Unveiling the Hidden Benefits of Meditation: More Than Just Mindfulness

I’m an anxiety coach and meditation teacher. And here are three things you don’t realize that you are learning by practicing meditation.

One of the biggest pushbacks I hear is that my mind is too busy for me to meditate. That’s like saying you’re too dirty to take a bath.

Mindfulness and meditation teaches your mind the amazing skill set of being able to let go of thoughts as opposed to thoughts controlling you. Another thing I hear a lot is that I tried to meditate but I didn’t find it relaxing, so I must be doing it wrong.

Meditation is not for relaxation, though it is a very welcomed byproduct. Meditation and mindfulness are about learning how to relate to this discomfort in your body in a different way, to be able to have a different relationship with the thoughts that are in your mind so that you can become more in control over what is happening in here and in here.

And the last thing I hear is that I don’t have time to meditate. You don’t actually have to add more time in your day and sit on a cushion.

This is the biggest and most important one I want to talk about is that you do not have to sit on a cushion 20 minutes a day, every day of the week to be able to get these benefits. Just like you don’t have to go to the gym for an hour a day with a personal trainer to get into shape.

When you understand how meditation and mindfulness are retraining your mind and reconnecting your mind with your body and your heart, these are things you can practice throughout your day without adding any extra time to your day. This is what I call meditation in action.

This is how you start to learn how to regulate your emotions within your body. When you feel yourself coming up, you can bring yourself back down and you don’t go up so high and you come back down a lot more easily. I hope you found this helpful.

Research-Based Insight: Harvard Health Publishing – Mindfulness Meditation May Ease Anxiety, Mental Stress

Keep reading or watch this Reel to learn the hidden benefits of meditation.

The Myth of the Perfect Mind: Why a Busy Mind is Perfect for Meditation

You’ve probably heard it before: “I can’t meditate; my mind is just too busy.” It’s a common misconception that meditation requires a calm and empty mind right from the start. But let me tell you, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, meditation is not about starting with a serene mind; it’s about getting there through practice. It’s like saying you’re too dirty to take a bath. Just as a bath cleanses your body, meditation purifies your mind over time.

How Meditation Teaches Your Mind to Let Go

Picture this: You’re sitting in meditation, trying to focus on your breath or a mantra, and suddenly your mind begins to race. Thoughts dart around like squirrels in a park, and you wonder if you’ll ever experience the calmness you’ve heard so much about.

Here’s the secret: those wandering thoughts are an integral part of meditation. In mindfulness meditation, you’re not trying to eliminate thoughts but rather learning to observe them without judgment. It’s a bit like watching leaves float by on a stream, acknowledging each one without getting caught up in their stories.

In essence, meditation is a workout for your mind. Each time you gently bring your focus back to your breath or chosen point of attention, it’s like a mental push-up. Your mind is learning the remarkable skill of letting go, which is invaluable in our fast-paced, thought-saturated world.

Integrating Mindfulness into Your Daily Life

Here’s how it works:

• Mindful Commuting: Instead of getting frustrated in traffic, use your commute as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Focus on your breath, the sensation of the steering wheel, or the sound of the engine. When your mind drifts to work-related stress, gently bring it back to the present moment.

• Mindful Eating: During meals, savor each bite. Notice the flavors, textures, and smells of your food. Avoid distractions like smartphones or TV. Eating mindfully not only enhances your appreciation of meals but also supports healthy digestion.
• Mindful Conversations: When talking to someone, truly listen. Don’t think about what you’ll say next; instead, be fully present with the person in front of you. This deepens your connections and improves your communication skills.
• Mindful Work: Apply mindfulness to your tasks at work. Whether you’re writing reports, attending meetings, or tackling projects, do so with focused attention. You’ll find that you work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes.

The bottom line

Meditation offers far more than just mindfulness—it provides a toolkit for life. You learn to let go of thoughts, master your mind, and embrace each moment with awareness. And the best part? You don’t need to set aside extra time; you can practice meditation throughout your day.

So, are you ready to unlock the hidden benefits of meditation? It’s not about having a perfect mind or seeking constant relaxation. It’s about gaining control, resilience, and a profound understanding of yourself. Start small, integrate mindfulness into your daily activities, and watch as your mind transforms into a powerful ally in your life’s journey.

Where to go from here:

1. Work with me 1:1: For leaders and parents feeling lost trying to grow and heal on their own, ready for a guide on their journey out of anxiety into the happiest, most Zen-Badass version of yourself from the boardroom to the family room.
   
2. 21 Day Meditation-in-Action emotional transformation (now only $37). In as few as 4 minutes a day, learn how to retrain your mind for resilience, peace and focus.
   
3. Free Training – Learn the 4 Shifts to Ease Anxiety and Find Your Inner Zen-Badass: Access the free mini-but-mighty Graceful Resilience® training to learn the skills to become calm, confident and in control over your emotions so your career and relationships thrive.