How To Better Your Life By Quieting The Noise
In a crazy world, you can quickly change yourself.
We live in a supercharged world. It seems we are on a treadmill of challenge each moment and can easily be in a reaction mode. Rather than slow down, take time and choose healthy responses.
We somehow lost the ability to think and formulate when the world around us expects us to keep moving like a mindless robot.
A false expectation by others is that we lost the right to say no when we feel overloaded. Live in that realm too long, and we become like an old engine lacking oil and water; we get worn down and burned out.
We sometimes need to reclaim ownership in the word “NO”. Here, practice this sentence with me (out loud):
“NO. I am not going to stay on a treadmill of expectation. It’s time to take care of ME, slow down and regroup because I deserve it.”
I realize that many people did not read that out loud. There is a point here: Your subconscious mind that creates beliefs and drives your actions, listens to your words for direction.
We all need time for ourselves to slow down and mentally, emotionally, and physically regroup. If we try to convince ourselves otherwise, stresses build up within us, and our interpersonal relationships can fail.
A healthy way to bring internal calm (aside from a nap) is meditation.
Although, when you are physically stretched and lacking sleep, a catnap might be a healthier choice in the near term.
When you’re on life’s treadmill running, and running, and running, a healthy alternative is a time of stillness. When your mind’s brain cells are busy ramming into one another during the hours of multitasking, a healthy fix is focusing on one thing to give your mind and, ultimately your body a healing rest.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING?
Typically, in mindfulness meditation, people focus on their breath. They are focusing on the slow “in and out” and the feel and temperature of the breath. The benefit of the breath is that you create a sense of calm while setting the world’s noise aside. It’s a helpful practice, and we’ll look at the breath more in a moment.
I’ve used a variety of things for my focus. When outside in my yard, I’ll listen to the songs of the birds. At other times, I’ll notice the slight breeze against my face and skin. I’ve played light meditative music through headphones. On at least one occasion, I listened to my heartbeat with a stethoscope. It initially seemed strange how the beat was foreign with the “thump-thump… thump-thump” sound. Shortly after, it became familiar, and I noticed how it slowed to a calm rhythm.
The key is to focus on one thing, so the thousands of things you deal with every day are set aside.
Depending upon who you talk to, many people will tell you different benefits of meditation. Some will tell you about their calmness and health benefits. Others might describe a higher level of consciousness. Each person is different, and they tend to attain their goals during the practice. Those seeking calm will gain more mental, emotional, and physical benefit. Whereas, those seeking a higher consciousness might find their minds swarming with thought during a session.
THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION
Stress The most known benefit of meditation is stress reduction through the associated breathing patterns. Through the abdominal breath and expanding and contracting your stomach, your diaphragm rises and lowers a small distance. When it moves up and down, it rubs against your Vagus Nerve. Science has shown when the Vagus Nerve is stimulated, it automatically releases anti-stress hormones.
Blood Pressure When the body starts calming and easing stress, the blood pressure draws closer to normal levels. The result of lower blood pressure also reduces hypertension and chances of heart attack or stroke.
Restorative Health While I cannot claim any healing capability, a benefit of meditative breathing exercises increases both oxygen levels and blood flow. Each is a known contributor to physical wound care as oxygen and circulation are necessary for healing.
Resilience The process of mindful meditation calls for focusing on things as they are, then accepting them without judgment. While things may not be as you hope, the non-judgmental practice of moving on strengthens resilience in other areas of your life.
Improved Concentration You improve your concentration skills when pushing the busy thoughts away and focusing on a single point (breath, music, nature), and your ability to concentrate increases.
LAST THOUGHTS
Life can be stressful with so many elements spinning around you. While you might not change your external environment, you can change yourself and strengthen your health and coping skills through meditation.
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⭐️ About Anthony M. Davis
Anthony M. Davis is a Leadership, Success & Stress Coach, Board Certified Therapist, Top-100 International Travel Photographer. As a Coach, he helps people just like you overcome obstacles & reach their goals. His free book, “Keys to Your Success” is available now.
