The missed practice for health
At Yeu, we're all about sharing and promoting best practices to enhance your quality of life, as well as ways to optimize that quality for as long as possible!
We've mentioned five foundational principles to support this goal:
Rest/sleep
Community/connection
Nutrition/food
Movement/training
Environment/surroundings
I've got one that fits across a few of these areas. Scientifically, it has been proven to reduce age-related grey matter volume in the brain as well as to lengthen our telomeres, the "protective caps” at the end of our chromosomes, which shorten as we age. Quality of life is not just about slowing aging; speaking of quality, this practice also reduces stress, improves memory and attention, aids in better sleep, lowers blood pressure and creates a more regular state of equilibrium, to mention some measurable benefits.
What am I talking about? Mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment.” It is a state of being.
For centuries, mindfulness has been practiced across cultures and faiths (whether through prayer, reflection, or meditation) both in solitude or in community as a way to cultivate clarity, resilience, and inner strength. But modern science is now catching up, proving what many traditions have long understood: intentional stillness can literally change your brain and body.
It is a practice to help bring you into this state of mindfulness and intentional presence. Some people conjure images of a person sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, but you can cultivate a mindful state while walking, lying down, washing dishes or in any part of your normal day.
MY EXPERIENCES
In a few weeks, I'll be headed to a place called "Felsentor,” which in German means stone door, in the mountains near Luzerne, Switzerland. I'm going on a 4-day meditation retreat focused on outdoor work and being with animals from the local sanctuary. It's a silent retreat, so no talking allowed (except for a few 1:1 brief conversations with the teachers)! I have attended retreats at several locations over the years, from Spirit Rock in the San Francisco area, to the Meditation Center Beatenberg above Lake Brienz in Switzerland, to Plum Village in Bordeaux, France. Why do I do this? It is an opportunity to unplug, both literally and metaphorically, from everyday life, to bask in the present and connect with a deep, inner peace.
While these retreats are a great immersion in mindfulness, the real impact comes from the regular practice of meditation. We all have that chattering voice in our head that says things throughout the day, sometimes kind or general words, but many times critical and judging us. That voice is not you, you are the presence that notices the voice. Meditation helps you to build your awareness and become still. Just like learning a new skill or going to the gym, it takes time and practice to strengthen your awareness muscle!
Note: meditation is not about "clearing the mind” or “thinking about nothing” - it is letting go and cultivating a state of presence, being in the moment. Thoughts go by like clouds in the sky, you don't pay attention, and when you do, you just start again; no criticism, no pressure, just ease back into it. With practice, it will get easier and does not require a lot of time to notice the benefits; even 5-10 minutes several times a week can make a difference.
HOW TO START
Guided meditations are a great way to start, where an experienced practitioner helps you to learn about this simple yet profound practice. Curious? It is very easy to give it a go. There are many apps for meditation, and they all have some level of free "beginner” offer and are for both iOS and Android. Most have some level of subscription fee after a free beginner series, with meditations, soundscapes, stories and theme-based series. Try one out!
Secular meditation apps:
Calm - as its name suggests, focuses on a sense of calm and better sleep with meditations, stories and soundscapes
Happier - good selection for beginners
Headspace - extensive library
Insight Timer - giant library of free meditations
The Way - what I'm currently using, it offers only a single path, no choices on content
Faith-based prayer and meditation apps:
Hallow – A faith-based Christian app integrating prayer and meditation
Noor - Islam-inspired guided meditation app
Shalom Space - Prayer and meditation app following the Jewish faith
Other faith-based apps, have a look here
Whether you approach mindfulness from a scientific, spiritual, or religious perspective, the goal is the same: more clarity, less stress, and a healthier, stronger you for years to come.
Seize the years,
Brian Kling | Community and Customer Marketing, Yeu
