You might have heard about the school in Baltimore, Maryland that replaced detention with meditation and mindfulness practices.
The kids in the program are making more positive choices, having greater success in school and, best of all, they’re happier. Plus, there were zero suspensions last year and none so far this year.
Regardless of age, the positive changes that occur once someone becomes more mindful are powerful. Not only does it change the lives of the people involved, but it also spills into the lives of others, too.
When you keep your cool where you’d once have exploded dignity, respect, and better relationships prosper. While those things increase stress, anxiety, and worry decrease.
Quite simply, meditation and mindfulness make it possible to find opportunities in the middle of challenges and beauty in the midst of your day-to-day routine.
A Common Myth
Far too many people think that mindfulness practices take hours each day and years before noticing results. That’s not true.
Some people take a year or two “off” from their life, go to a temple in a deserted area, and practice with monks. While that might be an interesting and rewarding experience, it’s definitely not needed.
Putting Meditation and Mindfulness into Practice
You can practice at any time of day and wherever you are.
- In a busy and stressful meeting – slow and deepen your breathing while consciously letting your shoulders relax
- Feeling like you’re on the verge of an argument – think to yourself, “Speak only with love and respect for both of ”
- Doubting yourself and afraid of failure or ridicule – make a list of three skills you currently have that will get you through the experience in a positive way
- Feeling out of sorts – Meditate by taking 30 seconds to 20 minutes to pay attention to your breath. Breathe in and out, slowly, deeply, and in as relaxed a manner as possible while focusing only on the in and out of your breath
Add meditation and mindfulness to your day in ways that work for YOU.
As your happiness, ability to handle challenges, and overall sense of well-being increase you might find that you feel like your regular practice is creating more time for you instead of taking it.