Just finished listening to a great interview on Shrink Rap Radio with Psychologist Elisha Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein’s work focuses on the power of mindfulness meditations to help us combat stress, addictions, and other psychological maladies. Did you know that regular meditation can actually change the brain? Dr. Goldstein shared research from Sara Lazar, Ph.D.
Using MRI brain scans, she (Sara Lazar, Ph.D.) found thicker regions of frontal cortex, regions responsible for reasoning and decision making, in those who had a consistent mindfulness practice compared to those who did not. Additionally, she found a thicker insula, considered to be the central switchboard of the brain that helps us coordinate our thoughts and emotions. (for the entire article read here)
But how do we find time to meditate? Dr. Goldstein offered two choices: “formal,” (sitting down for a specific time) and “informal” practices. The latter focuses on noticing the present moment. A person showering would direct their attention away from future thinking (worries or plans about the day ahead) and to the present moment—the feel of the water or soap on their skin. Dr. Goldstein described a busy mother who used this informal method. She practiced being present with her children, slowing down to look them in the eyes and really listen to their responses. She savored their breakfast time together, noticing each element. This slowing down and meeting each moment is a form of meditation that even busy people can integrate into their lives.
Whether at work or at home, taking time to practice formal or informal “mindfulness” will have powerful effects. Research suggests that even 5 minutes of daily meditations can help us be healthier, happier and more productive, creative, and resilient.
Laura Lewis-Barr
Hi,
I was browsing the internet and by chance I came across your recent article on mindful meditation.
I thought of getting in touch, since you and your readers may be interested in “Stillness Buddy”, a software application I’ve launched in early August.
Stillness Buddy helps people to be more mindful of the present, feel calmer and at peace, while working at the computer.
It is ideal for people who are often tense and stressed and those who work for long periods without taking a moment of rest.
Stillness Buddy creates short “moments of stillness” and longer “mindfulness pauses”, spread out during the day. These breaks are designed to be very brief, so that they don’t interfere with work. Users can choose their duration and frequency, to suit their preferences and schedule.
By regularly practising the stillness and mindfulness exercises presented during the breaks, Stillness Buddy quickly and effectively helps to:
* Cultivate a deep sense of peace and stillness in every day life
* Work in a more mindful, alert and stress-free manner
* Be more relaxed, less tense
* Live more and more in the present moment
Stillness Buddy is for those of us who want to be more at peace and aware of the present moment, in the midst of our busy lives. It is suitable for people of all walks of life, regardless of their spiritual practice or religious background.
It has been praised by experts including renowned Taoist teacher Stephen Russell, also known as the Barefoot Doctor: “Stillness Buddy is a wonderful tool that will certainly help you become more conscious and more at peace in the midst of a busy day. Its gentle reminders and exercises are great devices for attaining and maintaining peace of mind in a fast-paced world.”
As well as by BBC2 radio presenter and author Janey Lee Grace: “For someone like me always chasing my tail, this is perfect. It brings back a feeling of centredness, quickly and effectively”.
You can find more about Stillness Buddy and download a 30-day free trial, at https://www.stillnessbuddy.com
If you like the application, would you be able to review it on your blog? In return, I’d be happy to provide you with a free, licensed copy of Stillness Buddy. I would also be glad to arrange a giveaway / competition of one user license for your readers.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Hector
MindFree Ventures (Stillness Buddy)
As a busy mom (I have a daughter and a full time job), I do not have the luxury of time to do daily “formal” meditation exercises. What I would normally do is to practice “informal” meditation exercise. The example above in the shower is one informal meditation practices that I do. This helps me clear all my thoughts and allows me to be with my inner self for a few minutes each day. After each bath, I feel more relaxed and refreshed and always ready to face the busy day ahead.