Parenting Blog

“Meditation is a fine-tuning device where we sit still and we tune and tune and tune until we get the most clear and still station on the dial, which is our soul." – Elizabeth Lesser

"Meditation creates unconditional friendliness towards the Self."  -- The Buddha

Would you like a magic pill?  Research has shown that this nutrient can transform your life by slowing the aging process and decreasing anxiety, depression, moodiness, cholesterol, cortisol and lactate levels.  (Cortisol and lactate are stress hormones that increase weight and irritability.) This vitamin has also been proven to increase emotional stability, happiness, creativity, and energy. If that weren't enough, it improves learning ability, memory, insight, restful sleep, blood pressure, and flow of air to the lungs.  Best of all, it has no negative side effects.

The only catch is that to take this vitamin, you have to sit still and quiet for a few minutes. That's hard for most people.  And while even a few minutes gives positive effects, the longer you sit quietly, the more benefit you'll get from this magic pill.

You've probably guessed that I'm talking about meditation.  If you're like most of us, you know it's good for you, but you don't think you have time to do it.  But if I handed you a vitamin with this list of benefits, that you could realize by sitting quietly for ten minutes, wouldn't you take it? 

You don't need an hour.  Of course an hour of meditation is great for you.  But even five or ten minutes daily has huge benefits.

Want to get started?  Sit comfortably upright, spine straight.  Notice your breathing. On your in-breath, silently say "IN."  On your out-breath, silently say "OUT."  Your mind will keep chattering; just smile at it from afar and keep your focus on your breath.  Anything important your mind has to say will come back to you later.  If emotions come up -- positive or negative -- just notice them, breathe through them, and let them arise and pass away, leaving you lighter.

 If you do this for even five minutes every day, your body will begin to de-stress,  your mood will get happier, your chattering mind will become more friendly and loving to you and to others, and your soul will sing.