The Importance of Meditation

You may not realize it, but chances are you meditate.  We all do.  At some point in everyone's day we stop what we're required to do and do something we want to do, becoming totally engrossed in it for at least 15 minutes or so.

It might be a cigarette break, screen time, or a decadent dessert, but whatever it is, for that time you are transfixed.  The problem with most forms of this type of "zoning out" is that when you return to your obligations you're just as stressed as you were before maybe with a few new stressors like lung cancer from smoking, money spent during screen time that you didn't have to spend, or the extra pounds you're gaining by continually indulging.

Unlike addictions (yes, screens are an addiction), meditation is healing and soothing.  You're dealing with your stress, not delaying it, and you'll come away from it feeling peaceful and ready to return to the tasks at hand instead of always seeking another fix to help get you through.  Meditation begins with an appointment.  Purposely set time aside in a place as free from distractions as possible, even if it's just five or ten minutes, and then keep this appointment as you would any other.  Now, relax.

Quiet your mind by focusing on your breathing, slow controlled breaths.  Focus on sounds of nature, or soothing music.  Each time your mind drifts to work, family, stress, simply return focusing on your breath.  Each time you keep this appointment it will become easier.  As it becomes easier you'll notice yourself feeling less stressed and looking forward to this time more and more.

A healthier heart, mind and body all start with something as simple as that.  Why not try it?