The research is clear: Those who meditate daily are more productive, less stressed, more focused, and make better decisions. So why aren’t we all taking advantage of this powerful tool? Some version of I’m too busy” is the most common reason I hear from my coaching clients, but underneath that are often other reasons like, “I don’t know how” or “That’s not really my thing.” If any of that sounds like you, I encourage you to read on.
Studies have shown that as little as two minutes per day of “mindfulness meditation” has a statistically measureable impact on emotional well-being and a variety of other measures that we all want. Two minutes. That’s it. Who doesn’t have time for two minutes? Among the other benefits of meditation are an increased sense of peace and calm, an increased ability to resist urges and distractions, a greater ability to align our actions with our desires, an increased ability to listen and be fully present, and an increased ability to properly process the vast amount of information we encounter on a daily basis.
Who wouldn’t want all that?
And it’s not as hard as you think.
Here’s my invitation to you: Commit to two minutes per day for a month. That’s it. One hour total out of the next 30 days. If you do that, I guaranty your life will be different.
Here’s all you have to do: Find a time each day, preferably in the morning, where you can sit quietly without interruption. Sitting in a chair is fine. Just sit straight enough that your breathing is comfortable. Set a timer for two minutes (more if you like). Close your eyes and begin by taking a few deep breaths. Allow your body to relax and your mind to let go of the thoughts that are constantly running for most of us. Focus your mind on the rhythm of your breath. If thoughts arise (and they will), gently release them and bring your attention back to your breath. Keep breathing, releasing thoughts as they arise, bringing your focus back to the rhythm of your breath.
That’s it. It’s just that simple. And that hard. But the return on investment of your two minutes will blow you away!
Let me know how it goes!