Written by: Stacey Henry-Carr, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“Listen to silence it has so much to say” – Rumi.
What do you think about when you hear the word meditation? Often when I talk about meditation, people’s ideas of what it is or does are extreme. They picture themselves on a vision quest sitting with legs crossed in a remote location. They may imagine the challenging task of clearing all thoughts and shutting down their mind. They usually follow up with, “I can’t meditate because I am unable to stop thinking.”
Mediation is not about erasing all thoughts from your mind. Anyone can practice it. It allows your mind to address your wandering thoughts. It is a secret weapon for many successful people. What if I told you that meditating can help you lead a successful life? Would you be willing to sit still for at least seven minutes per day?
There are many types of meditation, but the purpose of this article is to acknowledge the usefulness of mindful meditation. To understand the need and the power of meditating, you first must be clear on the intention. In your busy life of balancing many projects, family life, work-life, and the vast world of technology, it can be challenging to find a moment to breathe.
You become accustomed to juggling many things that you rarely get to focus on anything 100%. You split your time and energy into so many pieces that you are unable to live mindfully. Just because you are running around busy doesn’t mean you are productive. You may notice that you spend most of your time thinking about the past and worrying about the future. Stop and be still!
And when you are present, you judge and criticize yourself. Being mindful is about focusing on the moment by moment. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be completely present?
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, and meditation is a foundational way. Along with many other benefits, it helps to bring awareness to your lives. On a basic level, meditating allows you to slow down and take notice of the world around you. However, consistent practice can shift your existence. It can lead you to become a more compassionate, empathetic, and introspective soul. It is through this practice that you can tap deeper to find the answers you seek. The stillness allows you to become more reflective, which puts things into perspective.
So, how does meditating help us become more successful? First, examine the effectiveness of your daily routine and interview yourself. Are you able to give 100% energy to your daily tasks? Are you feeling overwhelmed and scattered? Do you have time to reflect on your day? How do you celebrate your wins? How do you bounce back from a challenging day?
Because one of the core benefits of meditating is awareness, it allows you to understand yourself and how you respond to the external world. It is with this understanding that you can find answers to the questions that lead to success. I am referring to internal success when you are aligned and present with each moment of your day—understanding yourself enough to know when to slow down. You give yourself the time you need to reflect and interview yourself.
Often people start the practice of meditation to reduce stress and relax. Although meditating can result in a calmer and more focused life, it does not happen overnight. Instead, it is a practice that you will hone over time. There is no right or wrong way; start and develop what feels comfortable for you without judgment.
Meditation Myths:
It is only for certain religious groups
It is an escape from reality
It is easy
You have to sit with your legs crossed
You have to do it at a particular time of day
Often people meditate to start their days or before sleep. Only you can dictate the right time and place for you. Fit it into your daily routine and become consistent at the practice.
Meditation Benefits:
Increase self-awareness
Reduces stress and control anxieties
Helps with focus and concentration
Improve overall mental and physical health
Like any other topic, there is much more to learn and understand about meditating. But what I know for sure is that it is a practice that, when done consistently, will elevate your consciousness and improve your life.
Enjoy a 30-day guest pass to the Aura App and start your meditation practice.
“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu
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Stacey Henry-Carr, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stacey Henry-Carr is an ex-corporate leader who now helps people identify, interrupt, and replace blockers to live more meaningful and intentional lives. She is a Jay Shetty Certified Life Coach, Marisa Peer Certified Hypnotherapist, and an author of "Live Your Truth and Break the Cycle." She practices authentic leadership and servitude in everything she does. She has always had a passion for helping others to become their best selves.
She has a passion for reading, writing, traveling, dancing, singing off-key, and the beach. She spends her days coaching clients, writing, and creating meditation recordings. Stacey has overcome her life challenges which have strengthened her will to serve others. She believes that her true legacy to her children will be the lives she has touched by motivating and inspiring others to change. She writes inspiring quotes such as "Visualize what you desire and laugh out loud as if it is already accomplished."
