if meditation is difficult for you. Like any workout, start slowly and create a habit of it in order to see lasting results.
Meditation takes practice. You can start right now. Sit tall, but comfortably. Close your eyes gently, and begin to breathe deeply through your nose. Try meditating silently for 1 full minute. Letting go of your thoughts as they pop into your head, or at least learning not to indulge them. Continue to return to your breath. Tomorrow try 5 minutes. Once that becomes easier, try to build up to 20-30 minutes per day.
Though meditation can be practiced alone, beginners often find it difficult to self-motivate. Don't be ashamed to ask a meditation instructor for help. Or, check out your local yoga studio. Most yoga classes begin and end with a few minutes of meditation. Some yoga studios offer meditation classes, often for free.
From our personal experience, cultivating a regular mediation practice truly can change your brain. Anxiety lessens. Memory improves. You will be able to handle life's challenges with an even keel. You may even start to enjoy the seemingly mundane parts of your day: showering, brushing your teeth, eating, getting ready for bed. When you are attuned to your surroundings, there is so much more to feel, see, hear and explore.
Don't hesitate to contact us at Unfold if you are interested in starting a meditation program at your office. As was stated on 60 Minutes, and in research posted on our blog, meditation can create productivity and creativity. By clearing your mind of clutter, you will find more room for useful thoughts to evolve.
Join companies like Google, and give meditation at the office a try!
