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It is when we are in authentic communication with ourselves that we can operate with integrity and presence in the world. Sometimes we get exquisite moments where we feel truly connected.  Connected to our self, to others and to the world.  Our tasks seem effortless and the fruits of our labour seem to come with a natural ease.  We can get lost in the moment, so that we lose our sense of time, and experience a sense of flow where we are working at the height of our abilities.

I have spent the last eight days on a yoga retreat in the depths of beautiful Kent countryside. As part of this we meditated every morning for 20 minutes, and this has helped me to re-establish a short daily practice again.  Meditation is a highly effective way to achieve this sense of connection. 

By focusing and supporting the mind, the power of the brain is focused instead of being dissipated by its tendency to get distracted and go ‘off piste’.  At the physical level this increases our ability to concentrate, to make decisions and communicate with ease because we are more focused and present.  At a physiological level, meditation positively alters the electrical activity in the brain. During meditation the brainwaves are predominantly alpha waves, which are the frequency associated with feelings of wellbeing.  Essentially by creating alpha waves in our brain, meditation gives us a feeling of wellbeing that is then mirrored by the body. For example, the heart starts to be entrained into coherence and this is associated with reductions in blood pressure.  (Recent research has shown that meditation achieves a significant reduction of up to 4.7 mm systolic blood pressure and 3.2 mm diastolic blood pressure).

However, many people find that the biggest benefits are on the psychological/emotional level.  Meditation helps us to build resilience and improve our psychological stamina so that we are more effective and authentic more of the time.  It helps us to perform to consistently high standards, even under great pressure.  And, over time, it connects us to our inner teacher which guides us with wisdom in our busy lives. And the results are amazingly quick. You will notice benefits after only a week or two of practising once a day for 10 to 15 mins.

Listen to my 7 minute meditation podcast on counting the breath.  This is so easy to do anywhere, anytime.

For more resources and information on meditation contact me: sue@changeworksblog.com.